SWCAA 491 

EMISSION STANDARDS AND 

CONTROLS FOR SOURCES EMITTING 

GASOLINE VAPORS

March 18, 2001
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 1 

EMISSION STANDARDS AND CONTROLS FOR 

SOURCES EMITTING GASOLINE VAPORS

Section Page

491-010 Policy and Purpose 1 

491-015 Applicability 1 

491-020 Definitions 1 

491-030 Registration 4 

491-040 Gasoline Vapor Control Requirements 4 

491-050 Failures, Certification, Testing and Recordkeeping 12 

491-060 Severability 14 

SWCAA 491-010 Policy and Purpose 

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.94.141 RCW and 70.94.165 RCW. Original adoption WSR 93-16-011 filed 7/22/93, effective 8/22/93; WSR 

96-21-102 filed 10/21/96, effective 11/21/96; WSR 01-05-067 filed 2/15/01, effective 3/18/01] 

(1) It is the policy of the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) under the authority 

provided in Chapter 70.94.141, and 70.94.152 and 70.94.165 RCW to provide for the 

systematic control of air pollution from air contaminant sources within the jurisdiction of 

SWCAA. 

(2) It is the purpose of this regulation to establish standards for the control of air 

contaminants emitted from gasoline marketing and dispensing sources within the 

jurisdiction of SWCAA including Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum 

Counties. 

SWCAA 491-015 Applicability 

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.94.141 RCW and 70.94.165 RCW. Original adoption WSR 93-16-011 filed 7/22/93, effective 8/22/93; WSR 

96-21-102 filed 10/21/96, effective 11/21/96; WSR 00-11-149 filed 5/24/2000, effective 6/24/2000; WSR 01-05-067 filed 2/15/01, effective 

3/18/01] 

This regulation applies to gasoline marketing operations within SWCAA jurisdiction, including 

the storage, transport, and transfer of gasoline, transfer from storage tanks into transport tanks, 

marine vessel loading and unloading, and transfer from storage tanks into motor vehicles. This 

regulation applies to facilities with above ground and underground storage tanks. 

SWCAA 491-020 Definitions 

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.94.141 RCW and 70.94.165 RCW. Original adoption WSR 93-16-011 filed 7/22/93, effective 8/22/93; WSR 

96-21-102 filed 10/21/96, effective 11/21/96; WSR 00-11-149 filed 5/24/2000, effective 6/24/2000; WSR 01-05-067 filed 2/15/01, effective 

3/18/01] 

The definitions of terms contained in SWCAA 400 are by this reference incorporated into this 

regulation. Unless a different meaning is clearly required by context, the following words and 

phrases, as used in this regulation, shall have the following meanings: 

(1) "Bottom loading" means the filling of a tank through a line entering the bottom of the 

tank. 

(2) "Bulk gasoline plant" means a gasoline storage and transfer facility that receives more 

than ninety percent of its annual gasoline throughput by transport tank, and reloads 

gasoline into transport tanks. 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 2 

(3) "Bunkering" means, for purpose of this rule, refueling a vessel with a fuel product where 

the intended use of that gasoline or fuel product is for combustion in the onboard engine 

of the marine vessel. 

(4) "Canister capture rate" means canister effectiveness times the percent of light duty 

vehicles that have onboard vapor recovery systems. 

(5) "Canister effectiveness" means the percent of refueling vapors recovered by a 

representative onboard vapor recovery system. 

(6) "Centroid" means the geometric center of a gas pump or a bank of gas pumps or, if a 

station has more than one bank of pumps, the geometric center of each bank of pumps. 

(7) "Certified vapor recovery system" means a vapor recovery system that has been certified 

by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Only Stage II vapor recovery systems 

with a single coaxial hose can be certified. SWCAA may certify vapor recovery systems 

in addition to those certified by the California Air Resources Board as of the effective 

date of the regulation. 

(8) "Gas freed" means a marine vessel's cargo tank has been certified by a Marine Chemist as 

"Safe for Workers" according to the requirements outlined in the National Fire Protection 

Association Rule 306. 

(9) "Gasoline" means a petroleum distillate that is a liquid at standard conditions and has a 

true vapor pressure greater than four pounds per square inch absolute (4.0 psia) at twenty 

degrees C (20  ̊C), and is used as a fuel for internal combustion engines. Also any liquid 

sold as a vehicle fuel with a true vapor pressure greater than four pounds per square inch 

absolute at twenty degrees C (20  ̊C) shall be considered "gasoline" for purpose of this 

regulation. 

(10) "Gasoline dispensing facility" means any site dispensing gasoline into motor vehicle fuel 

tanks from stationary storage tanks (above ground or underground). 

