ARAQMD Gas Dispensing Facilities

PEI Recommended Practices
EPA Guidance
- Per page 143 of the EPA Guidance, we are required to receive notification of any changes or modification within a specific time frame.

Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (GDF)

A public or private facility where the transferring of gasoline into vehicle fuel tanks occurs. Through this process gasoline vapors are released through the input of gasoline from one tank to another, be it underground storage or an automobiles fuel tank. These fumes contribute to the creation of ozone and many fuel dispensing facilities are required to have equipment to prevent its release. These facilities vapor control equipment are inspected and tested by the Ohio EPA and local air agencies (i.e. ARAQMD).

Types of Vapor Controls

Stage I (Tank Filling)

Preventative measure to reduce vapor emissions when underground storage tanks are filled. These emission controls allow for fumes in the storage tank to be redirected back to the dispensing fuel tank that delivered the resource. To even further reduce vapor creation, a “drop pipe” (submerged fill pipe) is utilized that is a tube installed to within 6 inches of the tanks bottom to prevent splashing thus minimize vapor creation.

Stage II (Vehicle Fueling)

Preventative measure to minimize gasoline vapor when filling a vehicle fuel tank. This emission control captures vapor at the fill neck of the vehicle and reroutes the vapors back to the underground storage tank.

Necessary Certifications

In Ohio, if a GDF is required to have a stage II vapor control it must be CARB-certified. This certification indicates that the vapor control system and its components have been evaluated by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). General information about CARB certification and control components is available through your Stage II equipment manufacturer, local air agency of the Ohio EPA, or CARB website.

What counties are Stage I & II controls required in Ohio

Both: Loraine, Medina, Summit, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Portage, Ashtabula, Miami, Clark, Montgomery, Greene, Butler, Warren, Hamilton, Clermont

Stage I only: Lucas, Wood, Delaware, Franklin, Licking, Stark, Trumbull, Mahoning, Stark

Does my GDF need an air pollution permit (PTIO) or permit-by-rule (PBR)

If your GDF resides within one of the previously mentioned 24 counties (above)

If your GDF resides outside of the above mentioned and does not have Stage I vapor controls

A permit is not required if your maximum annual gasoline throughput of your GDF does not exceed 6,000 gallons.

*The permit-to-install and operate (PTIO) or a permit-by-rule (PBR) registration is necessary before installing a gas station or before replacing tanks or vapor control equipment.

A PTIO explains the installation and operating requirements in accordance to your GDF. The process of permit attainment can take up to two months but once obtained lasts 10 years, is renewable, and transferrable to a new owner.
PBR’s may only be acquired if your GDF’s meet specific design and annual gasoline throughput levels. This permit requires the submittance of a two page notification form, with your signature, assuring that your GDF meets and will follow operating requirements under the PBR.

The PTIO or PBR states requirements of installation, operation, and maintenance of control equipment i.e. record keeping, contact local air agency prior to Stage II testing,…

Stage II testing is completed by an independent testing company that will be overseen by an Ohio EPA local air agency staff member. The local air agency must be notified 30 days prior to the testing.

*Fees are associated with each permit. A PTIO has an initial fee for installation of $100 ($200 if installation completed before permits acquired). Biennial emission fees between $100 and $200 per year depending on emissions. A PBR registration is accompanied by no state installation or emission charges but fees may be required by your local air agency.

Exemptions

Through the utilization of Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3745 Chapter 31 Section 03 (A)(4): Permit by rule exemptions.

When assessing if your Stage I controls qualify your GDF for a permit-by-rule (PBR) refer to OAC 3745-31-03 (A)(4)(h). This paragraph states required qualifications, applicable emission limitations and/or control requirements, operational restrictions, monitoring and/or recordkeeping requirements, PBR specific reporting requirements, PBR specific reporting requirements, testing requirements, and miscellaneous requirements. GDFs within Summit, Portage, and Medina counties are not exempt in this instance.

When assessing if your Stage I & II controls qualify your GDF for a permit-by-rule (PBR) refer to OAC 3745-31-03 (A)(4)(i). This paragraph states required qualifications, applicable emission limitations and/or control requirements, operational restrictions, monitoring and/or recordkeeping requirements, PBR specific reporting requirements, PBR specific reporting requirements, testing requirements, and miscellaneous requirements. GDFs within Summit, Portage, and Medina counties may be exempt in this instance.

Testing an underground storage tank

Before installation or removal of an underground storage tank it is first necessary to register with the Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulation (BUSTR) within the State Fire Marshal’s Office. BUSTER requirements are in addition to EPA Stage I & II systems. BUSTER requires periodic tests of underground storage units to ensure no soil or water contamination. BUSTER may be contacted or provide further materials through their web site www.com.ohio.gov/fire/bustmain.aspx or office (614) 752-8200

Resources

Stage I and II Guidelines

Gasoline Dispensing Facilities: Know Your EPA Regulations

Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, Hydrocarbon Air Quality Standards, and Related Emission Requirements

Control of emissions of volatile organic compounds from stationary sources and perchloroethylene from dry cleaning facilities

Attainment date and compliance time schedule

Engineering Guide 12: Questions regarding BAT and the inspection and witnessing of tests for GDF

Ohio EPA Answer Place

Ohio EPA Permit Wizard

Ohio EPA Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention

Illegal open burning