April 11 2008 (Mark Morgan PMAA) -- NEW FEDERAL VAPOR EMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR GASOLINE DISPENSING FACILITIES, BULK PLANTS AND LOADING RACKS BACKGROUND: The U.S. EPA issued a final rulemaking in January that requires installation of Stage I vapor balancing equipment at gasoline dispensing facilities with certain throughput thresholds for gasoline. The rule also requires vapor control methods for bulk plants and loading racks. The final rule can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/area/arearules.html Scroll down to Rules/Notices, Download January 10, 2008 PDF document. This Compliance Bulletin covers bulk plants and loading racks with daily gasoline throughput of 20,000 gallons or less and all gasoline stations. This Stage I rule does not apply to tanks under 250 gallons capacity. If your daily throughput of gasoline at bulk plant and loading rack is greater than 20,000 gallons please refer to the final rule at the link above for further compliance information. Petroleum Marketers are strongly urged to contact a Stage I vendor or professional engineer to assist in the implementation of the technical requirements of this rule. Petroleum marketers whose facilities were built after November 9, 2006 and which meet gasoline throughput thresholds should focus on immediate compliance. Petroleum marketers whose facilities were built on or before November 9, 2006 and which meet gasoline throughput thresholds should focus on submitting either the Initial Notification form or Notification of Compliance Status form by 5/09/08. In most cases, compliance with the technical aspects of the Stage 1 rule for these facilities are not required until January 10, 2011. COMPLIANCE DATES: Gasoline stations, bulk plants and loading racks commencing construction after November 9, 2006 must meet the new vapor emission requirements at start-up or by January 10, 2008, whichever is later. Gasoline stations, bulk plants and loading racks existing on or before November 9, 2006 must comply with the new vapor balancing requirements by January 10, 2011. Submission of Initial Notification forms for applicable gasoline stations, bulk plants and loading racks must be submitted to state and federal regulatory authorities by 05/09/08.

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