SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

February 2, 1995XX-XX-09 448-1 

RULE 448 GASOLINE TRANSFER INTO STATIONARY STORAGE CONTAINERS

Adopted 2-5-75

(Amended 9-15-75, 8-3-77, 9-2-80, 12-17-91, 2-2-95, XX-XX-09)

INDEX

100 GENERAL

101 PURPOSE

102 APPLICABILITY

110 EXEMPTION,: IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY 

200 DEFINITIONS

201 BACKGROUND 

202 CARB

203 CARB CERTIFIED

204 DELIVERY VESSEL

205 DRY BREAK

206 EXECUTIVE ORDER

202 EXISTING VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEMS

2037 GASOLINE

208 GASOLINE DISPENSING FACILITY

2049 GASOLINE VAPORS 

210 INSTALLER/CONTRACTOR

20511 LEAK FREE 

212 MOBILE FUELER

206 NEW VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM

20713 PURGE 

214 REBUILD/REBUILT

215 SPILL CONTAINER

20816 SUBMERGED FILL PIPE

217 SWITCH LOADING

218 TESTER

219 VAPOR RECOVERY EQUIPMENT DEFECTS (VRED) LIST

20920 VAPOR TIGHT 

300 STANDARDS

301 VAPOR RECOVERY REQUIREDEQUIPMENT AND OPERATION REQUIREMENTS

302 DELIVERY VESSELS 

303 OTHER EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

3043 PRESSURE VACUUM VALVE REQUIREMENT

304 PROHIBITION OF SALE

305 PUMP-OUT

306 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION

307 PROHIBITION OF USE

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS (NOT INCLUDED)

401 CERTIFICATION

402 NOTIFICATION OF TESTING

403 TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM

500 MONITORING AND RECORDS 

501 TESTING PROCEDURE

502 RECORDKEEPING
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448-2 XX-XX-09February 2, 1995

100 GENERAL

101 PURPOSE: To limit emissions resulting from the transfer of gasoline into any stationary 

storage containers or delivery vessel, or from the pump-out of gasoline from any stationary 

storage container, delivery vessel, or vehicle fuel tank.

102 APPLICABILITY: This rule applies to the transfer of gasoline or switch loading from any 

delivery vessel into any stationary storage container with a capacity of 250 gallons or more, 

or any mobile fueler with a capacity of 120 gallons or more. This rule also applies to the 

“pump-out” of gasoline from any stationary storage container with a capacity of 250 gallons or 

more, mobile fueler with a capacity of 120 gallons or more, or vehicle fuel tank with a capacity 

of 5 gallons or more. 

110 EXEMPTION:, IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY: The provisions of this rule shall not apply 

to the transfer of gasoline into any stationary container which is used primarily for the fueling 

of implements of husbandry as such vehicles are defined in Division 16 (Section 36000 et 

seq) of the California Vehicle Code, if such container is equipped with a permanent 

submerged fill pipe. 

200 DEFINITIONS

201 BACKGROUND: A reading as methane on a portable hydrocarbon detection instrument 

which is determined at least three (3) meters upwind from the affected device to be inspected 

and uninfluenced by any specific emission point. 

202 CARB: The California Air Resources Board.

203 CARB CERTIFIED: A Phase I or Phase II vapor recovery system, equipment, or any 

component thereof, for which CARB has evaluated its performance and issued a valid 

Executive Order pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 41954. Each component of a 

system is a separate CARB certified item and cannot be replaced with a non-certified item or 

other items that are not certified for use with the particular system. Except for qualified 

repairs, a CARB certified component shall be as supplied by the qualified manufacturer. A 

rebuilt component shall not be deemed as CARB certified unless the person who rebuilds the 

component is authorized by CARB to rebuild the designated CARB certified component. 

204 DELIVERY VESSEL: Any motor vehicle, trailer, or rail car used for the transportation of 

gasoline.

