Document ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0270-0011
Agency: epa
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2010-11-10T05:00Z

From:
Ben Stavis <benstavis@verizon.net>
 To:
Michael Samulski/AA/USEPA/US@EPA
 Date:
11/08/2010 08:19 PM
 Subject:
Re: Comment to Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0270

Dear Mr. Samulski,

Thank you for calling me today and helping me understand the many issues involved in fuel tanks and containers.

You are correct that my views relate only to small portable gasoline cans that have spouts that are used to pour fuel into the small integral tanks of small gasoline engines, such as small outboard motors, lawn mowers, etc.

My comments do not refer to portable marine fuel tanks that transfer fuel to engines by way of plug-in hoses.  I do not use such equipment and have no special insights about them.

I apologize that I did not understand the important distinction between a "portable gas can" (with a spout) and a "portable marine fuel tank" (with a hose).

So you are correct that my comments are outside the scope of your discussions concerning rules for portable marine fuel tanks.

I have redirected my comments to Lamar Mitchell, who is associated with the California Air Resources Board, which I think is the regulatory agency that is impacting the manufacture of the small gasoline cans.

Most Sincerely,

Ben Stavis

On 11/8/2010 5:03 PM, Samulski.Michael@epamail.epa.gov wrote: 
      
      Mr Stavis, 

It was good to speak with you today regarding your comments to Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0270.  I very much appreciate the time you took to so clearly share your thoughts. 

It is my understanding that the concerns expressed in your letter are related to fill spouts and other aspects of new portable gas can designs.  These portable gas cans are used to transfer fuel and to refuel gas tanks on marine engines, boats, and other equipment. 

As we discussed today, while this is an important issue, portable gas cans are outside the scope of the recent Direct Final Rule regarding portable marine fuel tanks.  Although there are some similarities in these products, the type of fuel tanks specifically addressed in the Direct Final Rule do not have fill spouts and are designed to be connected with a hose directly to an outboard marine engine. 

I am sending this email simply to clarify that your comments are outside the scope of the Direct Final Rule for portable marine fuel tanks and were not intended to be adverse comments on the portable marine fuel tanks rule. 

Thank you, 

Mike 

**************************************************
Michael Samulski
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI  48105
(734) 214-4532
**************************************************