Gas Stations and Vapor Recovery Systems
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) regulates emissions from gasoline. Gasoline contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants such as benzene and toluene. VOCs, along with oxides of nitrogen emitted from the combustion of fuels, react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, which is a federal and state regulated pollutant. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma. Ground level ozone can also have harmful effects on sensitive vegetation and crops.
Gas Station Overview
(Video provided by South Coast AQMD)
Applicable Regulations
Gasoline dispensing operations are subject to the California Health and Safety Code and District rules.
District rules regulating aboveground storage tanks include 61.3 and 61.4.
District rules regulating underground storage tanks include 61.3.1 and 61.4.1.
Gas stations are required to be equipped with certified vapor recovery systems. A list of certified vapor recovery systems can be found here:
Testing Requirements
Testing of gasoline dispensing equipment for compliance with current emission and operational standards is a requirement of District permit conditions. The required frequency and timeframe in which gas station operators are required to conduct testing is specified in the permit to operate. A list of required tests can be found below:
- Attachment A - Tests for Phase I and II systems at stations equipped with vacuum assist systems and underground storage tanks
- Attachment B - Tests for stations equipped with aboveground storage tanks including Phase II Systems or under CARB Executive Order NVR
- Attachment L - Tests for Phase I and II systems at stations equipped with balance systems with vapor polisher and underground storage tanks
- Attachment L - Tests for Phase I and II systems at stations equipped with balance systems with clean air separators and underground storage tanks
- Attachment L - Tests for Phase I and II systems at stations equipped with balance systems with VST membrane and underground storage tanks
- Attachment L - Tests for Phase I and II systems at stations equipped with balance systems with HIRT VCS100 and underground storage tanks (MCAS Miramar Only)
Test Notification and Report Submittal
Test notifications are required to be submitted to the District at least 10 calendar days prior to conducting testing. Tests are required to be conducted and passed wiithin 60 calendar days prior to permit expiration. Test results are required to be submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days after testing is complete.
Notifications and test results can be submitted online via the Accela Citizen Portal (ACA) or via email, fax (858-586-2651), or mail to 10124 Old Grove Road, San Diego, CA 92131. To learn how to submit notification and test results online please click here.
A list showing all District permitted equipment including full Permit Record IDs can be found here. All gas stations will include one of the following equipment types:
- 26A - Stations equipped with underground storage tanks and Balance or Vac-Assist Phase II systems
- 26C - Stations equipped with underground or aboveground storage tanks and Phase I systems
- 26E - Stations that are exempt from Phase I and Phase II requirements with either an aboveground storage tank with standing loss controls or an underground storage tank
Test Data Forms
Test Notification of Vapor Recovery Equipment |
Vapor Recovery Test Data Cover Sheet
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Phase I Test Data Forms | ||||||||||
TP 201.1B Static Torque of Rotatable Phase 1 Adaptors | ||||||||||
TP 201.1C/D Leak Rate of Drop Tube/Drain Pressure Integrity/OPD | ||||||||||
TP 201.1E - Leak Rate and Cracking Pressure of Pressure/Vacuum Vent Valves | ||||||||||
Pre-EVR Phase II Test Data Form | ||||||||||
TP 201.6C Compliance Determination of Liquid Removal Test Option 1 (Short Version) | ||||||||||
Vac-Assist EVR Phase II Test Data Forms - (E.O. VR-201-202-XX) | ||||||||||
Exhibit 4 - Determination of Static Pressure Performance of the Healy Clean Air Separator | ||||||||||
Exhibit 5 - Vapor to Liquid Volume Ratio for Healy Phase II EVR Systems (Roots Meter Option) | ||||||||||
Exhibit 5 - Vapor to Liquid Volume Ratio for Healy Phase II EVR Systems (TriTester Option) Digital Roots Tri Tester V/L for ISD Ex 9/10 Tests | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 9 – Veeder-Root ISD Operability Test Procedure | Word | |||||||||
Exhibit 10 – INCON ISD Operability Test Procedure | ||||||||||
Exhibit 14 & IOM - VP1000/Dispenser Integrity Test | ||||||||||
Exhibit 15 – Arid Permeator Test | ||||||||||
Balance EVR Phase II Test Data Forms - (E.O.VR-203/4-XX and VR-208) | ||||||||||
Exhibit 5 - Option 1 - Liquid Removal Test | ||||||||||
Exhibit 8 - VST/ECS Hydrocarbon Sensor Verification Test | ||||||||||
Exhibit 9 - VST Processor Activation | ||||||||||
Exhibit 10 - Vapor Pressure Sensor Verification Test | ||||||||||
Exhibit 11 – Veeder-Root Vapor Polisher Operability Test | ||||||||||
Exhibit 12 – Veeder-Root Hydrocarbon Emissions Verification Test | ||||||||||
Exhibit 13 – HIRT Processor Panel Operability (Ex.8 of VR-208) | ||||||||||
Exhibit 14 - Determination of Static Pressure Performance of the Healy Clean Air Separator | ||||||||||
Exhibit 17 - Veeder-Root ISD Vapor Flow Meter Operability Test | ||||||||||
INCON ISD Flow Meter Operability Test (Ex. 19 of VR-204 or Ex. 10 of VR-208) | ||||||||||
INCON ISD Pressure Sensor Verification Test (Ex. 20 of VR-204 or Ex. 11 of VR-208) | ||||||||||
Healy Executive Order #G-70-187 | ||||||||||
Exhibit 5 - Healy EO#G-70-187, Fill neck Vapor Pressure Regulation Test | ||||||||||
Exhibit 4 - Healy EO#G-70-187, Vapor Return Line Vacuum Integrity Test | ||||||||||
Other Test Data Forms |
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Liquid Condensate Trap |
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TP 201.3/Exhibit 4/ TP 96-1 Pressure Decay Tests |
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TP 96-1 Static Pressure Leak Test Procedure |
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Nozzle Bag Test Procedure - Exhibit 7 of VR-201-209-XX & Exhibit 2 of G-70-191-AA |
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TP 201.4 Dynamic Back Pressure Healy Quarterly Inspection Checklist |
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Recent Updates |
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Gas Station Online Notification Guidance |
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Summary of Revisions to Test Data Forms |
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Record Keeping Forms
- Permit Attachment C - Monthly Gasoline Throughput Records
- Permit Attachment E - Monthly Dispensing Flow Rate Records
- Permit Attachment I - Inspection, Maintenance and Repair Log for Phase I and II Components (Underground Storage Tanks)
- Permit Attachment M - Inspection, Maintenance and Repair Log (Aboveground Storage Tanks)
- Healy Quarterly Inspection Form
Certification Requirements for Testing and Installation Contractors
Any person testing, installing, repairing, replacing, or testing phase I and/or phase II systems or components at gasoline dispensing facilities equipped with an aboveground storage tank (AST) or an underground storage tank (UST) shall have the applicable certification/training as specified in Permit Attachment K (Certification requirements for technicians).
Compliance Assistance Videos
For Testers/Contractors
Introduction to Vapor Recovery Testing
Drop Tube Integrity Test Procedure
Healy Clean Air Separator Exhibit 4 Test
VP 1000 Vacuum Integrity Test (B 3-6)
Vapor to Liquid Exhibit 5 Test Procedure
96-1 Test Procedure (10" Pressure Decay Test)
TP201.3 (2" Pressure Decay Test)
Compliance Division Contact
For general questions please contact the Compliance Division by phone at (858) 586-2650 Monday through Friday from 7:00 am through 5:00 pm, by email, or by mail to 10124 Old Grove Road, San Diego, CA 92131.
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