Gasoline Vapor Recovery Program

Gasoline vapors (VOCs) are emitted during the storage and distribution of gasoline fuels. Sources of emissions include gasoline stations, bulk gasoline terminals and gasoline transport tanks. Once released these hydrocarbon vapors act as ozone precursors contributing to the formation of lower atmospheric ozone (smog). Gasoline vapors also contain toxic compounds, such as, benzene, ethylbenzene toluene and xylene.

• Stage I and Stage II Vapor Recovery
  Top Off Ban, Top Off Poster

• Permits and Certifications

• Contact Information

Many Oregon businesses make significant contributions towards controlling pollution and handling waste responsibly. Oregon’s service stations, gasoline transporters and terminals are no exception. Actions and equipment to capture benzene and other volatile compounds achieves multiple benefits: reducing smog, protecting employees and the public from a known carcinogen, conserving fuel, and preventing malfunction of vapor recovery systems installed on pumps and newer vehicles.

Control of gasoline vapors from refueling and distribution is done using Stage I and Stage II controls.

Stage I and Stage II Gasoline Vapor Recovery Systems

Top Off Ban

Generally topping off is when, in the absence of equipment malfunction, an attendant continues to fill a gasoline tank after the nozzle has clicked off. If an attendant can confirm that a vehicle tank is not full after the click off, the attendant may continue to dispense fuel using best judgment and caution to prevent a spill.

• Beginning July 1, 2009, topping off vehicle fuel tanks during refueling will no longer be allowed. Topping off causes several problems, including gasoline drips and spills that release harmful pollution, wasted fuel, and malfunction of vapor recovery equipment in vehicles and at gas pumps.

• The new prohibition on topping off or overfilling vehicles involves a period of learning and behavior change, both for businesses and customers. Below, DEQ has provided a PDF of a “No Topping Off” sign for gasoline distribution facilities.

• Gasoline Dispensing Facility Notification Forms

  • Form A - Notification for Oregon Gasoline Dispensing Facility
    Required for all Oregon facilities that dispense gasoline into motor vehicle tanks

  • Form B - Certification of Non-Gasoline Dispensing Facility
    Required for any facility subject to gasoline vapor recovery regulations that is NOT dispensing gasoline into motor vehicle tanks

• Top Off Poster 8x11 PDF
• Top Off Ban Flyer PDF

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Permits and Certifications

A Vapor Collection Permit is required for gasoline dispensing facilities with a tank capacity of more than 1,500 but less than 40,000 gallons that are located within Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties and the Medford and Salem Air Quality Maintenance Areas.

Gasoline Transporter Certification is required of any gasoline transport vessel operating within the state of Oregon.

Permitting and Licensing information

• Stage I/Stage II Vapor Collection Maintenance/Inspection Log PDF
• Vapor Collection Permit Application with Instructions PDF
• Application for Gasoline Transporter Certification Permit DOC
• The "How To" Book on Vapor Recovery PDF
  

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Contact Information for Vapor Recovery Questions

Topic/County	Contact
Statewide Gasoline Transporter Certification questions	Portland DEQ: 503-229-6035 or 800-452-4011
Stage I and II questions in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties	Portland DEQ: 503-229-6035 or 800-452-4011
Stage I questions in Marion County and surrounding areas	Salem DEQ: 503-378-5086, ext. 272 or 800-349-7677.
Stage I questions in Jackson County and surrounding areas	Medford DEQ: 541-776-6010, ext. 235 or 877-823-3216
Stage I questions in Central and Eastern Oregon	Pendleton DEQ: 541-278-4626

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