(11) "Gasoline loading terminal" means a gasoline transfer facility that receives more than ten 

percent of its annual gasoline throughput solely or in combination by pipeline, ship or 

barge, and loads gasoline into transport tanks. 

(12) "Leak free" means a liquid leak of less than four drops per minute. 

(13) "Lightering" means the transfer of fuel product into a cargo tank from one marine tank 

vessel to another. 

(14) "Loading event" means the loading or lightering of gasoline into a marine tank vessel's 

cargo tank, or the loading of any product into a marine tank vessel's cargo tank where the 

prior cargo was gasoline. The event begins with the connection of a marine tank vessel 

to a storage or cargo tank by means of piping or hoses for the transfer of a fuel product 

from the storage or cargo tank(s) into the receiving marine tank vessel. The event ends 

with disconnection of the pipes and/or hoses upon completion of the loading process. 

(15) "Marine tank vessel" means any marine vessel constructed or converted to carry liquid 

bulk cargo that transports gasoline. 

(16) "Marine terminal" means any facility or structure used to load or unload any fuel product 

cargo into or from marine tank vessels. 

(17) "Marine vessel" means any tugboat, tanker, freighter, passenger ship, barge or other boat, 

ship or watercraft. 

(18) "Modified" means any physical change in equipment, or change in the method of 

operation, of a gasoline dispensing facility, terminal, or loading or unloading facility, that 

increases the amount of any air contaminant emitted by such source or that results in the 

emission of any air contaminant not previously emitted. The term modified shall be 

construed consistent with the definitions of modification in Section 7411, Title 42, United 

States Code, and with rules implementing that section. Section 7411 exempts changes in 

gasoline throughput not resulting directly from a physical change. 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 3 

(19) "NAAQS" means National Ambient Air Quality Standard. 

(20) "Ozone contributing county" means a county in which the emissions have contributed to 

the formation of ozone in any county or area where violation of federal ozone standards 

have been measured, and includes: Cowlitz, Island, Kitsap, Lewis, Skagit, Thurston, 

Wahkiakum, and Whatcom counties. 

(21) "Permanent residence" means a single-family or multi-family dwelling or any other 

facility designed for use as permanent housing. 

(22) "SWCAA" means the Southwest Clean Air Agency. 

(23) "Stage I" means gasoline vapor recovery during all gasoline marketing transfer operations 

except motor vehicle refueling. 

(24) "Stage II" means gasoline vapor recovery during motor vehicle refueling operations from 

stationary tanks. 

(25) "Submerged fill line" means any discharge pipe or nozzle which meets either of the 

following conditions: 

- Where the tank is filled from the top, the end of (upper cut of the bevel on) the 

discharge pipe or nozzle must be totally submerged when the liquid level is six 

inches from the bottom of the tank, or; 

 - Where the tank is filled from the side, the discharge pipe or nozzle must be 

totally submerged when the liquid level is eighteen inches from the bottom of the 

tank. 

(26) "Submerged loading" means the filling of a tank with a submerged fill line. 

(27) "Suitable cover" means a door, hatch, cover, lid, pipe cap, pipe blind, valve, or similar 

device that prevents the accidental spilling or emitting of gasoline. Pressure relief valves, 

aspirator vents, or other devices specifically required for safety and fire protection are not 

included. 

(28) "Throughput" means the amount of material passing through a facility. 

(29) "Top off" means to attempt to dispense gasoline to a motor vehicle fuel tank after a vapor 

recovery dispensing nozzle has shut off automatically. 

(30) "Transport tank" means a container used for shipping gasoline over roadways. 

(31) "True vapor pressure" means the equilibrium partial pressure of a petroleum liquid as 

determined by methods described in American Petroleum Institute (API) Bulletin 2517, 

1980. 

(32) "Upgraded" means the modification of a gasoline storage tank, including tank installation 

or replacement, or piping to add cathodic protection, tank lining or spill and overfill 

protection that involved removal of ground or ground cover above a portion of the 

product piping. 

(33) "Vapor balance system" means a system consisting of the transport tank, gasoline vapor 

transfer lines, storage tank, and all tank vents designed to route displaced gasoline vapors 

from a tank being filled with liquid gasoline. 

(34) "Vapor collection system" means a closed system to conduct vapors displaced from a 

tank being filled into the tank being emptied, a vapor holding tank, or a vapor control 

system. 

(35) "Vapor control system" means a system designed and operated to reduce or limit the 

emission of gasoline vapors emission into the ambient air. 

