PA Final Stage I & II Regulation Changes Published As Final Law In PA Bulletin
On March 26, the final Environmental Quality Board regulations making changes to Stage I and II volatile organic compound emission controls on underground gasoline storage tanks were published in the PA Bulletin and are now effective.
PA DEP will now begin its program to remove the vapor capturing apparatus now in place in most gasoline dispensers in 12 Philadelphia and Pittsburgh area counties.
This specifically includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bucks, Butler, Chester, Delaware, Fayette, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Washington, and Westmoreland County.
The elimination of Stage ll has been a long-time goal of the PPA. Members should note that the “decommissioning process” as established by DEP does specify a series of steps that need to be implemented by tank owners, as outlined in the following guidance document.
These guidelines specify the type of replacement nozzles that owners would need to install, as well as deadlines for specific steps that ultimately need to be completed in specified time frames. Members are urged to consult with their tank installer companies to fully understand this new process.
