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(Adopted June 1, 2012) 

RULE 1177. LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS TRANSFER AND 

DISPENSING 

(a) Purpose 

The purpose of this rule is to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds 

(VOCs) associated with the transfer and dispensing of liquefied petroleum gas 

(LPG). 

(b) Applicability 

This rule applies to the transfer of LPG from any cargo tank, stationary storage 

tank or cylinder into any other cargo tank, stationary storage tank, cylinder, or 

portable storage tank. 

(c) Definitions 

For the purpose of this rule the following definitions shall apply: 

(1) BOBTAIL TRUCK is a vehicle that is equipped with a cargo tank without 

a trailer and is used to deliver propane. 

(2) BUBBLE TEST is the application of a soap solution, detergent, aerosol 

spray or similar material that promotes the formation of bubbles at the site 

of any potential LPG vapor leak source and observing for bubbles. 

(3) CARGO TANK is a container that is used to transport LPG and is either 

mounted on a conventional truck chassis or is an integral part of a cargo 

transporting vehicle, such as a bobtail, mobile fueler or rail tank car. 

(4) CONNECTOR is any component, including an adapter, hose, fitting, 

valve or coupling that is used to facilitate the transfer of LPG from one 

container to another, and that is disconnected following completion of an 

LPG transfer or dispensing activity. 

(5) CONTAINER is any vessel, including cylinders, stationary tanks, portable 

storage tanks, and cargo tanks, used for the transporting or storage of 

LPG. 

(6) CYLINDER is a container designed, constructed, tested and marked in 

accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications, 

Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations or in accordance with a valid DOT 

special permit. 
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(7) FILL BY WEIGHT is the filling of an LPG container without use of an 

FLLG and monitoring the fill level to prevent overfilling by weighing the 

container and the LPG in the container and limiting the filling to no more 

than the rated maximum capacity. 

(8) FIXED LIQUID LEVEL GAUGE (FLLG) is a liquid level indicator that 

uses a positive shutoff vent valve to indicate that the liquid level in a 

container being filled has reached the point at which the indicator 

communicates with the liquid level in the container. 

(9) INSPECTION is a physical survey of all LPG connectors for evidence of 

leakage through use of a bubble test. Use of a test method in accordance 

with subdivision (h) may be substituted for an inspection. 

(10) LIQUID TIGHT is a visible liquid leak rate not exceeding three drops per 

minute or exhibiting a visible liquid mist. 

(11) LOW EMISSION FLLG is fixed liquid level gauge with a number 72 

orifice size (0.025 inch) or physical configuration that results in an 

equivalent or lower emission rate that is tested and demonstrated using a 

method for which written approval of the Executive Officer has been 

obtained. 

(12) LPG or LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS is an organic compound having 

a vapor pressure not exceeding that allowed for commercial propane that 

is composed predominantly of the following hydrocarbons, either by 

themselves or as mixtures: propane, propylene, butane (normal butane or 

isobutane) and to a lesser extent butylenes, and that is stored and 

transported under pressure in a liquid state. 

(13) LPG BULK LOADING FACILITY is an LPG transfer and dispensing 

facility where the primary function is to store LPG for further distribution 

and has one or more stationary storage tanks with a water capacity of 

10,000 gallons or more. 

(14) LPG LOW EMISSION CONNECTOR is any component, including an 

adapter, hose, fitting, valve or coupling that is used to facilitate transfer of 

LPG from one container to another and that is designed to result in a 

maximum emission release of four (4) cubic centimeters of LPG when 

disconnected. 

(15) LPG TRANSFER AND DISPENSING FACILITY is a mobile fueler or a 

stationary facility consisting of one or more stationary storage tanks and 

associated equipment which receives, stores and either transfers or 
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dispenses LPG to stationary storage tanks, cargo tanks, or portable storage 

tanks. 

(16) LPG VAPOR RECOVERY OR EQUALIZATION SYSTEM is a system 

installed on an LPG mobile fueler or a rail tank car that facilitates the 

transfer of liquid LPG and allows for the collection and recovery of LPG 

vapors displaced or emitted from the stationary storage tank, or cargo tank 

when LPG is transferred to or from the mobile fueler or rail tank car. 

(17) LPG VAPORS are the organic compounds in vapor form as well as 

entrained liquid LPG displaced during LPG transfer and dispensing 

operations. 

(18) MOBILE FUELER is any tanker truck or trailer, including a bobtail truck, 

which is used to transport LPG stored in an onboard cargo tank. 

(19) OWNER/OPERATOR is any person who owns, leases, or operates any 

facility subject to this rule. 

(20) PORTABLE CYLINDER is a container that is designed, constructed, 

tested and marked in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation 

(DOT) specifications, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations or in 

accordance with a valid DOT special permit. Examples of portable 

cylinders that contain LPG include those used with small hand torches, 

forklifts, barbecue grills and agricultural weed burners. 

(21) PORTABLE STORAGE TANK is a container or portable cylinder 

designed to be moved readily, as opposed to a container or stationary 

cylinder designed for stationary installations. 