(36) "Vapor-mounted seal" means a primary seal mounted continuously around the 

circumference of the tank so there is an annular vapor space underneath the seal. The 

annular vapor space is bounded by the bottom of the primary seal, the tank wall, the 

liquid surface, and the floating roof. 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 4 

(37) "Vapor tight" means a leak of less than one hundred percent of the lower explosive limit 

on a combustible gas detector measured at a distance of one inch from the source or no 

visible evidence of air entrainment in the sight glasses of liquid delivery hoses. 

(38) "WDOE" or "Ecology" means the Washington Department of Ecology. 

(39) "Western Washington counties" means the following counties: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, 

Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, 

Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, and Whatcom. 

SWCAA 491-030 Registration 

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.94.141 RCW, 70.94.151 RCW and 70.94.165 RCW. Original adoption WSR 93-16-011 filed 7/22/93, effective 

8/22/93; WSR 96-21-102 filed 10/21/96; effective 11/21/96; WSR 00-11-149 filed 5/24/2000, effective 6/24/2000; WSR 01-05-067 filed 2/15/01, 

effective 3/18/01] 

(1) The owner or operator of a gasoline loading terminal, bulk gasoline plant, or gasoline 

dispensing facility subject to the provisions of SWCAA 491-040 (2) through (5) shall 

register the facility annually with SWCAA. Facilities subject to registration under this 

section shall be assessed fees consistent with and as required in SWCAA 400-100. 

(2) Administration of the registration program shall be consistent with the Registration 

Program requirements of SWCAA 400-100. 

(3) SWCAA will provide a written verification of registration to owners or operators of 

facilities subject to the provisions of SWCAA 491-040 (2) through (6). Such verification 

shall be available for inspection by SWCAA personnel during normal business hours. 

(4) The owner or operator of a gasoline loading terminal or a gasoline dispensing facility 

(non-major source) shall maintain total annual gasoline throughput records for the most 

recent three calendar years. Such records shall be available for inspection by SWCAA 

personnel during normal business hours. 

SWCAA 491-040 Gasoline Vapor Control Requirements 

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.94.141 RCW and 70.94.165 RCW. Original adoption WSR 93-16-011 filed 7/22/93, effective 8/22/93; WSR 

96-21-102 filed 10/21/96, effective 11/21/96; WSR 00-11-149 filed 5/24/2000, effective 6/24/2000; WSR 01-05-067 filed 2/15/01, effective 

3/18/01] 

(1) Fixed-roof gasoline storage tanks.

 (a) All fixed-roof gasoline storage tanks having a nominal storage capacity greater 

than forty thousand (40,000) gallons shall comply with one of the following: 

 (i) Meet the equipment specifications and maintenance requirements of the 

federal standards of performance for new stationary sources - Storage 

Vessels for Petroleum Liquids (40 CFR 60, subparts K, Ka and Kb). 

 (ii) Be retrofitted with a floating roof or internal floating cover using a 

metallic seal or a nonmetallic resilient seal at least meeting the equipment 

specifications of the federal standards referred to in (a)(i) of this 

subsection or its equivalent. 

 (iii) Be fitted with a floating roof or internal floating cover meeting the 

manufacturer's equipment specifications in effect when it was installed. 

 (b) All seals used in (a)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection are to be maintained in good 

operating condition and the seal fabric shall contain no visible holes, tears, or 

other openings consistent with 40 CFR 60 subparts Ka and Kb. 

 (c) All openings not related to safety are to be sealed with suitable closures. 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 5 

 (d) Tanks used for the storage of gasoline in bulk gasoline plants and equipped with 

vapor balance systems as required in subsection (3)(b) of this section shall be 

exempt from the requirements of subsection (1) of this section. 

 (e) All fixed roof gasoline storage tanks subject to this section shall comply no later 

than December 31, 1993 or at the time that the throughput is exceeded. 

(2) Gasoline loading terminals.

 (a) This section shall apply to all gasoline loading terminals with an average annual 

gasoline throughput greater than 7.2 million gallons on a calendar basis and shall 

comply no later than December 31, 1993 or when the throughput is exceeded. 

 (b) Facilities loading gasoline into any transport tank shall be equipped with a vapor 

control system (VCS) as described in (c) of this subsection and comply with the 

following conditions: 

 (i) The loading facility shall employ submerged or bottom loading for all 

transport tanks. 

 (ii) The VCS shall be connected during the entire loading of all transport 

tanks. 

 (iii) The loading of all transport tanks shall be performed such that the transfer 

is at all times vapor tight. Emissions from pressure relief valves shall not 

be included in the controlled emissions when the back pressure in the VRS 

collection lines is lower than the relief pressure setting of the transport 

tank's relief valves. 

