DEQ proposes rule changes regarding Gasoline Dispensing Facility Emissions

DEQ is conducting a rulemaking about vapor control requirements for gasoline dispensing facilities. Air pollutant emissions from gasoline dispensing facilities 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. Gasoline dispensing facilities use vapor control devices at two stages of the gasoline dispensing train to capture such emissions. Stage I gasoline vapor recovery systems capture vapors expelled from underground storage tanks at gas stations when being refilled by tank trucks. Stage II vapor recovery systems capture gasoline vapors that would otherwise be vented during individual vehicle refueling at gas stations. Enhanced Vapor Recovery systems further capture gasoline vapor emissions at gasoline dispensing facilities with dispensing nozzles that spill less and dispensing hoses that are less permeable.

DEQ is proposing to review gasoline dispensing facility vapor recovery system requirements to determine what, if any, modifications to the rules should be made to reduce emissions of compounds that lead to ground-level ozone formation. This will include an analysis of Enhanced Vapor Recovery systems and the emissions reductions that could be achieved if these controls were required at gasoline dispensing facilities in Oregon. This rulemaking will also examine toxics reductions from these facilities in Oregon.