Gasoline Dispensing Facility
GDF Information
A gasoline dispensing facility (GDF) is a private or public facility where gasoline is dispensed into vehicle fuel tanks. Gasoline vapors are released from a GDF when gasoline storage tanks are filled and when gasoline is dispensed into vehicle fuel tanks. Because gasoline vapors contribute to ozone pollution.
The District requires owners of GDFs to have equipment to capture these vapors to prevent them from being released to the atmosphere. State and Local air agencies inspect and test the vapor control equipment at GDFs to help keep the air clean.
The two main types of vapor control equipment at GDFs are known as Phase I and Phase II vapor controls.
Phase I emission controls
Phase I emission controls reduce the amount of gasoline vapors released when storage tanks are filled. This equipment uses a combination of pipes and hoses to collect displaced gasoline vapors from the tank and route them back into the delivery truck.
A submerged fill pipe, or "drop tube," consisting of a tube installed to within 6 inches of the bottom of the tank, significantly reduces splashing and vapor generation as the tank is filled.
Phase II emission controls
Phase II emission controls reduce gasoline vapors when gasoline is dispensed into vehicle fuel tanks. This equipment captures displaced vapors at the vehicle fill neck and routes them back to the underground storage tank.
What is an Aboveground Gasoline Storage Tank or AST?
Answer: An AST is a gasoline storage tank that is intended for fixed installations, without backfill, that is located above or below grade. ASTs are commonly classified as either "single-wall" or "protected". Single-wall ASTs are constructed with a primary (single) wall typically made of steel. Protected ASTs are constructed with a primary (inner) tank encased by a secondary (outer) tank, with a layer of insulating material (at least three inches thick) between the primary and secondary walls. The insulating material is usually lightweight concrete or a similar material.
Are gasoline dispensing facilities equipped with ASTs located in "attainment areas" for the Federal standard for ozone exempted from SLC requirements?
Answer: Yes, existing ASTs in Federal ozone attainment areas are not required to comply with SLC (Standing Loss Control), but these ASTs must keep their pre-EVR Phase I and Phase II equipment. Any new AST installed after April 1, 2009, regardless of whether it is in an attainment area or not, must comply with SLC requirements.
Who is subject to Phase II EVR?
Answer: No new or existing ASTs are subject to Phase II EVR as of April 1, 2014. Phase II EVR requirements will apply once a Phase II system is certified for ASTs. Existing ASTs subject to Phase II EVR will have four years from the effective date to comply. The effective date is the date when the first Phase II EVR system for ASTs is certified. A Phase II EVR system is expected to be certified sometime in 2014.
Executive Orders for GDF
Vapor recovery Executive Orders for Above and Underground Storage Tanks can be found Here..
Where can I get more help?
Contact MCAQMD for questions and notifications concerning the testing of vapor recovery equipment, permitting issues, CARB requirements, or other issues. Call our District phone line at 1-707-463-4354.
ARB has more information on GDF (Gas Dispensing Facilities)Here.
Please contact the District with any questions.