 (iv) All loading lines and vapor lines shall be equipped to close automatically 

when disconnected. The point of closure shall be on the tank side of any 

hose or intermediate connecting line. 

 (c) The VCS shall be designed and built according to accepted industrial practices 

and meet the following conditions: 

 (i) The VCS shall not allow organic vapors emitted to the ambient air to 

exceed thirty-five milligrams per liter (35 mg/l) (three hundred twenty-two 

milligrams per gallon or 322 mg/gal) of gasoline loaded. 

 (ii) The VCS shall be equipped with a device to monitor the system while the 

VCS is in operation. 

 (iii) The back pressure in the VCS collection lines shall not exceed the 

transport tank's pressure relief settings. 

(3) Bulk gasoline plants and transport tanks.

 (a) This section shall apply to all bulk gasoline plants with an average annual 

gasoline throughput greater than 7.2 million gallons on a calendar basis and shall 

comply no later than December 31, 1993, or when the throughput is exceeded, 

and gasoline transport tanks. 

 (b) Deliveries to bulk gasoline plant storage tanks. 

 (i) The owner or operator of a bulk gasoline plant shall not permit the loading 

of gasoline into a storage tank equipped with vapor balance fittings unless 

the vapor balance system is attached to the transport tank and operated 

properly. The vapor balance system shall prevent at least ninety percent 

of the displaced gasoline vapors from entering the ambient air. A vapor 

balance system that is designed, built, and operated according to accepted 

industrial practices will satisfy this requirement. 

 (ii) Storage tank requirements. All storage tanks with a nominal capacity 

greater than five hundred fifty (550) gallons and used for the storage of 

gasoline shall comply with the following conditions: 

 (A) Each storage tank shall be equipped with a submerged fill line. 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 6 

 (B) Each storage tank shall be equipped for vapor balancing of 

gasoline vapors with transport tanks during gasoline transfer 

operations. 

 (C) The vapor line fittings on the storage tank side of break points with 

the transport tank vapor connection pipe or hose shall be equipped 

to close automatically when disconnected. 

 (D) The pressure relief valves on storage tanks shall be set at the 

highest possible pressure consistent with local and state codes for 

fire and safety but in no case greater than ninety percent of the 

tank's safe working pressure. 

 (iii) Transport tank requirements. All transport tanks transferring gasoline to 

storage tanks in a bulk gasoline plant shall comply with the following 

conditions: 

 (A) The transport tank shall be equipped with the proper attachment 

fittings to make vapor tight connections for vapor balancing with 

storage tanks. 

 (B) The vapor line fittings on the transport tank side of break points 

with the storage tank connection pipe or hose shall be equipped to 

close automatically when disconnected. 

 (C) The pressure relief valves on transport tanks shall be set at the 

highest possible pressure consistent with local and state codes for 

fire and safety. 

 (c) Gasoline transfer operations. 

 (i) No owner or operator of a bulk gasoline plant or transport tank shall allow 

the transfer of gasoline between a stationary storage tank and a transport 

tank except when the following conditions exist: 

 (A) The transport tanks are being submerged filled or bottom loaded. 

 (B) The loading of all transport tanks, except those exempted under 

(c)(ii) of this subsection are being performed using a vapor balance 

system. 

 (C) The transport tanks are equipped to balance vapors and maintained 

in a leak tight condition in accordance with subsection (6) of this 

section. 

 (D) The vapor return lines are connected between the transport tank 

and the stationary storage tank and the vapor balance system is 

operated properly. 

 (ii) Transport tanks used for gasoline that meet all of the following conditions 

shall be exempt from the requirement to be equipped with any attachment 

fitting for vapor balance lines if: 

 (A) The transport tank is used exclusively for the delivery of gasoline 

into storage tanks of a facility exempt from the vapor balance 

requirements of subsection (4) of this section; and 

 (B) The transport tank has a total nominal capacity less than four 

thousand gallons and is constructed so that it would require the 

installation of four or more separate vapor balance fittings. 

(4) Gasoline dispensing facilities (Stage I).

 (a) This section shall apply to the delivery of gasoline to gasoline dispensing facilities 

with an annual gasoline throughput greater than three hundred sixty thousand 

gallons in Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties. For Clark 

County, this section applies to gasoline dispensing facilities with greater than 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 7 

200,000 gallons annual throughput on a calendar year basis. All facilities subject 

to this section shall comply when the throughput is exceeded. 

 (b) All gasoline storage tanks of the facilities defined in (a) of this subsection shall be 

equipped with submerged or bottom fill lines and fittings to vapor balance 

gasoline vapors with the delivery transport tank. 

 (c) Gasoline storage tanks with offset fill lines shall be exempt from the requirement 

of (b) of this subsection if installed prior to January 1, 1979. 

