SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today passed regulations requiring modernization of the vapor recovery systems at the state's gas stations and other gasoline pumping facilities.

        The regulations require a series of changes to the systems that capture smog-forming vapors from gasoline tanks and pumps.  The changes will be phased in from 2001 through 2008.

       "The result will be a state-wide reduction of 25 tons-per-day (TPD) in smog-forming emissions by 2010, which includes a 10 TPD reduction in the Los Angeles area," said ARB Chairman Dr. Alan Lloyd.  This is the equivalent of removing almost 2 million automobiles from California roads.

       The regulations cover approximately 11,000 California facilities including full-service and self-service gas stations, mini-marts, utilities and other public agencies with gas pumps, and private companies that have their own gas pumps.

        The phase-in calls for updating current gasoline dispensing systems by utilizing new and emerging technologies to make vapor recovery more reliable and effective. The new requirements include:
 

• Making gas pump vapor recovery systems more compatible with 1998 and newer cars that have on-board carbon canisters to capture vapors;
• Reduced vapor leaks from underground gasoline storage tanks;
• Reduced evaporation from hoses and nozzles as they are hanging on  pumps between use;
• Redesigned nozzles to reduce gasoline drips;
• Computerized in-station diagnostics systems to alert gas station personnel when vapor recovery equipment malfunctions.

       The regulations also change the certification process to improve the long-term reliability of vapor recovery equipment.

       An ARB review is scheduled for 2002 to assure technology is advancing to enable implementation of the regulations calling for leak-proof nozzles.  The Board also requested staff  pay special attention to any potential impact the rule may have on small, independent service stations.