Ohio EPA Encourages Gas Station Compliance with Vapor Controls
With a deadline to meet the national air quality standard for ozone looming and a new, tighter ozone standard on the horizon, Ohio EPA needs to ensure that pollution sources are fully complying with existing air pollution control requirements. Gasoline fueling stations can be significant contributors to ozone formation, so the Agency is taking a closer look at how gas stations are maintaining their vapor control equipment.
Gas stations in northeast and southwest Ohio were required to install vapor recovery systems in 1993. Stage II vapor recovery systems, when working properly, catch 95 percent of the vapors given off while fueling a vehicle.
To ensure Stage II systems work properly, each gas station must have its equipment tested annually. Station owners are required to notify their Ohio EPA district office or local air agency before testing is conducted so an Agency representative can observe the annual test. Gas station owners also are required to regularly inspect the nozzles, hoses and tank vents to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly.
Ohio EPA estimates that properly functioning Stage II systems eliminate 9,200 tons of pollution annually in the 16 counties where it is required, including Ashtabula, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Greene, Hamilton, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Miami, Montgomery, Portage, Summit and Warren.
"It's very important that gas stations properly maintain their vapor control systems because they play a vital role in helping Ohio achieve its goals for cleaner air," said Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski. "Individual gas station owners need to take more responsibility in properly maintaining their systems. Ohio EPA recognizes the challenges faced by small station owners and will provide assistance and resources to help them achieve compliance."
Ohio EPA also will be paying closer attention to stations that fail to conduct the required tests or properly operate and maintain the Stage II equipment. Recently the Agency issued proposed orders to one company for its failure to maintain its Stage II vapor controls at two gas stations in Northeast Ohio.
Source: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
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