Gasoline Dispensing Facility Emissions

Proposed rule

Rulemaking contact: Dan DeFehr, 503-875-5520

DEQ is conducting a rulemaking about vapor control requirements for gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs). Air pollutant emissions from GDFs include volatile organic compounds, which can contribute to ozone – or smog – formation, and toxic air contaminants such as benzene. Ground level ozone is a respiratory irritant and can exacerbate conditions such as asthma. GDFs use vapor control devices at two stages of the gasoline dispensing train to capture such emissions. Stage I gasoline vapor recovery systems (VRS) capture vapors expelled from underground storage tanks at gas stations when being refilled by tank trucks. Stage II VRS capture gasoline vapors that would otherwise be vented during individual vehicle refueling at gas stations. Enhanced Vapor Recovery (EVR) systems further capture gasoline vapor emissions at GDFs with dispensing nozzles that spill less and dispensing hoses that are less permeable.

DEQ is proposing review GDF VRS requirements to determine what, if any, modifications to the GDF rules should be made to reduce emissions of compounds that lead to ground level ozone formation. This will include analysis of EVR systems and the emissions reductions that could be achieve if these controls were required at GDFs in Oregon. This rulemaking will also examine toxics reductions from GDFs in Oregon.