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Requirements
for Responding to In-Station Diagnostics (ISD) System Alarms
Gasoline
Dispensing Operations Required to meet September 1, 2010 Deadline for
In-Station Diagnostic (ISD) Requirements
(Advisory No. 01-10)
Since 2001, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) has adopted a number of significant enhancements to gasoline
dispensing facilities' (GDFs') vapor recovery systems. These efforts
are necessary to ensure the continued effective operation of the vapor
recovery systems during the transfer and dispensing of gasoline at these
facilities.
As the regional air pollution control agency responsible for
permitting and enforcement activities related to GDFs, the South
Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has prepared a number
of Compliance Advisories to provide guidance to GDFs attempting to
comply with these new requirements. Regulatory requirements you
should be aware of include:
Enhanced Vapor Recovery (EVR)
Vapor recovery systems collect gasoline vapors that would otherwise
escape into the atmosphere during fuel delivery to the underground
storage tanks (Phase I) or fuel storage and vehicle fueling (Phase
II). The Enhanced Vapor Recovery (EVR) regulations became
state law on April 1, 2001. These regulations provide more stringent
requirements for vapor recovery systems in order to reduce gasoline
vapor emissions. The EVR program is being phased-in according to the
CARB
EVR timeline.
Vapor Recovery System Upgrades
 Phase
I refers to the transfer of gasoline into fuel storage tanks. As of April 1,
2005, all GDFs were required to be equipped with Phase I vapor recovery
systems on their underground tanks to meet enhanced vapor recovery (EVR)
standards. As of this date, all existing non-EVR Phase I systems were
decertified for use by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and any
GDF operating without the upgraded EVR system is in non-compliance with
State regulations and AQMD
Rule 461 requirements. For information about all current and upcoming
EVR regulations, refer to CARB's
EVR Implementation Update.
 Phase
II vapor recovery systems control emissions associated with vehicle
fueling and the storage of fuel at a GDF. Phase II EVR systems are
certified to several new standards, including ORVR compatibility,
more stringent spillage and “dripless nozzle” requirements,
In-station diagnostics and storage tank pressure limits. GDFs with
underground storage tanks must upgrade to Phase II EVR by April 1,
2009.
In-station
diagnostics (ISD) detects potential failures automatically, notifies
the station operator, and is designed to reduce emissions by early
detection and prompt repair. ISD must be installed in GDFs with an
annual throughput of more than 1.8 million gallons by September 1,
2009. The deadline for GDFs with annual throughputs of 600,000- 1.8
million gallons, to install ISD is September 2010. ISD monitors the
performance of the vapor recovery systems and triggers warnings for
alarms to indicate potential failures. If corrective action is not
taken, ISD may eventually shut down fuel dispensing.
Other Related Issues
AQMD will assess a fee of $320.65 to any contractor that schedules a
Reverification/Performance test or a Pre-Backfill inspection and
does not conduct the planned event at the specified date and time.
In order to install vapor recovery system and components, contractors
must obtain certification from
equipment manufacturers
and
the International
Code Council (ICC)
Testers must complete the testing orientation
Training Class from
SCAQMD, and obtain a tester number from the District. ICC
certification will be required of all testers within six months
after exam becomes available.
All performance and reverification testing can only be conducted
Monday through Friday during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Testing may be conducted during weekend hours subject to SCAQMD
approval. However, SCAQMD may require retesting at these
stations during regular SCAQMD business hours.
For
questions about these new requirements call AQMD at 1.866.770.9140.
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