 (d) The owner or operator of a gasoline dispensing facility shall not permit the 

loading of gasoline into a storage tank equipped with vapor balance fittings unless 

the vapor balance system is attached to the transport tank and operated 

satisfactorily. In addition, no owner or operator of a transport tank shall load 

gasoline into a storage tank equipped with vapor balance fittings unless the vapor 

balance system is attached to the transport tank and operated satisfactorily. 

 (e) All gasoline dispensing facilities subject to this section shall be equipped with 

CARB or SWCAA certified Stage I vapor recovery fittings or equipment. 

 (f) Only two point Stage I fittings shall be used with vacuum assist type Stage II 

systems. Coaxial Stage I fittings may continue to be used for balance type Stage 

II systems and systems without Stage II gasoline vapor recovery controls. 

 (g) All Stage I gasoline vapor recovery equipment shall be maintained in proper 

working order at all times. All Stage I gasoline vapor recovery equipment shall 

be maintained in accordance with the CARB Executive Order(s) certifying the 

equipment or system. Whenever a Stage I gasoline vapor recovery system or 

component is determined to be defective or not operating properly, the owner or 

operator shall immediately take the system out of service until repairs are made. 

Systems shall not be returned to service until the defective system is operating 

properly. 

 (h) Any alteration of the equipment, parts, design, or operation of the Stage I gasoline 

vapor recovery system as certified by CARB is prohibited, and shall not be 

performed without submittal of a Notice of Construction application and prior 

approval from SWCAA. 

 (i) All new gasoline dispensing facilities shall have a tank tightness test performed at 

the time of installation to ensure proper connection and absence of leaks refer to 

WDOE publication 91-43 "Tank Owner/Operator's Guide to Tightness Testing"). 

Results of the testing shall be submitted to SWCAA within 14 calendar days of 

testing. 

 (j) Pressure/vacuum valves shall be installed as required by the CARB Executive 

Order that certified the particular Stage I or Stage II vapor recovery system or 

equipment. Relief set points shall be as provided in the applicable CARB 

Executive Order and local fire ordinances. 

(5) Gasoline dispensing facilities (Stage II).

 (a) This section shall apply to the refueling of motor vehicles for the general public 

from stationary tanks at all gasoline-dispensing facilities as follows: 

 (1) For Clark County, all facilities dispensing 600,000 gallons in a calendar 

year or greater; 

 (2) For Cowlitz County, all facilities dispensing 1.2 million gallons in a 

calendar year or greater; 

 (3) For Lewis, Skamania and Wahkiakum Counties, Stage II vapor control 

equipment is not required unless the facility exceeds the throughput and 

distance requirements below: 

 
SWCAA 491

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 Gallons Throughput (millions) Distance to Property Line (meters) 

 1.5 20 

 2.0 25 

 2.5 28 

 3.0 32 

 3.5 35 

 4.0 38 

 5.0 43 

 6.0 49 

 8.0 58 

 10.0 66 

 12.0 75 

 16.0 90 

 20.0 103 

 25.0 118 

 (i) When the throughput is not shown in the chart, interpolate to get 

the distance for that throughput. 

 (ii) The allowable distance shall be measured from the centroid of the 

pumps to the nearest point on the property line of the nearest lot on 

which a permanent residence is located. However, if the 

permanent residence is located at least twice the allowable distance 

from the centroid of the pumps, the requirements of (3) of this 

subsection shall not apply. 

 (b) Stage II vapor control equipment may be removed from any gasoline dispensing 

facility located in Lewis, Wahkiakum or Skamania County as in (a) above, or 

from any facility in Cowlitz County dispensing less than 1.2 million gallons 

annually, by submittal of a complete Notice of Construction and receipt of an 

Order of Approval, provided that the requirements of subsection (a) above are 

met. 

 (c) (i) Beginning on July 1, 2001, and each year thereafter, the Department of 

Ecology will publish the canister capture rate for use with this rule. 

 (ii) When the canister capture rate reaches 15% and there are no major 

exceptions, waivers, or other adjustments to the EPA onboard canister 

regulations or program implementation, the Department of Ecology will 

revise the state rules and incorporate the effect of canisters. 

 (d) The owner or operator of a new or modified gasoline dispensing facility shall file 

a Notice of Construction as provided in SWCAA 400-110, and obtain an Order of 

Approval prior to commencing construction or modification. 

