Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 118 - GASOLINE DISPENSING FACILITIES VAPOR CONTROL
Appendix 096-118-A - REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCONTINUING THE USE OF A STAGE II VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM

1. Provide the Department with a written request for approval prior to disabling the system.

2. Notify the Department at least five (5) days prior to the date of the initial test (may be verbal). All tests must be conducted Monday through Friday during normal business hours unless otherwise approved by the Department. The Department may observe the test at its discretion. The notification shall include the gasoline dispensing facility name, location, time and date of test, test company and the name of the tester(s) and the Maine Certified Tank Installer or inspector, if different, who will be present or conducting the test and performing the Stage II abandonment.

NOTE: Stage II abandonment shall be conducted pursuant to Rules for Underground Oil Storage Facilities 06-096 CMR 691. The Department's Policy for Abandonment of Stage II Gasoline Vapor Recovery Piping at Underground Oil Storage Facilities, dated November 5, 2009 provides discretion in piping removal.

3. Pressurize the entire tank and vapor line ullage space using nitrogen gas to a pressure of 10 inches of water column. Once stabilized, wait five (5) minutes and record the final pressure. Compare the final pressure to the allowable pressure drop found in the leak rate table in CARB'S ST-30: Leak Test Procedure, also available from the Department. If a pass is obtained, continue to step 4. If the system fails, repeat the test to confirm the failure, and troubleshoot for leaks. If the failure is caused by a leak in the underground Stage II vapor piping, the piping must be removed.

4. Conduct a "wet" blockage test undereach dispenser in accordance with CARB'S TP-201.4: Determination of Dynamic Pressure Performance of Vapor Recovery Systems of Dispensing Facilities which measures backpressure in the returning vapor line. This is accomplished by opening the vapor recovery poppet on the tank pad and pouring two gallons of gasoline directly into the dispenser end of the vapor line and waiting for up to 15 minutes. This is followed by flowing nitrogen at 60 Standard Cubic Feet per Hour (scfh). A passing test shows results less than or equal to 0.35 inches of water column. If the test passes, proceed to step 5. If a fail is recorded, repeat the test to verify the failure and then flow nitrogen gas through the blocked vapor line for ten seconds. Check the backpressure again to verify the block is cleared or not. If cleared, repeat the wet blockage procedure to confirm results; if still blocked, the underground vapor piping must be removed.

5. Replace Stage II hanging hardware with conventional hanging hardware making sure to drain any product prior to disconnecting the Stage II hanging hardware from the dispenser.

6. Disconnect the vapor line from each dispenser and cap the end of the line at or below the base of the dispenser with an approved fitting. If the tank end of the vapor line is accessible, cap the tank end also.

7. Replace the Stage II pressure vacuum cap with an approved Stage I cap.

8. Providing the station has exceeded the 100,000 gallon per month threshold beginning January 10, 2008, station owners/operators must ensure that all fill and vapor adaptors are designed to prevent overtightening or loosening by installing swivel adaptors or equivalent adaptors that meet the requirements of 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart CCCCCC.

9. Conduct a pressure decay test and pressure/vacuum vent valve test as described in Sections 8(A) and 8(B) of this Chapter.

10. Submit the test results to the Department within thirty (30) days of the test.