1176 - 1 

(Adopted November 3, 1989)(Amended January 5, 1990) 

(Amended May 13, 1994) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

RULE 1176. VOC EMISSIONS FROM WASTEWATER SYSTEMS 

(a) Purpose 

This rule is intended to limit volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from 

wastewater systems. 

(b) Applicability 

This rule applies to wastewater systems and associated control equipment located 

at petroleum refineries, on-shore oil production fields, off-shore oil production 

platforms, chemical plants, and industrial facilities. 

(c) Definitions 

For purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply: 

(1) CATCH BASIN is an open basin which serves as a single collection point 

for rainwater or stormwater run-off directly from ground surfaces. 

(2) AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (APC) DEVICE means air pollution 

control equipment which eliminates, reduces or controls the issuance of 

air contaminants. 

(3) BACKGROUND LEVEL is the ambient concentration of VOC in the air 

as measured pursuant to paragraph (h)(1). 

(4) CERTIFIED INSPECTOR is a person who has successfully completed a 

District approved fugitive emissions compliance inspection program and 

holds a current valid inspector certificate issued by the Executive Officer. 

(5) CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR is a person who has successfully completed a 

District fugitive emissions compliance inspection program or any other 

program determined to be equivalent and approved by the Executive 

Officer and holds a current valid instructors certificate issued by the 

Executive Officer. 

(6) CHEMICAL PLANT is any facility engaged in producing chemicals, 

and/or manufacturing products by chemical processes. Any facility or 

operation that has 282 as the first three digits in its Standard Industrial 

Classification Code as defined in the Standard Industrial Classification 

Manual is included in this definition. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 2 

(7) CLOSED VENT SYSTEM is a system that is not open to the atmosphere 

and that is composed of piping, ductwork, connections, and if necessary, 

flow-inducing devices that collect and transport gas or vapor from an 

emission source to an APC device or into gas recovery and/or combustion 

equipment. In that case, gas recovery and/or combustion equipment shall 

not be considered a closed vent system and is not subject to closed vent 

system standards. 

(8) DRAIN SYSTEM COMPONENT (DSC) is a process drain, manhole 

cover, junction box vent or other wastewater system vent, excluding 

closed vent systems. DSCs are categorized as follows: 

(A) NON-EMITTING DSC is a DSC which is controlled using a gas 

tight barrier between the sewer and the atmosphere that for the 

most recent six month period does not emit VOC emissions, or is a 

DSC which is uncontrolled that for the most recent 24 month 

period does not emit VOC emissions, as measured pursuant to 

paragraph (h)(1) in excess of 10 ppm above background level. 

(B) LOW-EMITTING DSC is a DSC that has not emitted excess 

emissions for the most recent six month period or is effectively 

controlled pursuant to subparagraph (e)(7)(A). 

(C) HIGH-EMITTING DSC is a DSC that has at least one excess 

emission in the most recent six months. 

(D) REPEAT-EMITTING DSC is a petroleum refinery DSC that has 

emitted excess emissions at least three times during any 

consecutive 12 months, unless it has been effectively controlled 

pursuant to subparagraph (e)(7)(A). 

(9) DSC CONTROL is any control measure for a DSC which utilizes water 

seal controls, APC devices, hardpiping, or complete capping, plugging, or 

source elimination. Any other alternate control measure such as 

permanent source reduction may qualify as a DSC control, if approved in 

writing by the Executive Officer. 

(10) EXCESS EMISSIONS are VOC emissions measured pursuant to 

paragraph (h)(1) to be greater than 500 ppm above background levels. 

(11) FIXED COVER is any impermeable cover installed in a permanent 

stationary position. 

(12) FLOATING COVER is any impermeable cover which is in contact with a 

liquid surface at all times. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 3 

(13) INACCESSIBLE DSC is any DSC located over 15 feet above ground 

when access is required from the ground; or any component located over 

six feet away from a platform when access is required from a platform; or 

any component which would require the elevation of monitoring personnel 

higher than six feet above permanent support surfaces. Inaccessible DSCs 

do not include DSC vents and wastewater system associated vents, where 

the vent pipes are extended more than four feet in length. 

(14) INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES are those engaged in the production and 

distribution of natural gas, pipeline distribution or wholesale distribution 

of crude petroleum and petroleum products , as classified under the 

Standard Industrial Classification group numbers 492, or 461, 

respectively, of the Standard Industrial Classification Manual. 

