Gas Station Compliance for Owners and Operators

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On September 1, 2011, gas station owners and operators have new, simpler requirements to the Clean Air Agency.  The new air quality regulations are designed to streamline owner/operator inspection and maintenance requirements, reduce paperwork, and ensure expert service for required equipment testing, installations, and repairs.

Key elements of the new regulations require gas station owners and operators to:

• Check nozzles and hoses for visible gasoline leaks on a regular basis.  It is up to you to determine how often you should check for leaks so that you find them, not an inspector.
• Keep a log of when you check for gas leaks, and keep it accessible for inspection. Here is an example of a log (PDF).
• Immediately remove any defective equipment from service until repairs can be made.
• Complete a pressure-decay test every six months. Stations with vapor-balance and vacuum-assist systems must complete a set of tests every year. Installations of new or replaced Stage 1 equipment now require specific tests.
• Ensure testing is conducted on time.  This is your responsibility, not the testing contractor. To find out when and what tests you need, use the Testing Schedule Calculator below. 
• Hire only certified technicians to do new installations, repairs, upgrades, and testing. All gas station technicians/contractors are required to complete the certification exam(s) to ensure customers are receiving consistent service quality.  See the link below for a list of certified technicians.
• Keep all test reports at the station for at least two years after the testing date, and keep them accessible for inspection.
• Have an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan for your business and ensure employees understand their O&M responsibilities.

*Note: The new rules apply to stations in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties that have a throughput over 200,000 gallons of gasoline per year or have existing Stage 1 or Stage 2 equipment.

Please see the links below to learn more about the new gas stations rules. If you have questions, contact Mario Pedroza at mariop@pscleanair.org or 206.689.4023.