What's New List Serve Post Display

Vapor from gas stations causes ozone, the major constituent of
smog. 

Release 09-20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2009
	  	  	
Dimitri Stanich
916-322-2825
www.arb.ca.gov

April 1st Deadline for Gas Station Upgrades

Vapor recovery improvements will protect public health

Media outlets interested in infrared video dramatically showing
uncontrolled emissions should contact ARB public information
office for copies.

SACRAMENTO - Today, the Air Resources Board (ARB) is reminding
owners of California's approximate 11,000 gas stations to avoid
penalties by making sure their dispensing systems meet state
emission standards by April 1.

The required improved nozzles and vapor processors will
eliminate the daily release of up to ten tons of smog-forming
compounds from spillage and fugitive emissions.

"These more efficient dispensers reduce smog forming emissions
and protect the environment," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols,
"all for less than a penny per gallon."

The requirements will be enforced by personnel from ARB and the
35 air districts throughout the state and apply to
gasoline-dispensing facilities in regions that fail to meet
federal ozone standards - including the Los Angeles basin, Bay
Area, San Joaquin Valley, greater Sacramento region and San
Diego.

Officials expect that some businesses may miss the compliance
date and are encouraging them to contact local air district
representatives as soon as possible to work on a plan for
compliance and avoid closure. If they can show a good faith
effort in reaching compliance they may avoid fines. Those who
will be fined are those who have shown blatant disregard for the
law and may result in substantial penalties ranging from several
hundred dollars to forced closure.

Gasoline vapors are primarily made of hydrocarbons, which react
with other air pollutants to form ozone. The main constituent of
smog, ozone can lead to asthmatic and other respiratory health
problems. The new systems will also reduce consumer exposures to
benzene, a constituent of gasoline and known carcinogen.

California's ARB manages the emissions from the state's gasoline
distribution system, including storage and transfer operations.
ARB has required vapor recovery systems in California for over 30
years. Before the implementation of the current regulations
adopted in 2001, vapor controls eliminated 347 tons of
hydrocarbon emissions daily. When fully implemented the enhanced
vapor recovery regulations will reduce emissions by an additional
25 tons/day statewide.

ARB experts estimate that the retrofits will cost roughly
$11,000 per pump. Statewide about 70 percent of gas station
owners have already obtained needed permits from their local air
districts for the required upgrade.

Facility operators should contact their local air district for
specific requirements before modifying facilities. Information to
assist station owners is also available at www.evrhome.org.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and
protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through
effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and
considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air
pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain
health based air quality standards.

#####