Balance EVR System Approved by CARB

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved the Vapor Systems Technology (VST) Phase 2 Enhanced Vapor Recovery (EVR) System. The system is based on the balance principle (the vapor exchange between vehicle fuel tank and gas station fuel storage system is achieved through positive displacement). The system is not currently approved for In-Station Diagnostics (ISD), which will be required in 2009 for facilities that dispense more than 600,000 gallons of gasoline per year.

The VST system utilizes an electric pump-driven membrane vapor processor to virtually eliminate vapor losses from the vapor vent line. Operators who install this system should expect to see reductions in inventory losses through evaporation.

The VST system is one of only two systems certified by the state as Phase 2 EVR compliant. It is also the only balance system certified to date. The deadline for EVR installation for most facilities will be in April 2009. Because no other systems are currently certified, existing gasoline stations will most likely need to choose between the VST system and the Healy system.

Listed below are some of the operational parameters required for compliance for the VST system:

• Flow rate must be between 6 and 10 gallons per minute
• Maximum hose length of hose and breakaway combination cannot exceed 15 feet
• System must be installed with liquid removal hoses
• Breakaways are not reconnecting and must be replaced after a drive-off
• Components reused after a drive-off must be tested before returned to service
• No flow limiters are allowed in the system
• Operators must maintain records of vapor processor alarms and maintenance
• The system must be maintained as directed by the VST Installation , Operation and Maintenance Manual

Additional operational parameters can be found in the CARB Executive Order: http://www.arb.ca.gov/vapor/eos/eo-vr203/vr203a.pdf

Operators who choose to install the VST system will be required to conduct the following tests:

• Liquid Removal
• Hydrocarbon Sensor Verification
• Vapor Pressure Sensor Verification Test
• Determination of VST Processor Activation Pressure
• Nozzle Bag Test
• Additional tests as dictated by the Phase 1 system

On November 27th, CARB released an approval letter allowing the installation of VST hanging hardware as replacement parts for existing (non-EVR) balance equipped gasoline stations. This will allow operators to replace with parts that will be compliant with the VST EVR in anticipation of eventual conversion.

Attention: Forklift Fleet Operators

By Ms. Erin Sheehy and Ms. Rosalie Skefich

After California Air Resources Board (CARB) dropped a proposed ban of all but zero-emission forklifts, a revised rule was recently adopted and became effective May 12, 2007. The final rule, commonly referred to as "Off-Road Large Spark-Ignition Engines" applies to older units [13 CCR, Article 2, Section 2775] and newer units [13 CCR, Article 4.5, Section 2430] produced on or after January 1, 2001.

Off-road large spark-ignition (LSI) equipment subject to the rule are mobile sources greater than 25 horsepower and >1 liter engine displacement that are powered by gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) aka propane, and other alternate fuels. Typical applications that use LSI engines include forklifts, airport ground support, sweepers, scrubbers, large turf care equipment, portable generators, and industrial tow tractors.

In accordance with the regulations, fleet operators in California, defined as 4 or more units, are required to complete a baseline inventory of their forklift and nonforklift units within 6 months of rule adoption. This baseline inventory is due by November 10, 2007. The inventory must include equipment type, make, model, serial number, and emission certification standards or retrofit verification level. Fleet operators must also maintain on file a written statement, product delivery ticket or receipt from the fuel supplier stating that the fuel supplied meets all applicable state and federal laws for use in their engines. Inventories must be maintained on-site until 2016.

By January 1, 2009, initial reductions for fleet average emissions for large forklift fleets, medium forklift fleets and non-forklift fleets must be met either by retrofitting, replacing, or retiring the engine. Two CARB-verified retrofit kits are currently available. Additional lower fleet average emission standards are required for 2011 and 2013. Some exemptions from the requirements are available for limited use, rented and leased equipment, and military tactical vehicles.For more information, visit the CARB website. For consulting assistance in identifying exempt equipment, establishing fleet average emissions, assessing appropriate retrofit kits, and complying with future emissions standards, contact , Ms. Erin Sheehy, ECS, 310-664-1396.

CARB Amends Portable Diesel Equipment Rule

On September 12th, 2007, amendments to 17 CCR 93116 went into effect for diesel engines that power equipment such as air compressors, portable batch plants, pile-drivers and generators. The changes primarily affect engines greater than 50 HP.

Under the changes, all engines must be federal or California Tier Certified by 1/1/2010 with some exceptions for emergency and low use engines. Alternatively, owners may commit to replacing with Tier 4 engines within 2 years of commercial availability.

Owners of portable equipment fleets must also comply with averaged fleet emission requirements. The initial compliance date is 2013 with additional and more stringent compliance deadlines in 2017 and 2020. There are incentives in the fleet portion of the rule that give extra credit for early use of Tier 4 engines, the use of alternative fuels and electrification of processes that used to be diesel driven.

Owners and operators of portable diesel equipment will need to maintain records of engine operation, and other emission related data. Owners will also be required to submit a signed statement of compliance to CARB before March, 2013 and again before March, 2017 and 2020. Enforcement of this regulation will be a joint effort of CARB and local air districts.

For the text of the full portable equipment air toxics regulation (17 CCR 93116) go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/portable/perp/peatcm091207.pdf