(22) RAILROAD TANK CAR is a mounted cargo tank designated for 

transport over rail. 

(23) STATIONARY CYLINDER is the largest DOT approved cylinder and is 

typically used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. 

(24) STATIONARY STORAGE TANK is a container that is used for the 

storage of LPG, including, but not limited for residential, commercial or 

industrial usage, and includes containers constructed in accordance with 

the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code . 

(25) VALVE is a device that regulates or isolates the fluid flow in a pipe, tube, 

tank, or conduit by means of an external actuator. 

(26) VAPOR TIGHT is the leak-free condition of LPG connectors established 

in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (h). 
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(d) Equipment and Operation Requirements 

(1) LPG transfer at LPG Bulk Loading Facilities 

Effective July 1, 2013, an owner/operator of an LPG bulk loading facility 

shall not transfer, allow the transfer or provide equipment for the transfer 

of LPG, from any cargo tank to a stationary storage tank located at the 

facility or from any stationary storage tank to a cargo tank unless all the 

following conditions are met: 

(A) Any railroad tank car or mobile fueler equipped with an LPG 

vapor recovery or equalization system is maintained and operated 

according to the specifications of the vapor recovery and 

equalization system manufacturer; 

(B) All vapor return lines and liquid lines are properly connected 

between the cargo tank and the stationary storage tank so that 

associated connectors are maintained in a vapor tight and liquid 

tight condition during LPG transfer; and 

(C) The transfer hose assembly, which includes the hose, fittings and 

gaskets, is properly maintained in order to maintain vapor tight 

conditions. 

(2) LPG transfer at LPG Transfer and Dispensing Facilities 

Effective July 1, 2013, an owner/operator of an LPG transfer and 

dispensing facility shall not transfer LPG from any stationary storage tank, 

cargo tank, or cylinder into any stationary storage tank, cargo tank, 

cylinder, portable storage tank, or vehicle fuel tank unless the specific 

containers meet the following applicable conditions: 

(A) The leased or owned stationary storage tank meets one or more of 

the following conditions: 

(i) The stationary storage tank FLLG is closed during LPG 

transfer, using a filling technique or technology that 

monitors the maximum fill level to prevent overfilling 

without use of the FLLG; or 

(ii) The stationary storage tank is equipped with a low emission 

FLLG according to the following schedule: 

(I) If the stationary storage tank is either put into or 

returned to service, it shall be equipped with a low 

emission FLLG; and 
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(II) If the stationary storage tank does not meet the 

provisions of subclause (d)(2)(A)(ii)(I), it shall be 

equipped with a low emission FLLG by July 1, 

2015, or by July 1, 2017 if the owner/operator 

demonstrates through documentation prior to July 1, 

2015 that the stationary storage tank being filled is 

equipped with an FLLG that cannot be retrofitted 

with a low emission FLLG in a safe manner without 

relocation of the stationary storage tank. 

Documentation shall be made available to the 

Executive Officer upon request; and 

(B) The cargo tank, if equipped with a FLLG, meets one or more of the 

following conditions: 

(i) The cargo tank FLLG is closed while being filled using a 

filling technique or technology that monitors the maximum 

fill level to prevent overfilling without use of the FLLG; or 

(ii) The cargo tank FLLG is equipped with a low emission 

FLLG according to the following schedule: 

(I) If manufactured on or after July 1, 2013, the cargo 

tank shall be equipped exclusively with one or more 

low emission FLLGs; or 

(II) The cargo tank shall be equipped exclusively with 

one or more low emission FLLGs by July 1, 2013, 

or as soon thereafter at the next service in which the 

cargo tank is evacuated, but no later than July 1, 

2017; and 

(C) If the container is a cylinder or portable storage tank, the container 

shall meet one or more of the following conditions: 

(i) The cylinder or portable storage tank FLLG is closed 

during LPG transfer, using a fill by weight technique or 

alternative technique or technology that monitors the 

maximum fill level to prevent overfilling without use of the 

FLLG; or 

(ii) The cylinder or portable storage tank is equipped with a 

low emission FLLG no later than July 1, 2017; and
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(D) Notwithstanding the above effective date of July 1, 2013, the 

stationary storage tank, cargo tank or cylinder used to transfer or 

dispense LPG is fitted exclusively with LPG low emission 

connectors that are maintained in a vapor tight and liquid tight 

condition, except when actively connecting or disconnecting, after 

December 31, 2013. 

(e) Owner/Operator Leak Detection and Repair Program Requirements 

Effective January 1, 2013, the owner/operator of any LPG bulk loading facility or 

any LPG transfer and dispensing facility that offers LPG for sale to an end user 

shall: 

(1) On a daily basis, physically check all connectors involved with the transfer 

of LPG for evidence of leakage, such as the presence of odorant, hissing, 

or staining. 

(2) Conduct an inspection as defined in paragraph (c)(9), for any owned or 

leased stationary storage tank or cargo tank used to supply LPG to any 

other stationary storage tank or cargo tank once every 90 days, or if the 

time between fillings is greater than 90 days, during or upon completion of 

a transfer of LPG. 