 (e) The owner or operator of any gasoline dispensing facility may elect to submit a 

site-specific analysis of the requirement for a Stage II vapor recovery system 

under (a) of this subsection and request the Department of Ecology to evaluate it 

subject to the fees described in (f) of this subsection. The Department of Ecology 

will review and evaluate a second tier analysis described under WAC 173-460-

090 within 45 days of determining that the analysis submitted is complete and no 

additional information is needed. The requirements for gasoline vapor control 

shall be determined as a result of that process. 

 (f) The fee for new source review of a gasoline dispensing facility under this section 

shall be the same as the fee under SWCAA 400-110 except, if a site-specific 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 9 

review is elected under (e) of this subsection, the fee shall be as provided under 

WAC 173-400-116 (3)(c) for a tier two analysis. 

 (g) All gasoline dispensing facilities subject to this section shall be equipped with a 

CARB or SWCAA certified Stage II vapor recovery system. 

 (h) The owner or operator of a gasoline dispensing facility subject to this section shall 

not transfer or allow the transfer of gasoline from stationary tanks into motor 

vehicle fuel tanks unless a certified Stage II vapor recovery system is used. 

 (i) All Stage II vapor recovery equipment shall be installed in accordance with the 

system's certification requirements and shall be maintained to be leak free, vapor 

tight, and in good working order. 

 (j) Whenever a Stage II vapor recovery system component is determined to be 

defective, the owner or operator shall take the system out of service until it has 

been repaired, replaced, or adjusted, as necessary. 

 (k) The owner or operator of each gasoline dispensing facility utilizing a Stage II 

system shall conspicuously post operating instructions for the system in the 

gasoline dispensing area. The instructions shall clearly describe how to fuel 

vehicles correctly using the vapor recovery nozzles and include a warning against 

topping off. Additionally, the instructions shall include a prominent display of 

SWCAA's or Department of Ecology's toll free telephone number (800-633-0709 

or 800-272-3780) for complaints regarding the operation and condition of the 

vapor recovery system. 

 (l) Every retailer and wholesale purchaser-consumer (gasoline dispensing facility) 

handling over 10,000 gallons per month shall equip each pump from which 

gasoline or methanol is introduced into motor vehicles with a nozzle that 

dispenses fuel at a flowrate not to exceed 10 gallons per minute as provided in 40 

CFR 80.22 Subpart B. 

 (m) All new or upgraded facilities with Stage II gasoline vapor recovery controls shall 

conduct a performance test upon installation prior to placing in service. For 

balance type systems, the owner/operator shall conduct and pass a back 

pressure/blockage test. For vacuum assist systems, the owner/operator shall 

conduct and pass performance testing every 12 months. Results of all testing 

shall be submitted to SWCAA within 14 calendar days of test completion. 

 (n) Pressure/vacuum valves shall be installed as required by the CARB Executive 

Order that certified the particular Stage I or Stage II vapor recovery system or 

equipment. Relief set points shall be as provided in the applicable CARB 

Executive Order and local fire ordinances. 

(6) Loading or Unloading Gasoline into Marine Tank Vessels

 (a) Applicability. This rule applies to loading events at any location within the 

Vancouver ozone air quality maintenance area when gasoline is placed into a 

marine tank vessel cargo tank; or when any liquid is placed into a marine tank 

vessel cargo tank that had previously held gasoline. The owner or operator of 

each marine terminal and marine tank vessel is responsible for and must comply 

with this rule. All facilities shall be in compliance no later than June 1, 2001. 

 (b) Exemptions. The following activities are exempt from the marine vapor control 

emission limits of this rule: 

 (i) Marine vessel bunkering (refueling); 

 (ii) Lightering when neither vessel is berthed at a marine terminal dock, 

 (iii) Loading when both of the following conditions are met: 

 The vessel has been gas freed (regardless of the prior cargo), and 

 When loading any products other than gasoline. 
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 (c) Vapor Collection System. The owner or operator of a marine terminal subject to 

this rule must equip each loading berth with a vapor collection system that is 

designed to collect all displaced VOC vapors during the loading of marine tank 

vessels. The owner or operator of a marine tank vessel subject to this rule must 

equip each marine tank vessel with a vapor collection system that is designed to 

collect all displaced VOC vapors during the loading of marine tank vessels. The 

collection system must be designed such that all displaced VOC vapors collected 

during any loading event are vented only to the control device. 

 (d) Marine Vapor Control Emission Limits. Vapors that are displaced and collected 

during marine tank vessel loading events must meet one of the following: 

 (i) Vapors must be reduced from the uncontrolled condition by at least 95 

percent by weight, as determined by EPA Method 25 or other methods 

approved in writing by SWCAA, or 

 (ii) Vapor emissions shall not exceed 5.7 grams per cubic meter (2 pounds per 

1000 barrels) of liquid loaded. 

