Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 118 - GASOLINE DISPENSING FACILITIES VAPOR CONTROL
Section 096-118-5 - Standards for Stage II Vapor Recovery System

Universal Citation: 06 ME Code Rules ยง 096-118-5

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. An owner or operator may not transfer, permit the transfer, or provide equipment for the transfer of gasoline from a stationary storage tank at a gasoline dispensing facility into a motor vehicle fuel tank unless a Stage II vapor recovery system is installed, tested and is continuously used during the transfer of gasoline from the gasoline storage tank to the motor vehicle fuel tank.

NOTE: Any modifications or repairs to an underground tank or associated piping must be conducted pursuant to Rules for Underground Oil Storage Facilities 06-096 CMR 691.

B. The owner or operator shall maintain the Stage II vapor recovery system in proper operating condition as specified by the manufacturer and free of defects, malfunctions, or failures that would impair the effectiveness of the system. For the purposes of this section, the following is a list of equipment defects in Stage II vapor recovery systems that substantially impair the effectiveness of the systems in reducing refueling vapor emissions:

(1) Absence or disconnection of any component that is a part of the system;

(2) A vapor hose that is crimped or flattened such that the vapor passage is blocked, or the pressure drop through the vapor hose exceeds by a factor of two (2) or more the value as certified in the system;

(3) A "balance" style nozzle boot that is torn in one or both of the following ways:
(a) A triangular-shaped or similar tear more than 1/2 inch on a side, or a hole more than 1/2 inch in diameter, or

(b) A slit more than one (1) inch in length.

(4) Faceplate or flexible cone which is damaged in the following manner:
(a) For balance nozzles and for nozzles for aspirator and educator assist type systems, damage shall be such that the capability to achieve a seal with a fill pipe interface is affected for 1/14 of the circumference of the faceplate (accumulated), or

(b) For nozzles for vacuum-assist type systems, more than 1/14 of the flexible cone is missing.

(5) A nozzle shutoff mechanism that malfunctions in any manner;

(6) Vapor return lines, including such components as swivels, anti-recirculation valves, and underground piping, that malfunction or are blocked, or are restricted such that the pressure drop through the line exceeds by a factor of two (2) or more the value as certified in the system;

(7) A vapor processing unit that is inoperative;

(8) A vacuum-producing device that is inoperative; or

(9) Pressure/vacuum vent valves, vapor check valves, dry breaks, or fill and vapor caps that are inoperative.

C. All Stage II vapor recovery systems and gasoline dispensing equipment shall be maintained to have no leaks.

D. Upon identification of any of the defects, malfunctions or failures described in Section 5(B) of this Chapter by the owner or operator, or compliance inspector, the owner or operator shall tag "Out-of-Order" all gasoline dispensing equipment for which vapor recovery has been impaired. The tagged equipment shall not be used and the tag(s) shall not be removed until the defective equipment has been repaired, replaced, adjusted, as necessary, and subsequently tested for proper operation.

E. Any component of the Stage II vapor recovery system identified as defective, but which does not substantially impair the effectiveness of the system as described in Section 5(B) of this Chapter, may remain in operation, but shall be repaired or replaced within fifteen (15) days after such identification.

F. An owner or operator may not:

(1) Repair, modify, or permit the repair or modification of the Stage II vapor recovery system or its components, except as approved in advance by the Department; or

(2) Tamper with, or permit tampering with, the system in a manner that would impair the operation or effectiveness of the system.

G. An owner or operator may not tamper with or permit tampering with any component of the Stage II vapor recovery system.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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