(15) JUNCTION BOX is a structure with a manhole or access point to a 

wastewater sewer system lines. 

(16) NON-CONTACT WATER is any water which does not come into contact 

with wastewater. 

(17) OIL PRODUCTION FIELD is a facility at which crude petroleum 

production and handling are conducted, as defined in the Standard 

Industrial Classification Manual as Industry No. 1311, Crude Petroleum 

and Natural Gas. 

(18) PETROLEUM REFINERY is a facility that processes petroleum, as 

defined in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual as Industry 

No. 2911, Petroleum Refining. 

(19) PROCESS DRAIN is any opening (including covered or controlled 

openings) which is installed or used to receive or convey wastewater into 

the wastewater system. 

(20) SEPARATOR FOREBAY is that section of a gravity-type separator 

which receives the untreated wastewater from the preseparator flume and 

acts as a header which distributes the influent to the separator channels. 

(21) SEWER LINE is a lateral trunk line, branch line, ditch, channel, or other 

conduit used to convey wastewater. 

(22) SUMP is a surface impoundment or excavated depression in the ground, 

which is part of the wastewater system and used for storage of wastewater 

or separation of petroleum liquids, VOC containing liquids, water, and/or 

solids. 

(23) VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC) is as defined in Rule 102. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 4 

(24) WASTEWATER is a water stream or other liquid waste stream generated 

in a manner which may contain petroleum liquid, emulsified oil, VOC, or 

other hydrocarbons. 

(25) WASTEWATER SEPARATOR is any device, used to separate petroleum 

liquids and/or VOC containing liquids from wastewater including such 

devices as separator forebays, clarifiers and tanks including dissolved air 

flotation tanks, induced gas flotation tanks and induced air flotation tanks. 

(26) WASTEWATER SYSTEM is any system which consists of one or more 

process drains, sewer lines, junction boxes, manholes, sumps, or 

wastewater separators, including all of their associated components, used 

to receive, convey, separate, treat, or process wastewater. 

(27) WATER SEAL CONTROL is a seal pot, p-leg trap, or other type of trap 

filled with any non-VOC containing liquid to create a liquid barrier 

between the sewer and the atmosphere. 

(d) Identification Requirements 

The facility operator shall comply with the following provisions: 

(1) Requirements for Facilities other than Petroleum Refineries: 

Within 60 days of written request by the Executive Officer, submit a 

detailed schematic drawing identifying the location within the facility of 

all the components of the wastewater system and all associated APC 

devices. In lieu of identifying the locations of the DSCs on the schematic, 

the DSCs locations may be identified on a separate list attached to the 

schematic. 

(2) Requirements for Petroleum Refineries: 

By June 30, 1997, submit to the District a compliance plan which shall 

include the following: 

(A) A statement regarding which compliance option listed in either 

subparagraphs (e)(7)(A) or (e)(7)(B) has been chosen; and 

(B) A detailed schematic drawing of the location of the wastewater 

system, within the facility. The schematic shall also include all of 

the APC devices associated with the wastewater system; and 

(C) A complete DSC list identifying their total number, individual 

location and if controlled, the type of DSC control. The list shall 

also identify each DSC as either non-emitting, low-emitting, highemitting, or repeat-emitting according to the initial monitoring 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 5 

frequency in subparagraph (f)(1)(A). Historical monitoring data 

collected during the most recent 12 months may be used to 

categorize each DSC in lieu of subparagraph (f)(1)(A), except for 

uncontrolled non-emitting DSCs which shall be required to use the 

most recent 24 months of historical data. Any inaccessible DSC 

shall be identified for District’s verification and approval; and 

(D) Historical monitoring data and/or the monitoring data collected 

pursuant to subparagraph (f)(1)(A) used to categorize each DSC, 

and 

(E) An identification of the proposed methods of control, if necessary, 

for each junction box vent based on its emission characteristics; 

and 

(F) Any alternate DSC control which is not already identified in 

paragraph (c)(9) and the operator requests approval in advance by 

the Executive Officer for use as a DSC control. A complete 

description of the proposed DSC control and its specific 

applications shall be included. 

