Gasoline Distribution Bulk Terminals, Bulk Plants, and Pipeline Facilities; and Gasoline Dispensing Facilities Rule

(Gasoline Distribution Area Source Rule)

Maine DEP's Chapter 118

Maine DEP has revised Chapter 118, "Gasoline Dispensing Facilities Vapor Control," (06-096 CMR 118) to include the repeal of the Stage II requirement as of January 1, 2012 and the addition of the requirements to coincide with EPA's NESHAP for gasoline dispensing facilities.

Highlights of changes to Chapter 118 include:

  • Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (GDF) with a throughput less than 10,000 gallons per month: Chapter 118 amendments DO NOT affect your facility; however, you will continue to be subject to all existing requirements in the rule as applicable to your facility.
  • GDF with a throughput of 100,000 gallons per month or greater: Effective January 10, 2011, these affected facilities must install pressure/vacuum vent valves according to federal requirements in 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart CCCCCC – National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Source Category: Gasoline Dispensing Facilities.  These affected facilities must also perform a pressure decay test initially and at least every three years thereafter.
  • GDF that have a Stage II vapor recovery system: Stage II will no longer be required after January 1, 2012 and those GDF using this system will have until January 1, 2013 to discontinue its use.  There are specific steps that must be followed when discontinuing the use of a Stage II system to ensure all piping is properly capped and tested for vapor tightness, as detailed in Appendix A of Chapter 118.
  • GDF at marinas and airports: GDF located at marinas and airports are subject to Chapter 118; however, the requirements of this Chapter do not apply to aviation gasoline.

Overview of Gasoline Distribution Area Source Rule

In January 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an area source National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for source categories: Gasoline Distribution Bulk Terminals, Bulk Plants, and Pipeline Facilities; and Gasoline Dispensing Facilities. This regulation has provisions to reduce emissions from all gas stations.

Operational, Maintenance and Reporting Requirements for Gas Stations

This is a summary table. Compliance can only be determined with actual rule text in 40 CFR 63, subpart CCCCCC, Table 1.

Monthly
Throughput 		Operational and Maintenance Requirements
(Must be in compliance by 1/10/2011 for existing GDF, and upon startup2 for new GDF)		 Reporting

less than 10,000 gallons

1. Minimize spills.
2. Clean up spills expeditiously.
3. Cover gasoline containers & storage tank fill pipes with gasketed seal.
4. Minimize gasoline sent to open collection systems.

None, however must be able to demonstrate, within 24 hours of request, throughput is below 10,000 gallons per month.


10,000 - 100,000 gallons

All of the requirements above plus:
5. For storage tanks ≥ 250 gallons capacity, load storage tank using submerged fill with discharge that is no more than the following from the bottom of tank:
a) 12 inches for pipes installed on or before 11/9/2006
b) 6 inches for pipes installed after 11/9/2006.

Initial and Notice of
Compliance status.
Tank throughput range size tank is not required because Maine has an enforceable submerged
rule in place.

100,000 gallons or more

All of requirements above plus:
6. Operate vapor balance system during storage tank loadings using the following
management practices.
a) Equip connections & lines with seal closures
b) Vapor tight line from storage tank to cargo tank
c) Cargo Tank pressure remains below specified settings
d) Designed to prevent over tight/loose fittings
e) Gauge well provided with submerged drop tube extending specified distance (see item 5) from tank bottom
f) Use vapor tight caps for liquid fill connections
g) Install pressure/vacuum vent valves on tank vent pipes at specified setting, and test initially and every 3 years
h) Vapor balance system must meet static pressure test initially and every 3 years
i) Dual-point (no coaxial) vapor balance systems for new GDF or tanks, and reconstructed GDF.

1. Initial notification by 5/9/08 for existing GDF, and within 15 days for new or reconstructed GDF.
2. Compliance status by 1/10/11.
3. Keep records, reports, and tests as specified in enforceable conditions.
4. Keep record of initial and every three year pressure tests.
5.Test notification 60 days before test. Notice of compliance status and performance test results due 60 days after the test is completed.

Testing Procedures

The federal gas station regulation requires gas stations with throughputs greater than 100,000 gallons/month to test leak rate and cracking pressure, and static pressure performance. This testing needed to be conducted within 180 days of the NESHAP compliance date of January 10, 2011 and every three years thereafter. Valid testing procedures are:

  • Leak rate and cracking pressure test procedures: California Air Resources Board Vapor Recovery Test Procedures TP – 201.1E – Leak Rate and Cracking pressure of Pressure of Pressure/Vacuum Vent Valves adopted October 8, 2003
  • Static Pressure performance: California Air Resources Board Vapor Recovery Test Procedure TP – 201.3 – Determination of 2-inch WC Static Pressure Performance of Vapor Recovery System of Dispensing Facilities adopted April 12, 1996 and amended March 17, 1999.

Notification of performance testing for gasoline dispensing facilities (PDF)

NOTE: Maine DEP must be notified at least 5 days prior to testing and EPA must be notified 60 days prior to testing.  Contact your regional office Bureau of Air Quality Inspector prior to the test.

Initial Notification/Notification of Compliance Status Report for Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (DOC)

Notice of Compliance Status and test results should be submitted to Maine DEP regional offices and EPA at:

U.S. EPA New England
5 Post Office Square
Suite 100 (OES04-2)
Boston, MA 02109-3912
Attn: Air Clerk

EPA requirements for Bulk Terminals, Bulk Plants and Pipeline Facilities

On January 10, 2008 EPA published the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for source categories: Gasoline Distribution Bulk Terminals, Bulk Plants, and Pipeline Facilities. Since the Maine regulations for gasoline bulk plants (see Chapter 118) include requirements for submerged fill, facilities in compliance with these requirements are not required to submit an initial notification or a notification of compliance status. Other subject facilities must submit their Notice of Compliance status by the compliance date or 60 days after completion of performance testing.

Maine Regulations for Gasoline Distribution and Other Resouces