205 DRY BREAK: A Phase I vapor recovery component that opens only by connection to a 

mating device to ensure that no gasoline vapors escape from the underground storage tank 

before the vapor return line is connected and sealed.

206 EXECUTIVE ORDER: A document issued by CARB pursuant to Health and Safety Code 

Section 41954 certifying that a specific vapor recovery system meets the applicable

performance specifications and setting conditions for the certification. 

202 EXISTING VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM: A vapor recovery system for which the owner or 

operator has received an Authority to Construct or a Permit to Operate on or before February 

2, 1995.

2037 GASOLINE: Any petroleum distillate or petroleum distillate/alcohol blend having a Reid vapor 

pressure of 4 pounds per square inch absolute or greater as determined by a method 

specified in Section 501.1. 

208 GASOLINE DISPENSING FACILITY: A mobile fueler or a stationary source consisting of 

one or more storage tanks and associated equipment that receives, stores, and dispenses 

gasoline to motor vehicle fuel tanks.
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February 2, 1995XX-XX-09 448-3 

2049 GASOLINE VAPORS: Organic compounds in the displaced vapors including any entrained 

liquid gasoline.

210 INSTALLER/CONTRACTOR: A person(s) engaged in the installation, alteration, repair, or 

replacement of a vapor recovery system or its components at a gasoline dispensing facility. 

20511 LEAK FREE: A liquid leak of less than three drops per minute.

212 MOBILE FUELER: Any gasoline delivery vessel with an attached container that is used to 

transport and dispense gasoline from an onboard storage container into any motor vehicle 

fuel tank. 

206 NEW VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM: A vapor recovery system for which the owner or 

operator receives an Authority to Construct after February 2, 1995.

20713 PURGE: To release gasoline vapors, gases, or hydrocarbon vapors to the atmosphere from a 

delivery vessel by introduction of air or an inert gas. 

214 REBUILD/REBUILT: Repairs, replacements, or reconstructions to any part of a component 

of a vapor recovery system that forms the gasoline vapor passage of the component, or that 

comes in contact with the recovered gasoline vapors in the component. Rebuild does not 

include the replacement of a complete component with another CARB certified complete 

component; nor does it include the replacement of a spout, bellows, or vapor guard of a 

CARB certified nozzle. The new part shall be CARB certified and as supplied by the qualified 

manufacturer specifically for the CARB certified nozzle.

215 SPILL CONTAINER: An enclosed container around a Phase I fill pipe that is designed to 

collect gasoline spillage resulting from disconnection between the liquid gasoline delivery 

hose and the fill pipe. 

20816 SUBMERGED FILL PIPE:

20816.1 Top Loading: Any fill pipe which has the discharge opening entirely submerged 

when the liquid level is 6 inches above the bottom of the tank. 

20816.2 Side Loading: Any fill pipe which has the discharge opening entirely submerged 

when the liquid level is 18 inches above the bottom of the tank.

217 SWITCH LOADING: The transfer of diesel fuel into a delivery vessel or storage container 

which previously contained gasoline. 

218 TESTER: Any person(s) who conducts performance or reverification test as required by this 

Rule or by a CARB Executive Order.

219 VAPOR RECOVERY EQUIPMENT DEFECTS (VRED) LIST: A list of defects CARB has 

identified as substantially impairing the efficiency of the vapor recovery system, incorporated 

by reference in Title 17 CCR Section 94006, pursuant to California Health & Safety Code 

Section 41960.2(c).

20920 VAPOR TIGHT:

220.1 For delivery vessels other than mobile fuelers, a reading 100% or less of the lower 

explosive limit (21,000 ppm measured as equivalent propane), as determined by the 

method specified in Section 501.2(a). 

220.2 For all other operations, Aa condition under which the concentration of total organic 

compounds, measured 0.4 inch (1 centimeter) from any source, does not exceed 

10,000 ppmv (expressed as propmethane) above background, as determined by 

athe method specified in Section 501.2(b). 

