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Vapor recovery is designed to capture the saturated gasoline vapors that would otherwise escape into the environment and pollute the air.
Are you impacted?
YES, if you are a gasoline dispensing site located within Area A that pumps at least 10,000 gallons of gasoline per month. (Vapor recovery requirements do not apply to gas stations owned and operated by tribal members on Native American reservations.) If you pump less then 10,000 gallons per month, you must file a monthly Throughput Report by the 15th day of the following month. See or print a "Gasoline Throughput Worksheet" .
At the CARB website, you can read some of the most frequently asked questions they receive about vapor recovery. (Note: Arizona follows most of the same testing procedures as California as they existed in 1996.)
New Testing Procedures
Pre-testing can be done up to one hour prior to the scheduled test time. This reduces the possibility of the site failing. There will be no repairs or adjustments after the scheduled test time - no exceptions.
Stations can also elect to use an alternative pressure decay test - TP-96-1. If the station chooses the new procedure, the Department will conduct a 10" wci test. Stations must sign an election form provided by your testing contractor if you choose TP-96-1. Note: Maximum time for a 10" wci test is 15 minutes.
The following procedures are used for Stage II tests:
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Pressure Decay/Leak Test Procedure, Phase I and Phase II Vapor Recovery Installations.
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1991
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Determination of Flow Versus Pressure for Equipment in Phase II Vapory Recovery Systems of Dispensing Facilities. (CARB)
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04/12/1996
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Determination of Spillage of Phase II Vapor Recovery Systems of Dispensing Facilities. (CARB)
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04/12/1996
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Determination of Dynamic Pressure Performance of Vapor Recovery Systems of Dispensing Facilities. (CARB)
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04/12/1996
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Determination (by Volume Meter) of Air to Liquid Volume Ratio of Vapor Recovery Systems of Dispensing Facilities. (CARB)
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04/12/1996
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Determination of Liquid Removal of Phase II Vapor Recovery Systems of Dispensing Facilities. (CARB)
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04/12/1996
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San Diego County Static Pressure Leak Test Procedure.
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03/01/1996
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Technical Guidance, Appendix J.5
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11/1991
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Initial Installation or Major Modification of Vapor Recovery Systems
An application must be submitted prior to construction to obtain an Authority to Construct (ATC) along with a $500 fee. An inspection of the site prior to burial, at start up and annually thereafter is also required. Inspections must be scheduled with the Department. There is no fee for the inspection.
Daily Inspections and Logs
Daily inspections of the system by station personnel are required. Logs of all daily inspections, training and maintenance/repairs must be maintained and available on site for one year for inspection by Department personnel. Sample logs are available on line form. Licensees can be assessed up to $5000/month for not properly performing required inspections or properly maintaining required logs.
Maintenance Log
Maintenance log is to be used when vapor recovery systems or components are repair or replaced. These logs are to ensure that once a vapor recovery repair or replacement is made that the equipment is operating as designed. These logs should be maintained on site and will need to be available to the State inspector upon request and at the time the annual test is conducted.
Annual Test
The annual test is conducted by an independent contractor, paid by the retailer. There is no fee to the Department for the test. Tests must be scheduled in advance with the Department. A Department field officer may witness the test. These tests may include: Pressure Decay, Air to Liquid Ratio (A/L), Liquid Blockage, Communication and Back Pressure. The Department is now requiring that the annual test be scheduled within the annual month set by the Department.
Compliance Inspections
In addition to the annual inspection, the Department may conduct an unannounced compliance inspection at least once a year. Compliance inspections determine if: all vapor components are certified and defect free; operation instructions and the Department phone number are placed in view on all dispensers; all logs are properly maintained and available; and spill containment buckets are cleaned and functioning properly. Retailers can elect to join the Department voluntary compliance program which requires self checking and reporting to the Department. Call for further details (602) 255-5211.
Fuel Deliveries
Product transfer documents relating to each of the last 3 deliveries must be available for inspection during normal business hours.
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