SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

February 26, 2009 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, 02-26-09)

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 

207 GASOLINE 

208 GASOLINE DISPENSING FACILITY 

209 GASOLINE VAPORS 

210 INSTALLER/CONTRACTOR 

211 LEAK FREE 

212 MOBILE FUELER 

213 PURGE 

214 REBUILD/REBUILT 

215 SPILL CONTAINER 

216 SUBMERGED FILL PIPE 

217 SWITCH LOADING 

218 TESTER 

219 VAPOR RECOVERY EQUIPMENT DEFECTS (VRED) LIST 

220 VAPOR TIGHT 

300 STANDARDS

301 EQUIPMENT AND OPERATION REQUIREMENTS 

302 DELIVERY VESSELS 

303 PRESSURE VACUUM VALVE REQUIREMENT 

304 PROHIBITION OF SALE 

305 PUMP-OUT 

306 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION 

307 PROHIBITION OF USE 

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS 

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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February 26, 2009 448-3 

100 GENERAL

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

storage container 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. 

207 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. 

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

liquid gasoline. 
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448-4 February 26, 2009 

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. 

211 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. 

213 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. 

216 SUBMERGED FILL PIPE:

216.1 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. 

216.2 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). 

220 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, a 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 methane) above background, as determined by the 

method specified in Section 501.2(b). 

300 STANDARDS

301 EQUIPMENT AND OPERATION REQUIREMENTS: A person shall not transfer or permit 

the transfer of gasoline, or perform or permit switch loading, from any delivery 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 the following conditions, as 

applicable: 
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February 26, 2009 448-5 

301.1 Underground storage tanks are equipped with a CARB certified vapor recovery 

system that shall prevent emission to the atmosphere of at least 98%, by volume, 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, 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. 

302 DELIVERY VESSELS: 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. 
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448-6 February 26, 2009 

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 PRESSURE VACUUM VALVE REQUIREMENT: Unless otherwise specified in the 

applicable CARB Executive Order, the operator of any vapor recovery system shall have a 

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

pressure setting at 2.5 to 6.0 inches of H2O. The pressure vacuum valve shall have a 

minimum vacuum setting at 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. 

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 
SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AQMD RULES AND REGULATIONS 

February 26, 2009 448-7 

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 

401 CERTIFICATION: 

401.1 Effective May 26, 2009, 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 

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 February 26, 2009, the first 

annual test shall be performed by February 26, 2010. 

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 
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448-8 February 26, 2009 

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 shall be determined by ASTM D2879-97 (2007), 

ASTM D323-06 or ASTM D5191-07. 

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 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 

501.6 Leak Rate and Cracking Pressure of P/V Valves Test: CARB Test Procedure TP201.1E 

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

501.8 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. 

501.9 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. 

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