300 STANDARDS
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448-4 XX-XX-09February 2, 1995

301 VAPOR RECOVERY REQUIREDEQUIPMENT AND OPERATION REQUIREMENTS: A 

person shall not transfer, or permit the transfer of, gasoline, or perform or permit switch 

loading, from any tank truck or trailerdelivery vessel into any stationary storage container with 

a capacity of 250 gallons or more or mobile fueler with a capacity of 120 gallons or more,

unless such container is provided with a permanent submerged fill pipe and unless such 

transfer is made under one of the following conditions, as applicable: 

301.1 Underground storage tanks are equipped with a CARB certified The displaced 

gasoline vapors or gases are processed by a vapor recovery system that shall 

prevent emission to the atmosphere of at least 985%, by weightvolume, of the 

gasoline vapors displaced from the storage container during the transfer of gasoline 

into the container. The vapor recovery system shall be maintained and operated 

according to the manufacturer’s specifications and the applicable CARB Executive 

Orders,may collect displaced vapors for reprocessing or destruction and it must be 

certified by the California Air Resources Board.

301.2 Transfer is made to a storage container equipped as described in Rule 446 and shall 

meet all of the following:.

a) The vapor recovery system is maintained to be leak free, vapor tight, and in 

good working order;

b) All fill tubes are equipped with vapor tight caps;

c) All dry breaks are equipped with vapor tight seals and vapor tight caps;

d) Each vapor tight cap is in a closed position except when the fill tube or dry 

break it serves is actively in use. 

e) A CARB certified spill container shall be installed and maintained free of 

standing liquid, debris and other foreign matter. The spill container shall be 

equipped with an integral drain valve or other devices that are certified by 

CARB to return spilled gasoline to the underground stationary storage tank. 

The drain valve shall be maintained closed and vapor tight at all times

except when the valve is actively in use. 

301.2 Aboveground storage tanks are equipped with a CARB certified vapor recovery 

system that shall prevent emission to the atmosphere of at least 95%, by volume, of 

the gasoline vapors displaced from the storage container during the transfer of 

gasoline into the container, or the tank shall be equipped as described in Rule 446 –

STORAGE OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, and shall meet all of the following:

a) The vapor recovery system shall be maintained and operated according to 

the manufacturer’s specifications and the applicable CARB Executive 

Orders;

b) The vapor recovery system is maintained to be leak free, vapor tight, and in 

good working order;

c) All fill tubes are equipped with vapor tight caps;

d) All dry breaks are equipped with vapor tight seals and vapor tight caps;

e) All vapor return lines without dry breaks are equipped with vapor tight caps;

f) Each vapor tight cap is in a closed position except when the fill tube or dry 

break it serves is actively in use.

g) All CARB certified coaxial fill tubes are spring-loaded and operated so that 

the vapor passage from the stationary storage tank or the mobile fueler back 

to the tank truck trailer is not obstructed.

301.3 Mobile fuelers are equipped with a CARB certified vapor recovery system that shall 

prevent emission to the atmosphere of at least 95%, by volume, of the gasoline 

vapors displaced from the mobile fueler container during the transfer of gasoline into 

the container. The vapor recovery system shall be maintained and operated 

according to the manufacturer’s specifications and the applicable CARB Executive 

Orders, and meet all of the following:

a) The vapor recovery system is maintained to be leak free, vapor tight, and in 

good working order; 

b) The container dome hatch must remain closed and latched at all times. It 

must not be opened for the purpose of routine tank gauging operations. It 

may only be opened to accomplish inspections which are necessary due to 

equipment failures, scheduled maintenance and repairs.
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

February 2, 1995XX-XX-09 448-5 

302 DELIVERY VESSELS: A person shall not store gasoline in, or otherwise use, or operate any 

gasoline delivery vessel unless such vessel and attendant equipment is designed and 

maintained to be leak free and vapor tight. 