(e) Operation and Control Requirements 

The facility operator shall comply with the following provisions: 

(1) Wastewater System Emissions: 

Wastewater systems and closed vent systems, except sump and 

wastewater separator covers in compliance with clause (e)(2)(B)(vi), shall 

not emit VOC emissions measured pursuant to paragraph (h)(2) to be 

greater than 500 ppm above background levels according to the 

compliance dates in Table 1. The compliance date in Table 1 may be 

extended pursuant to subparagraphs (e)(2)(C) and (e)(5)(B). 

Table 1 

EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE DATE 

Separator forebays, clarifiers, dissolved air flotation 

tanks, induced gas flotation tanks, and induced air 

flotation tanks which are not controlled. 

June 30, 1997 

Sumps which are not controlled. June 30, 1997 

Junction box vents and manhole cover openings. June 30, 1997 

All other parts of the wastewater system not 

specifically listed above. 

November 3, 1989 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 6 

(2) Sumps and Wastewater Separators : 

(A) Sumps and Wastewater Separators shall be provided with one of 

the following except as provided in subparagraph (e)(2)(C): 

(i) A floating cover equipped with seals. 

(ii) A fixed cover, equipped with a closed vent system vented 

to an APC device as specified in paragraph (e)(6). 

(iii) Any other alternate control measure which is demonstrated 

by the facility operator to be equivalent to, or more 

effective in reducing VOC emissions than the requirements 

of clauses (e)(2)(A)(i) or (e)(2)(A)(ii), and approved in 

writing by the Executive Officer. 

(B) Sump and Wastewater Separator Covers, both fixed and floating, 

shall meet all of the following requirements: 

(i) The cover material shall be impermeable to VOCs, and free 

from holes, tears, or openings. 

(ii) Drains on covers shall be provided with a slotted 

membrane fabric cover, or equivalent, over at least 90 

percent of the open area. 

(iii) Gauging or sampling openings on the separator shall be 

covered. The covers shall be kept closed, with no visible 

gaps between the cover and the separator, except when the 

gauging or sampling device is actively being used. 

(iv) Hatches on covers shall be kept closed and free of gaps, 

except when opened for active inspection, maintenance, 

sampling, or repair. 

(v) The perimeter of a cover, except for a floating cover, shall 

form a seal free of gaps with the foundation to which it is 

attached. 

(vi) A floating cover shall be designed and maintained so that 

the gap between the separator or sump wall and the seal 

does not exceed 1/8 inch for a cumulative length of 97 

percent of the perimeter of the separator. No gap between 

the wall and the seal shall exceed 1/2 inch. 

(C) For initial modification of sumps, separator forebays, clarifiers, 

dissolved air flotation tanks, induced gas flotation tanks, or 

induced air flotation tanks to comply with subparagraphs (e)(2)(A) 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 7 

and (e)(2)(B) which require a permit to construct, compliance with 

paragraph (e)(1) and subparagraphs (e)(2)(A) and (e)(2)(B) shall 

be achieved no later than six months after the District issues the 

initial permit to construct, provided that a complete application for 

a permit to construct is submitted to the District on or before 

November 13, 1996. 

(3) Sewer lines: 

(A) All sewer lines shall be completely enclosed so that no liquid 

surface is exposed to the atmosphere. The manhole cover shall 

remain fully closed, except when opened for active inspection, 

maintenance, sampling, or repair. 

(B) By June 30, 1997, all openings in the sewer line manhole covers 

shall be completely sealed. 

(4) Process drains: 

Any new process drain installed after September 13, 1996, shall be 

equipped with water seal controls or any other alternative control measure 

which is demonstrated by the applicant to be equivalent, or more effective 

than water seal controls in reducing VOC emissions, as approved in 

writing by the Executive Officer. 

(5) Junction boxes: 

(A) Junction boxes shall be totally enclosed with a solid, gasketed, 

fixed cover or a manhole cover. Each fixed cover shall be allowed 

to have an open vent pipe no more than four inches in diameter 

and at least three feet in length. Each manhole cover on junction 

boxes shall be allowed to have openings totaling no more than 12 

square inches. The manhole cover shall remain fully closed, 

except when opened for active inspection, maintenance, sampling, 

or repair. 