(3) Conduct a periodic training program for any employee that implements the 

provisions of paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2). The training program shall 

incorporate: 

(A) Written training procedures; 

(B) The training frequency and the scheduled training dates; and 

(C) A written record of the dates of training provided for each 

employee. 

(4) Remove from service any connector which is identified as leaking in 

accordance with paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2). The connector shall not be put 

back into service until the leaky connector is repaired or replaced and 

inspected. An entry of such leak and repair/replacement activity shall be 

recorded in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) before the connector is 

returned to service. The identified leak repaired pursuant to this paragraph 

shall not constitute a violation of subparagraph (d)(1)(B) and (d)(2)(D). 
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(f) Recordkeeping Requirements 

(1) Effective January 1, 2013, the following records shall be maintained for a 

period of at least two years and shall be made available to the Executive 

Officer upon request: 

(A) A person who performs the installation of FLLGs or connectors, 

inspections, as defined by paragraph (c)(9), or repairs connectors at 

any LPG transfer and dispensing facility or any LPG bulk loading 

facility, shall provide the owner/operator with all applicable 

records listed below immediately after service is completed, and 

the owner/operator shall maintain all provided records: 

(i) Records of all FLLGs and connectors installed. 

(ii) Service or sales receipts or repair logs confirming followup repairs for any leaks identified and repaired in 

accordance with paragraph (e)(1) and (e)(2), which shall 

include: 

(I) Date and time of each repair; 

(II) The name of any person who performed the repair 

and, if applicable, the name, address and phone 

number of their employer; 

(III) A description of the service performed; and, 

(IV) Identification of the FLLG or connector that was 

installed, repaired, serviced or removed, such as 

FLLG or connector identification information and 

FLLG or connector manufacturer name. 

(B) The owner/operator of any railroad tank car or mobile fueler 

equipped with an LPG vapor recovery or equalization system shall 

maintain records to demonstrate that the system is maintained and 

operated according to the specifications of the vapor recovery and 

equalization system manufacturer. 

(2) The owner/operator of any LPG transfer and dispensing facility shall 

maintain and provide to the Executive Officer upon request, 

documentation that demonstrates that any connector or FLLG used to 

comply with subdivision (d) meets the definition of LPG low emission 

connector or low emission FLLG, respectively. 
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(g) Reporting Requirements 

(1) By July 1 of each year from 2014 through 2016, the owner/operator of an 

LPG bulk loading facility or an LPG transfer and dispensing facility that 

offers LPG for sale to an end user shall submit an annual report containing 

the monthly LPG purchase volume and dispensing volume to the 

Executive Officer for the prior calendar year, in a format approved by the 

Executive Officer. The reporting facility shall maintain copies of all 

purchase and sales records used to support the submitted report for a 

period of at least two years, and make such records available to the 

Executive Officer upon request. 

(2) In lieu of submitting the above annual report, the owner/operator of an 

LPG transfer and dispensing facility that offers LPG for sale to an end 

user shall meet all of the following conditions: 

(A) Provide that all the facility’s LPG suppliers for that prior calendar 

year include the name of the facility with the supplier’s annual 

report and have the supplier notify the District and the facility by 

March 1 of the reporting year that the supplier will include the 

facility in its annual report. 

(B) The facility shall maintain copies of all purchase records and 

notifications from all LPG suppliers for a period of at least two 

years, and make such records available to the Executive Officer 

upon request. 

(3) By July 1, 2014, the owner/operator of an LPG bulk loading facility shall 

submit to the Executive Officer an end of year inventory of all facility 

located LPG low emission connectors, including all LPG low emission 

connectors installed on facility-owned or leased mobile fuelers associated 

with the transfer or storage of LPG for calendar year 2013. This inventory 

shall include the specific storage or transfer equipment or operation 

involved and the manufacturer and identification or part number of all low 

emission connectors. 

(4) By July 1 of each year from 2014 through 2018, the owner/operator of an 

LPG bulk loading facility shall submit to the Executive Officer an end of 

year inventory of all facility located containers, including all facilityowned or leased mobile fuelers associated with the transfer or storage of 

LPG that are equipped with one or more FLLGs for the prior calendar 

year. This inventory shall include a summary, by size and classification, 
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and the associated number of installed low emission FLLGs, submitted in 

a form approved by the Executive Officer. 

(h) Test Method 

Measurements of leak concentrations shall be conducted according to the United 

State Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Reference Method 21 using 

an appropriate analyzer calibrated with methane. The analyzer shall be calibrated 

before inspection on the day of inspection. For the purposes of this rule, a 

measurement at or below 10,000 ppm shall be considered to be vapor tight. 

(i) Exemptions 

(1) The provisions of this rule shall not apply to the transfer of LPG into any 

container with a water capacity less than four (4) gallons. 

(2) The provisions of this rule shall not apply to facilities that are subject to 

the requirements of Rule 1173 – Control of Volatile Organic Compound 

Leaks and Releases from Components at Petroleum Facilities and 

Chemical Plants. 

(3) The provisions of subparagraph (d)(2)(C) shall not apply to LPG cylinders 

that are specifically dedicated for and installed for use with recreational 

vehicles.