302.1 A person shall not purge gasoline vapors, gases, or hydrocarbon vapors from a delivery 

vessel to the atmosphere. A person shall not operate, or allow the operation of a gasoline 

delivery vessel other than a mobile fueler, unless it is certified according to CARB 

Certification Procedure CP-204 and maintained in compliance with the certification 

requirements, and meets all of the following:

302.1 Each gasoline delivery elbow is equipped with sight windows.

302.2 The fuel delivery lines shall be maintained leak free, vapor tight, and free of air 

ingestion. A fuel delivery that is free of air ingestion is determined by observing the 

fuel stream as clear and free of air bubbles through the sight windows on the 

delivery system, except during the initial and final 60 seconds of fuel transferring. 

302.3 All vapor return lines are connected between the delivery vessel and the stationary 

storage tank or other delivery vessel. In addition, all associated hoses, fittings, and 

couplings are maintained in a leak free and vapor-tight condition. 

302.4 The hatch on any delivery vessel shall be equipped with a vapor tight cover during 

gasoline transfer and pumping. The hatch shall not be opened except for visual 

inspection, which may be performed after at least three minutes following the 

completion of the gasoline transfer or pumping. Except otherwise specified by 

CARB, visual inspection shall be completed in three minutes or less.

302.5 A person shall not purge gasoline vapors, gases, or hydrocarbon vapors from a 

delivery vessel to the atmosphere.

303 OTHER EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS: A person shall not load, transfer or store gasoline 

in any stationary storage container with a capacity of 250 gallons or more, unless:

303.1 The storage container is equipped with vapor tight caps on the fill and vapor 

adapters.

303.2 The vapor adapter or space is equipped with a dry break which provides a vapor 

tight seal.

303.3 The coaxial fill tube has a functioning spring mechanism which causes the dry break 

to form a vapor tight seal.

3043 PRESSURE VACUUM VALVE REQUIREMENT:

304.1 By February 2, 1996, any person operating an existing vapor recovery system shall 

have a pressure vacuum valve installed on all open vents with a minimum pressure 

setting of 3.0 ± 1⁄2 inches of H2O. The pressure vacuum valve shall have a minimum 

vacuum setting of 8.0 ± 2.0 inches of H2O.

304.2 Unless otherwise specified in the applicable CARB Executive OrderPrior to receiving 

a permit to operate, the operator of any new vapor recovery system shall have a 

pressure vacuum valve installed on all vent pipes open to the atmosphere with a 

minimum pressure setting of 3.0 ± 1⁄2 at 2.5 to 6.0 inches of H2O. The pressure 

vacuum valve shall have a minimum vacuum setting of 8.0 ± 2.0at 6.0 to 10.0 inches 

of H2O.

304 PROHIBITION OF SALE: A person shall not supply, offer for sale, sell, install or allow the 

installation of any new or rebuilt vapor recovery system or any of its components, unless the 

system and components are CARB certified. Each vapor recovery system and its 

components shall be clearly and permanently marked with the qualified manufacturer’s name 

and model number as certified by CARB. In addition, any qualified manufacturer who 

rebuilds a component shall also clearly and permanently mark the corresponding information 

on the component. 

305 PUMP-OUT: 

305.1 No person shall allow the transfer (“pump-out”) of gasoline from a stationary storage 

container with a capacity of 250 gallons or more or a mobile fueler with a capacity of 

120 gallons or more into a stationary storage container or delivery vessel unless the 

transfer is made using a vapor collection and transfer system capable of returning 

the displaced vapors to the storage container being pumped out.
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448-6 XX-XX-09February 2, 1995

305.2 No person shall allow the transfer (“pump-out”) of gasoline from a vehicle fuel tank

with a capacity of 5 gallons or more into a stationary storage container or delivery 

vessel unless the amount of gasoline allowed to drip outside an area that drains back 

into the vehicle fuel tank is less than 3 drops per minute. 