(B) For initial modification of junction boxes to comply with 

paragraph (e)(1), compliance shall be achieved no later than six 

months after the District issues the initial permit to construct for 

the DSC controls which require a permit to construct, provided 

that a complete application for a permit to construct is submitted to 

the District on or before June 30, 1997. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 8 

(6) APC Devices shall meet one of the following requirements: 

(A) An APC device receiving vapors from a closed vent system shall 

achieve a control efficiency of 95 percent by weight or greater of 

VOC. An annual performance test shall be conducted to determine 

the APC device control efficiency according to the test method 

specified in paragraph (h)(3), 

(B) The outlet of the APC device shall not emit VOC emissions 

measured pursuant to paragraphs (h)(1) or (h)(2) to be greater than 

500 ppm above background. The frequency of monitoring shall be 

at least monthly, or 

(C) Any APC device or other alternate system that collects vapors 

through a closed vent system and subsequently controls the vapors 

in a device, which has been issued a permit to construct or a permit 

to operate by the Executive Officer, and determined by the 

Executive Officer to provide an equivalent level of VOC emission 

controls as specified in subparagraphs (e)(6)(A) or (e)(6)(B). 

(7) Additional Requirements for DSCs at Petroleum Refineries: 

Comply with the control requirements of either subparagraphs (e)(7)(A) or 

(e)(7)(B) according to the schedule specified in these subparagraphs. 

(A) Control of Repeat Emitting DSCs: 

Within 60 days or longer, as approved by the Executive Officer, 

after a DSC becomes a repeat emitting DSC, effectively control the 

DSC by installing a DSC control, if previously uncontrolled, or a 

more efficient DSC control to eliminate excess emissions from the 

DSC. 

(B) Control of All DSCs: 

DSC controls shall be installed on all DSCs that are uncontrolled 

as of September 13, 1996, according to the following schedule: 

(i) At least 25 percent of uncontrolled DSCs by December 31, 

1997, 

(ii) At least 50 percent of uncontrolled DSCs by December 31, 

1998, 

(iii) At least 75 percent of uncontrolled DSCs by December 31, 

1999, and 

(iv) 100 percent of uncontrolled DSCs by December 31, 2000. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 9 

(f) Inspection, Monitoring and Maintenance Requirements 

The facility operator shall comply with the following provisions: 

(1) Inspection and Monitoring Frequency: 

Wastewater systems and closed vent system(s) shall be inspected and 

monitored according to the following monitoring frequency: 

(A) For Petroleum Refineries Choosing Option (e)(7)(A): 

Inspect and monitor wastewater separators, closed vent systems, 

and all DSCs monthly until the compliance plan is submitted 

pursuant to paragraph (d)(2). After the compliance plan is 

submitted: 

(i) Inspect and monitor the wastewater system according to 

Table 2, or 

(ii) After June 30, 1997, inspect and monitor the wastewater 

system according to Table 2, except that low-emitting 

DSCs may be monitored semi-annually, provided that: 

(I) 0.5 percent or less of all DSCs, have emitted excess 

emissions as measured pursuant to paragraph (h)(1) 

for the most recent 12 month period, and 

(II) The above is substantiated by documentation of the 

verified inspection and monitoring records, and 

submitted to the District for written approval by the 

Executive Officer. 

The inspection and monitoring frequency, approved in 

clause (f)(1)(A)(ii), shall revert to clause (f)(1)(A)(i), 

should the facility operator’s inspection records or District 

inspection show that greater than 0.5 percent of all DSCs 

have emitted excess emissions measured pursuant to 

paragraph (h)(1) in excess of the level specified in 

subclause (f)(1)(A)(ii)(I). 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 10 

Table 2 

EQUIPMENT FREQUENCY 

Wastewater separator(s) and associated 

closed vent system(s) Monthly 

High-Emitting DSCs Monthly 

Low-Emitting DSCs Quarterly 

Non-Emitting DSCs Semi-annually 

Inaccessible DSCs Annually 

(B) Petroleum Refineries Choosing Option (e)(7)(B): 

(i) Inspect and monitor wastewater separators, closed vent 

systems, and all DSCs monthly until the compliance plan is 

submitted pursuant to paragraph (d)(2). 

(ii) After the compliance plan is submitted, inspect and monitor 

the wastewater system according to Table 3. 