 (e) Operating Practice and Maintenance. 

 (i) All hatches, pressure relief valves, connections, gauging ports and vents 

associated with the loading of fuel product into marine tank vessels must 

be maintained to be leak free and vapor tight. 

 (ii) The owner or operator of any marine tank vessel must certify to SWCAA 

that the vessel is leak free, vapor tight, and in good working order based 

on an annual inspection using EPA Method 21 or other methods approved 

in writing by SWCAA. 

 (iii) Gaseous leaks must be detected using EPA Method 21 or other methods 

approved in writing by SWCAA. 

 (iv) Loading must cease anytime gas or liquid leaks are detected. Loading 

may continue only after leaks are repaired or if documentation is provided 

to SWCAA that the repair of leaking components is technically infeasible 

without dry-docking the vessel or cannot otherwise be undertaken safely. 

Subsequent loading events involving the leaking components are 

prohibited until the leak is repaired. Any liquid or gaseous leak detected 

by SWCAA staff is a violation of this rule. 

 (f) Monitoring and Record-Keeping. 

 Marine terminal operators must maintain operating records for at least five years 

of each loading event at their terminal. Marine tank vessel owners and operators 

are responsible for maintaining operating records for at least five years for all 

loading events involving each of their vessels. Records must be made available to 

SWCAA upon request. These records must include but are not limited to: 

 (i) The location of each loading event. 

 (ii) The date of arrival and departure of the vessel. 

 (iii) The name, registry and legal owner of each marine tank vessel 

participating in the loading event. 

 (iv) The type and amount of fuel product loaded into the marine tank vessel. 

 (v) The prior cargo carried by the marine tank vessel. If the marine tank 

vessel has been gas freed, then the prior cargo can be recorded as gas 

freed. 

 (vi) The description of any gaseous or liquid leak, date and time of leak 

detection, leak repair action taken and screening level after completion of 

the leak repair. 
SWCAA 491

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 (g) Lightering exempted from controls by subsection 6 (b) of this rule must be 

curtailed from 2:00 AM until 2:00 PM when SWCAA declares a Clean Air 

Action (CAA) day. If SWCAA declares a second CAA day before 2:00 PM of 

the first curtailment period, then such uncontrolled lightering must be curtailed for 

an additional 24 hours until 2:00 PM on the second day. If a third CAA day in a 

row is declared, then uncontrolled lightering is permissible for a 12 hour period 

starting at 2 PM on the second CAA day and ending at 2 AM on the third CAA 

day. Uncontrolled lightering must be curtailed from 2 AM until 2 PM on the third 

CAA day. If SWCAA continues to declare CAA days consecutively after the 

third day, the curtailment and loading pattern used for the third CAA day will 

apply. 

 (h) Safety/Emergency Operations. Nothing in this rule is intended to: 

 (i) Require any act or omission that would be in violation of any regulation or 

other requirement of the United States Coast Guard; or 

 (ii) Prevent any act that is necessary to secure the safety of a vessel or the 

safety of passengers or crew. 

SWCAA 491-050 Failures, Certification, Testing and Recordkeeping 

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.94.141 RCW and 70.94.165 RCW. Original adoption WSR 93-16-011 filed 7/22/93, effective 8/22/93; WSR 

96-21-102 filed 10/21/96, effective 11/21/96; WSR 00-11-149 filed 5/24/2000, effective 6/24/2000; WSR 01-05-067 filed 2/15/01, effective 

3/18/01] 

This section shall apply to all gasoline transport tanks equipped for gasoline vapor collection and 

all vapor collection systems at gasoline loading terminals, and bulk gasoline plants as described 

in subsections (2) and (3) of SWCAA 491-040. 

(1) Failures. 

 During the months of May, June, July, August, and September any failure of a vapor 

collection system at a bulk gasoline plant or gasoline loading terminal to comply with this 

section requires the immediate discontinuation of gasoline transfer operations for the 

failed part of the system. Other transfer points that can continue to operate in compliance 

may be used. The loading or unloading of the transport tank connected to the failed part 

of the vapor collection system may be completed during the other months of the year. 

Upon completion of loading or unloading of a transport tank connected at the time of the 

failure, gasoline transfer operations shall be discontinued for the failed part of the system. 

(2) Certification. 

 (a) The owner or operator of a gasoline loading terminal or bulk gasoline plant shall 

only allow the transfer of gasoline between the facility and a transport tank or a 

marine vessel if a current leak test certification for the transport tank is on file 

with the facility or a valid inspection sticker is displayed on the vehicle or marine 

vessel. Certification is required annually as provided in SWCAA 490-202 and 

SWCAA 491-040(6)(e). 