306 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION:

306.1 The owner/operator of a gasoline dispensing facility shall, at a minimum, verify the 

following on each day that fuel is delivered:

a. The spill container is clean and does not contain gasoline. The spill 

containment drain valve is seating properly.

b. The fill caps and gaskets are not missing, damaged or loose.

c. The spring-loaded submerged fill pipe seals properly against the coaxial 

fitting.

d. The dry break (poppet valve) is not missing or damaged.

e. The submerged fill pipe is not missing or damaged.

306.2 Any equipment with a major defect listed in the VRED List shall be removed from 

service and tagged to ensure that is not used until it is repaired and brought into 

compliance before being returned to service.

306.3 The owner or operator of a vapor recovery system shall insure that the removal from 

service of one component of a vapor recovery system with multiple components will 

not result in gasoline liquid or vapors entering the atmosphere.

306.4 Defects discovered during the maintenance inspection and repaired in accordance 

with Title 17, Division 3, Subchapter 7.5, Chapter 1, Section 93101 of California 

Code of Regulations such that after repair gasoline liquid or vapors do not enter the 

atmosphere shall not constitute a violation of Rule 448.

307 PROHIBITION OF USE: Whenever a Phase I vapor recovery system, or any component 

thereof, contains a defect listed in the VRED List, the operator shall mark such system or 

component "Out of Order". No person shall use or permit the use of such marked component 

or system until it has been repaired, replaced, or adjusted, as required to permit proper 

operation, and the Air Pollution Control Officer has reinspected it or has authorized its use 

pending reinspection.

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS (NOT INCLUDED)

401 CERTIFICATION: 

401.1 Effective (3 months after date of adoption), installers/contractors shall not install, 

alter, repair or replace a vapor recovery system unless they meet all of the following 

requirements:

a. Are certified by the International Code Council (ICC) for Vapor Recovery 

System Installation and Repair, and, if required by the Executive Order,

certified by the system manufacturer.

b. Maintain valid certifications as required in paragraph (a).

c. Have and make available on site proof of any and all certifications required 

by this Rule, the Executive Order and the Installation, Operation and 

Maintenance Manual in order to install or maintain specific systems.

401.2 Testers shall not test a vapor recovery system unless they meet all of the following 

requirements:

a. Effective 3 months after a certification test is available, be certified by the 

International Code Council (ICC) for Vapor Recovery System Testing and 

Repair.

b, If required by the Executive Order, be certified by the system manufacturer.

c. Maintain valid certifications as required in paragraph (a) and (b).

d. Have and make available on site proof of any and all certifications required 

by this Rule, the Executive Order and the Installation, Operation and 

Maintenance Manual in order to test specific systems.

402 NOTIFICATION OF TESTING: At least 7 days prior to performance or reverification testing, 

the owner or operator shall notify the Air Pollution Control Officer of the exact date and time 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

February 2, 1995XX-XX-09 448-7 

of the test. If the vapor recovery system fails any of the applicable tests and the necessary 

repairs are performed that same day, the owner or operator may retest the vapor recovery 

system on the same day without re-notification, provided that the reasons for the test failure 

and any repairs performed are properly documented in the test reports and repair records.

403 TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM: The following 

requirements are to verify the proper operation of a vapor recovery system.

403.1 Required Tests: Unless otherwise specified in the applicable CARB Executive 

Orders, performance and reverification tests shall include the following, as 

applicable, according to the test methods specified in Section 501 of this rule:

a. Static Torque of Rotatable Adaptors Test

b. Leak Rate of Drop Tube Test

c. Leak Rate of Drop Tube Overfill Protection Devices and Spill Container 

Drain Valves

d. Leak Rate and Cracking Pressure of P/V Valves Test, and

e. Static Leak Tests

403.2 Initial Tests: Within 30 calendar days of completion of construction or modification 

of any vapor recovery system, the owner or operator shall conduct and pass all 

applicable performance tests.