Table 3 

EQUIPMENT FREQUENCY 

Wastewater separator(s) and associated 

closed vent system(s). Monthly 

DSCs (Excluding Non-Emitting DSCs) Quarterly 

Non-Emitting DSCs Semi-annually 

Inaccessible DSCs Annually 

(C) For Oil Production Fields, Chemical Plants, and Industrial 

Facilities: 

Effective September 13, 1996, inspect and monitor wastewater 

separator(s), associated closed vent system(s) and DSCs quarterly, 

except that non-emitting DSCs and inaccessible DSCs, may be 

inspected annually. 

(2) On or after July 1, 1997, or a later date as approved in writing by the 

Executive Officer, all inspections and monitoring required under 

paragraph (f)(1) shall be done by a certified inspector. 

(3) Wastewater systems with excess emissions or otherwise found in violation 

through either operator inspection or District inspection shall be repaired 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 11 

or rectified within three calendar days of detection. The repaired or 

rectified component shall be reinspected by the facility operator between 

24 hours to 48 hours for petroleum refineries and between 24 hours to 15 

calendar days for other facilities after the repair or rectification to ensure 

that the repaired or rectified component is in compliance with this rule. 

The operator shall take all feasible steps to minimize emissions during the 

repair or replacement period. 

(g) Recordkeeping, Reporting and Verification of Records Requirements 

The facility operator shall comply with the following provisions: 

(1) Recordkeeping: 

(A) All records shall be maintained at the facility for a period of two 

years and made available to District staff upon request. 

(B) Any operator using an APC device for a wastewater system as a 

means of complying with this rule, shall maintain records of 

system operation or maintenance which will demonstrate proper 

operation and compliance of the APC device during periods of 

emission producing activities. 

(C) Inspection records for the wastewater system shall be made and 

documented as follows: 

(i) The inspection record shall include and document all 

written or machine recorded operator inspections, VOC 

measurements including corresponding background levels, 

source tests, repairs, replacements, and reinspection 

records. 

(ii) The inspection record shall include the date(s) they were 

taken. 

(iii) The inspection record shall include the name and signature 

of the certified inspector(s). An electronic identification 

code may be used instead of a signature provided that the 

certified inspector verifies, in writing, that he or she has 

conducted the inspection and monitoring. 

(2) Reporting requirements for refineries: 

(A) Any change to the wastewater system or any other component 

required to be identified by paragraph (d)(2), shall be submitted to 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 12 

the District within 60 calendar days after construction is 

completed. 

(B) For facility operators complying with subparagraph (e)(7)(A), a 

quarterly report shall be submitted to the District in a format 

approved by the Executive Officer, within 30 calendar days after 

the end of each quarter. The report shall include all of the 

following: 

(i) The identification of all DSCs with recordings of excess 

emissions and the corresponding levels of emissions in 

ppm, 

(ii) The identification of repeat emitting drains including each 

record of excess emissions and subsequent repairs within 

the last 12 months before corrective actions, 

(iii) The corrective actions taken pursuant to subparagraph (e)(7)(A), and 

(iv) Each monitoring record after corrective actions until the 

report is submitted. 

(C) For facility operators complying with subparagraph (e)(7)(B), 

semi-annual reports shall be submitted to the District, each within 

30 days after the end of each six month period, showing: 

(i) Which DSCs identified in paragraph (d)(2) have been 

controlled and the type of control, until all DSCs are 

controlled, and 

(ii) All DSCs identified to have an excess emission. 

(3) Verification of Records: 

All inspection records and reports submitted to the District, shall be signed 

by the facility official with responsibility for operation of the equipment 

subject to this rule, to verify that the inspection(s) have been conducted by 

certified inspectors consistent with the requirements of this rule. 

(4) Any inaccurate verification of inspection records shall constitute a 

violation of this rule. 

(h) Test Methods 

(1) EPA Reference Method 21: 

Measurement of gaseous VOC concentration shall be conducted according 

to EPA Reference Method 21, using an appropriate analyzer calibrated 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 13 

with methane, or any other method demonstrated by the applicant to be 

equivalent and approved in writing by the Executive Officers of the 

District, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Regional 

Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency 

(U.S. EPA), Region IX, or their designees. Background level shall be 

measured using the Method 21 procedure for determining local ambient 

concentration around the source. 

(2) District Grab Sample Method: 

Sampling and analysis shall be conducted according to the test methods 

contained in Attachment A, or any other procedure and method 

demonstrated by the applicant to be equivalent and approved in writing by 

the Executive Officers of the District, the CARB, and the Regional 

Administrator of the U.S. EPA, Region IX, or their designees. 