 (b) The owner or operator of a transport tank shall not make any connection to the 

tank or marine vessel for the purpose of loading or unloading gasoline, except in 

the case of an emergency, unless the gasoline transport tank or marine vessel has 

successfully completed the annual certification testing requirements in (3) of this 

subsection, and such certification is confirmed either by: 

 (i) Having on file with each gasoline loading or unloading facility at which 

gasoline is transferred a current leak test certification for the transport 

tank; or 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 12 

 (ii) For transport tanks (tanker trucks), displaying a sticker near the 

Department of Transportation certification plate required by 49 CFR 

178.340-10b which: 

 (A) Shows the date that the gasoline tank truck last passed the test 

required in (3) of this subsection; 

 (B) Shows the identification number of the gasoline tank truck tank; 

and 

 (C) Expires not more than one year from the date of the leak tight test. 

 (iii) For marine vessels, displaying a sticker/certification with the other Coast 

Guard required certifications (e.g. in the vessel ecology box, ship's bridge 

or tankerman's shack) which: 

 (A) Shows the date that the marine vessel last passed the test required 

in (3) of this subsection; 

 (B) Shows the identification number of the marine vessel; and 

 (C) Expires not more than one year from the date of the leak tight test. 

 (c) The owner or operator of a vapor collection system shall: 

 (i) Operate the vapor collection system and the gasoline loading equipment 

during all loadings and unloadings of transport tanks and marine vessels 

equipped for emission control such that: 

 (A) The tank pressure will not exceed a pressure of eighteen inches of 

water or a vacuum of six inches of water; 

 (B) The concentration of gasoline vapors is below the lower explosive 

limit (LEL, measured as propane) at all points a distance of one 

inch from potential leak sources; and 

 (C) There are no visible liquid leaks except for a liquid leak of less 

than four drops per minute at the product loading connection 

during delivery. 

 (D) Upon disconnecting transfer fittings, liquid leaks do not exceed ten 

milliliters (0.34 fluid ounces) per disconnect averaged over three 

disconnects. 

 (ii) Repair and retest a vapor collection system that exceeds the limits of 

(2)(c)(i) of this subsection within fifteen days. 

 (d) SWCAA may, at any time, monitor a gasoline transport tank, marine vessel and 

vapor collection system during loading or unloading operations by the procedure 

in (3) of this subsection to confirm continuing compliance with this section. 

(3) Testing and monitoring. 

 (a) The owner or operator of a gasoline transport tank, marine vessel or vapor 

collection system shall, at his own expense, demonstrate compliance with (1) and 

(2) of this subsection, respectively. All tests shall be made by, or under the 

direction of, a person qualified to perform the tests and approved by WDOE or 

SWCAA. 

 (b) Testing to determine compliance with this section shall use procedures approved 

by SWCAA. See testing requirements in SWCAA 490 for transport tanks and 

section 491-040(6)(e) for marine vessels. 

 (c) Monitoring to confirm continuing leak tight conditions shall use procedures 

approved by SWCAA. 

(4) Recordkeeping. 

 (a) The owner or operator of a gasoline transport tank, marine vessel or vapor 

collection system shall maintain records of all certification tests and repairs for at 

least two years after the test or repair is completed. 
SWCAA 491

3/18/01 13 

 (b) The records of certification tests required by this section shall, as a minimum, 

contain: 

 (i) The transport tank or marine vessel identification number; 

 (ii) The transport tank or marine vessel capacity; 

 (iii) The transport tank initial test pressure and the time of the reading; 

 (iv) The transport tank final test pressure and the time of the reading; 

 (v) The transport tank initial test vacuum and the time of the reading; 

 (vi) The transport tank final test vacuum and the time of the reading; 

 (vii) At the top of each report page the company name, date, and location of the 

tests on that page; and 

 (viii) Name and title of the person conducting the test. 

 (c) The owner or operator of a gasoline transport tank shall annually certify that the 

transport tank or marine vessel passed the required tests. 

 (d) Copies of all records required under this section shall immediately be made 

available to SWCAA, upon written request, at any reasonable time. 

(5) Preventing evaporation. All persons shall take reasonable measures to prevent the 

spilling, discarding in sewers, storing in open containers, or handling of gasoline in a 

manner that will result in evaporation to the ambient air. 

SWCAA 491-060 Severability 

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.94.141 RCW. Original adoption WSR 96-21-102 filed 10/21/96; effective 11/21/96; WSR 01-05-067 filed 

2/15/01, effective 3/18/01] 

The provisions of this regulation are severable and if any provision is held invalid, the 

application of such provision to the other circumstances and the remainder of this regulation 

shall not be affected.