403.3 Testing Frequency: The owner/operator of a gasoline dispensing facility shall 

perform and pass all applicable reverification tests annually within 30 days of the 

end of each annual period following the most recent successful tests, or more 

frequently as required by the applicable CARB Executive Order. For facilities that 

were not required to perform periodic testing prior to (rule adoption date), the first 

annual test shall be performed by (one year after date of adoption).

500 MONITORING AND RECORDS

501 TESTING PROCEDURE: The performance and reverification tests shall be conducted in 

accordance with the following test methods. All test methods referenced in this section shall 

be the most recent version approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CARB, 

and the Air Pollution Control Officer or as stated in the applicable Executive Orders.

501.1 VAPOR PRESSURES: Vapor pressures may be obtained shall from standard 

reference texts or may be determined by ASTM D-2879-83 97 (2007),or ASTM D323-8206 or ASTM D5191-07. A violation by any method is a violation of the rule.

501.2 VAPOR TIGHT: 

a. For delivery vessels other than mobile fuelers, CARB Vapor Recovery Test 

Procedure TP-204.3 shall be used to determine vapor tight condition.

b. For all other operations, EPA Reference Method 21 or California Air 

Resources Board Test Method 2-6 shall be used to determine vapor tight 

condition. 

501.3 Static Torque of Rotatable Phase I Adaptors: CARB Test Procedure TP-201.1B.

501.4 Leak Rate of Drop Tube/Drain Valve Assembly Test: CARB Test Procedure TP201.1C.

501.5 Leak Rate of Drop Tube Overfill Protection Devices and Spill Container Drain 

Valves: CARB Test Procedure TP-201.1D

501.5 Leak Rate and Cracking Pressure of P/V Valves Test: CARB Test Procedure TP210.1E

501.6 Static Leak Tests: CARB Test Procedure TP-201.3 or TP-201.3B as applicable. A 

violation by either method is a violation of the rule.

501.7 Those vapor recovery systems whose CARB Executive Orders specify different tests 

to be performed instead of, or in addition to, the referenced test methods, or which, 

by their design, preclude the use of the referenced test methods, shall be tested in 

accordance with the test procedures specified in the applicable CARB Executive 

Orders or their equivalents as approved by the APCO and EPA. 

501.8 MULTIPLE TEST METHODS: When more than one test method or set of test 

methods is specified for any testing, a violation of any requirement of this rule 

established by any one of the specified test methods or set of test methods shall 

constitute a violation of this rule. 
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448-8 XX-XX-09February 2, 1995

502 RECORDKEEPING: A person subject to this rule shall maintain the following records on-site 

and make them available for review by the Air Pollution Control Officer immediately upon 

request.

502.1 Results of the tests specified in Section 402 shall be delivered to the Air Pollution 

Control Officer within thirty (30) days of the completion of the test. The test results 

shall contain the following information:

a. Name, location, address, and telephone number of the facility tested, and

Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District permit number

b. Name, address and phone number of the person or company performing the 

test

c. Date of the test

d. Test data

e. Statement of pass or fail

502.2 Maintenance inspection reports shall include at least the following:

a. Date and time of inspection

b. List of defects from the VRED List that are applicable to the vapor recovery 

equipment and have a verification procedure of “direct observation” or 

“direct measurement”

c. Notation by person performing inspection whether each defect is present

d. Description of any defects discovered

e. Action taken upon discovery of a defect

f. Name and signature of person performing inspection

502.3 The following records must be retained by the owner or operator for a period not less 

than 3 years (5 years for sources subject to the requirements of Rule 207, Title V -

Federal Operating Permit Program):

a. Maintenance records for the vapor recovery system

b. Repair records for the vapor recovery system

c. Maintenance inspection reports

d. Records of repairs performed as a result of defects discovered during 

maintenance inspections

e. Performance test results

f. Reverification of performance test results