(3) EPA Reference Method 25: 

Measurement of control efficiency of an air pollution control device shall 

be conducted according to EPA Reference Method 25, District Test 

Method 25.1, or any other method demonstrated by the applicant to be 

equivalent and approved in writing by the Executive Officers of the 

District, the CARB, and the Regional Administrator of the U.S. EPA, 

Region IX, or their designees. Emissions determined to exceed any limits 

established by this rule through either of the referenced test methods in 

paragraph (h)(3) shall constitute a violation of this rule. Test procedures 

shall be performed in accordance with a protocol approved by the 

Executive Officer. 

(i) Exemptions 

 Specified provisions of this rule shall not apply if the wastewater system meets 

the applicable criteria shown below. Any person seeking to qualify for any one of 

the following exemptions has the burden of proving its wastewater system meets 

the applicable specified criteria: 

(1) The provisions of subdivision (e) shall not apply to equipment which, if 

covered, would present unavoidable explosion or fire hazards, as approved 

in writing by the Executive Officer. 

(2) The provisions of paragraph (e)(1) shall not apply to process drains while 

receiving petroleum liquids and/or VOC containing liquids. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 14 

(3) The provisions of paragraph (e)(1) and subparagraph (e)(2)(B) shall not 

apply to components which the facility operator has detected and recorded 

to be in violation or to emit excess emissions, prior to District discovery 

and which is repaired and reinspected pursuant to paragraph (f)(3). This 

exemption is limited to the period of time between recording and 

reinspection. 

(4) The provisions of paragraph (e)(6) and subparagraph (f)(1)(C) shall not 

apply to natural gas handling facilities which are primarily operated to 

receive and inject natural gas into the ground for underground storage and 

subsequent processing and distribution with at least 80 percent methane 

(by volume), and of pipeline quality, such as the gas sold or distributed by 

any utility company regulated by the California Public Untilities 

Commission, provided that: 

(A) None of the wastewater separators, DSCs, closed vent systems and 

APC devices at the facility emit VOC emissions greater than 500 

ppm as measured pursuant to paragraph (h)(2) at any time, and 

(B) The facility operator requests this exemption and provides 

inspection and monitoring records for the most recent two years, 

which demonstrates compliance with subparagraph (i)(4)(A), for 

the most recent two years, and the request is approved in writing 

by the Executive Officer. 

This approval and exemption shall automatically expire should facility 

operator’s subsequent inspection records or District inspection show that 

the facility does not comply with the requirements of subparagraph (i)(4)(A). If the exemption is lost due to non-compliance with 

subparagraph (i)(4)(A), the facility may reapply for an exemption pursuant 

to subparagraph (i)(4)(B) 

(5) All the provisions of this rule shall not apply to the following: 

(A) Components which present a safety hazard for inspection as 

documented and established in a previous safety manual or policy, 

or with the prior written approval of the Executive Officer except 

that these components shall be monitored for excess emissions 

when it is safe to do so. Upon detection, the excess emission shall 

be corrected as soon as the repairs or replacement can be carried 

out safely. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 15 

(B) Wastewater separator pressure-vacuum valves when open, due to a 

vacuum produced within the wastewater system. 

(C) Spill containments for tanks. 

(D) Open pipe channels designed for spill containment. 

(E) Tanks subject to Rule 463. 

(F) Valves, fittings, pumps, compressors, pressure relief devices, 

diaphragms, hatches, site-glasses, and meters which are subject to 

or exempt from the requirements of Rule 1173. 

(G) Equipment, including catch basins, that exclusively receive, hold, 

or discharge rainwater, stormwater runoff, or non-contact water. 

(H) Well cellars used in emergencies at oil production fields, if cleanup procedures are implemented within 24 hours after each 

emergency occurrence and completed within ten (10) calendar 

days. 

(I) Sampling junction boxes of the wastewater system prior to 

discharge into the municipal sewer lines and which are designated 

as the legal sample point on the facility’s industrial wastewater 

permit. 

