EPA Proposes New Air Toxics Standards for Gasoline Distribution

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new air toxics standards that would reduce the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in gasoline vapors from smaller emitting gasoline distribution sources (“area sources”) including bulk terminals, bulk plants, pipeline facilities, and gasoline dispensing facilities (such as service stations, convenience stores, rental and fleet gasoline tanks).

The proposed standards will annually eliminate the emissions of 45,000-46,000 tons of VOCs in gasoline vapors. That reduction includes 3,300-3,400 tons of hazardous air pollutants, which includes 120-125 tons of benzene. This represents about a 9-10 percent reduction of emissions from this source category.

Area sources are those that have the potential to emit less than 10 tons per year of a single toxic air pollutant or less than 25 tons per year of any combination of toxic air pollutants. If sources emit more than these amounts, they are called “major” sources. In 1994, EPA issued final rules for the larger major source bulk terminals and pipeline facilities.

EPA is proposing two alternatives. The first alternative proposes controls only on the bulk gasoline distribution facilities (terminals and bulk plants, and pipeline facilities). The second alternative proposes controls at the gasoline service stations in urban areas as well as area source bulk gasoline distribution facilities nationwide.

Controls on gasoline distribution facilities would require:

• Best seals on storage tanks at terminals and pipeline facilities;

• Use of submerged fill pipes when loading storage tanks at bulk plants;

• Vapor processors to control tank truck loadings at bulk terminals;

• Use of submerged fill pipes to control tank truck loading emissions at bulk plants;

• Leak testing of tank trucks and railcars; and

• Checking for leaks and using good housekeeping procedures to prevent evaporation of gasoline.

The second alternative would require use of submerged fill pipes when loading storage tanks at service stations.

EPA is taking public comment on the proposed rules for 60 days. The agency is also requesting comment on the need for additional controls, called vapor balancing, at gasoline service stations in more populated urban areas.

The proposed standards would cost $60-65 million to implement at mostly large bulk facilities. There would be an annual benefit of about $6 million for either of the proposed alternatives, based on the value of the recovered gasoline and gasoline not allowed to evaporate.

Resources:

• Proposed Air Toxics Rule fact sheet

Comments

[allen_Z]

Burn it in a ICE/turbine generator, or flare it. Either is better vs emitting VOC's. Part of it is due to the addition of ethanol to gasoline. It raises the vapor pressure, and its effect is pronounced during hot weather.

[lensovet]

Mike, what is the timeline for this? assuming after 60 days they go ahead with implementing this, when do the controls go into full force?

[allen_Z]

They will have a 60 day hearing/comment period, and have a decision by Dec. 2007.

[dsl987]

I am trying to figure out what the heck they mean by a "submerged fill pipe" and how it would reduce vapor emissions.

[allen_Z]

dsl1987,
It is the positioning of discharge pipe that ensures the pipe is submerged, even with low fuel levels in the storage tank. This is to ensure:
a) the vapors in the tank do not excape via discharge pipe
b) oxygen does not enter the tank and increase the probability of explosion.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/DRDB/SJU/CURHTML/R4621.HTM
http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/bulletin/2006/20061001/29005.htm