Gasoline is a valuable commodity. Gasoline vapors lead to the formation of ground level ozone, an air pollutant that triggers a variety of health problems including aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. Vapor recovery captures an amount of vapor equivalent to 10-15 gallons of gasoline each time a tanker truck unloads⁽¹⁾. During a year, that amounts to 5 million gallons of gasoline that potentially could be recovered in Michigan, or in other words, 37.5 million pounds (18,750 tons) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) not emitted into the air⁽²⁾.

PUBLICATIONS

Gasoline Station Owners & Tanker Truck Drivers: What You Should Know About Vapor Recovery  - 2nd Edition (coming soon)
This fact sheet is designed to help gasoline station owners and tanker truck drivers understand both the Michigan and new federal Stage I vapor balance requirements that reduce emissions during the loading of gasoline storage tanks. With everyone doing their part, the gasoline service industry can make a significant improvement in the air quality of our urban areas. Questions regarding the content of the publication may be directed to Anita Singh, Michigan Environmental Assistance Program at (517) 335-2356 or singha3@michigan.gov .

Initial Notification and Notification of Compliance Status Form and Instructions (coming soon)

Performance Testing Notification Form and Instructions (coming soon) 

MICHIGAN VAPOR BALANCE RULES

• R 336.1606  Loading gasoline into existing stationary vessels of more than 2,000-gallon capacity at dispensing facilities handling 250,000 or more gallons per year
• R 336.1627  Delivery vessels; vapor collection systems
• R 336.1703  Loading gasoline into new stationary vessels of more than 2,000-gallon capacity at dispensing facilities

Maps of Areas Subject to Michigan Stage I Vapor Balance

• Detroit Area Counties (7 Southeast Michigan counties)
• Eaton County
• Clinton County
• Genesee County
• Ingham County
• Kent County
• Ottawa County

Motor Fuels Quality Act, Public Act No. 104, April 6, 2006

Tanker Truck Pressure/Vacuum Testing

AQD - Gasoline Tank Truck Test (Rule 627 Program)

US EPA Method 27 - Vapor Tightness of Gasoline Tank-Pressure Vacuum

Pressure/Vacuum Test Form

FEDERAL VAPOR BALANCE STANDARD

On January 10, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a standard that requires gasoline stations to minimize the release of gasoline vapors during the filling of tanks.  The federal standard, referred to as the National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), Subpart CCCCCC is far more encompassing than the existing Michigan rules.

Stage I Vapor Balance Related Equipment

Related Links

• MDEQ - Storage Tanks
• Michigan Department of Agriculture - motor fuels quality

⁽²⁾ Based on data from Michigan Department of Treasury, Motor Fuel Division - approximately five billion gallons of gasoline each year is delivered to Michigan gasoline stations, an average load of gasoline is 10,000 gallons, and vapor recovery is responsible for recovering 10 gallons of gasoline vapor per load.

For More Information or Additional Assistance, contact the
Environmental Assistance Program   at 800-662-9278

Do you have an outreach idea or suggestion for our Program?  Please feel free to submit your requests to: David Fiedler.