(J) Wastewater system(s), if the VOC content of each liquid stream 

entering each sump and/or wastewater separator does not exceed at 

all times 5 mg per liter, as determined by EPA Test Method 8240 

or any other method demonstrated by the applicant to be 

equivalent and approved in writing by the Executive Officers of 

the District, the CARB, and the Regional Administrator of the 

U.S.-EPA, Region IX, or their designees. Samples of the liquid 

stream shall be collected from each inlet to the sump and/or 

wastewater separator. A safe sampling site or sampling port to 

meet the requirements of this subparagraph shall be installed upon 

request of the Executive Officer. The sampling site or port shall be 

installed within two weeks after request by the Executive Officer 

or by any other date as approved by the Executive Officer. 

(K) Biological wastewater treatment units and their downstream 

equipment in a secondary treatment system that is installed and 

operated to meet the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 

System (NPDES) discharge requirements if the VOC content of 

each liquid stream entering the secondary treatment system does 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 16 

not exceed at all times 5 mg per liter, as determined by EPA Test 

Method 8240 or any other method demonstrated by the applicant 

to be equivalent and approved in writing by the Executive Officers 

of the District, the CARB, and the Regional Administrator of the 

U.S.-EPA, Region IX, or their designees. Samples of the liquid 

stream shall be collected from each inlet to the sump and/or 

wastewater separator. A safe sampling site or sampling port to 

meet the requirements of this subparagraph shall be installed upon 

request of the Executive Officer. The sampling site or port shall be 

installed within two weeks after request by the Executive Officer 

or by any other date as approved by the Executive Officer. 

(L) Sanitary sewers and sanitary sewer systems not processing 

wastewater. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 17 

ATTACHMENT A 

District Grab Sample Method 

The grab sample procedure and method of analysis shall be according to the following: 

1. Sampling Apparatus 

The sampling system shall consist of at a minimum: 

a. A 3 liter volume type 316 stainless steel tank. 

b. A valve for leak tight shut off. 

c. Two vacuum gauges which can measure 0 inch Hg to 30 inches of Hg. 

d. A glass rotameter which can accurately measure a flowrate of 1 liter per 

minute and larger. 

e. A one-eighth inch diameter Teflon connector. 

f. An inlet probe, and metallic fittings. 

The dead space volume in the sample line shall be kept to a minimum. All metallic 

components including the gauges shall be constructed of stainless steel. A type 304 

stainless steel tank may be allowed provided there are no acids in the sample. Refer 

to Figure 1 for a schematic diagram of the sampling apparatus. The glass rotameter 

shall be calibrated once every three months. 

2. Sample Tank Evacuation and Leak Check 

The evacuation and leak check of the sample tank shall be performed according to 

the corresponding section of EPA Method 25. 

3. Leak Check the Sampling Line 

3.1. The sampling line shall be leak checked at the site before and after 

sampling using the following procedure: 

a. Cap the inlet probe. 

b. Open the shut off valve slowly and briefly to allow 1 inch of Hg of 

vacuum in the line. 

c. Close the valve immediately. 

d. The sampling line is leak free if there is no change in vacuum for 

one minute. 

3.2. As an alternative, the sampling line may be leak checked before and after 

sampling using the following procedure: 

a. Insert one end of a vacuum gauge at the inlet probe. 

b. Cap or seal the other end of the vacuum gauge attached to the 

probe. 

c. Follow procedures 3.1.b. through 3.1.d. 

4. Sampling 

a. Purge the sample line. 

b. Record the vacuum prior to sampling. 

c. Use the section on “Individual Source Surveys” of EPA Reference Method 21 

to take samples with the inlet probe of the sampling apparatus. 
Rule 1176 (Cont.) (Amended September 13, 1996) 

1176 - 18 

d. The rotameter shall be level to the horizon. 

e. Open the shut off valve slowly. 

f. Adjust the rotameter to a constant 1 liter per minute flowrate. Maintain this 

constant flowrate throughout sampling. 

g. Close the shut off valve when the vacuum has dropped to between 5-10 inches 

of Hg. 

h. Record the vacuum after sampling is completed. 

5. Analysis of Sampling 

The sample shall be analyzed according to the applicable analytical gaseous 

sections of EPA Method 25, or District Test Method 25.1. 

Figure 1 

Schematic Diagram of Sampling Apparatus 

Vacuum Gauges 

Stainless Steel Canister 

Shut-Off Valve 

Glass Rotameter 

Teflon Connector 

Stainless Steel Probe