FACT SHEET
Stage I Vapor Recovery
Florida gas stations that dispense ≥ 10,000 gallons of gasoline per month are required by Rule 62-252.300
F.A.C. to have Stage 1 Vapor Controls as of 1/1/2010.
Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (i.e. Gas Stations) Gasoline dispensing facilities receive gasoline products in
underground storage tanks (UST's) from vapor tight tank trucks. Pipes and valves interconnecting the UST's and the
truck’s tanker trailer create a "closed loop" (i.e. Stage I gasoline vapor recovery system). The Stage I gasoline vapor
recovery system collects 96% of the vapors that would have otherwise been emitted to the atmosphere to form ozone.
The Stage I system returns the displaced gasoline vapors to the tank truck which then returns the vapors to the bulk
gasoline terminal for processing.
How does a Stage I Vapor Recovery System work?
Stage I vapor recovery is used during the refueling of gasoline storage tanks to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Vapors
in the tank, which are displaced by the incoming gasoline, are routed through a hose into the cargo tanker trailer,
instead of being vented to the atmosphere. A pressure/vacuum valve, displayed on the diagram below, must be
installed on the outlet of the UST vent pipe; otherwise the vapors will be lost to the environment rather than being
captured by the tanker truck.
Stage I Vapor Recovery System
Pressure/Vacuum
Valve on Vent Pipe
Gasoline Vapor Return
Gasoline
Product
Submerged Drop
Tube
Vent
Pipe
Poppet Valve
and Cap
(Orange)
Top View
Poppet Valve
Side View
UST
What does the rule require?
Rule 62-252.300(2) Prohibition. “No owner or operator of a gasoline dispensing facility subject to the provisions of
this section shall transfer or cause or allow the transfer of gasoline from any gasoline cargo tank into any stationary
storage tank located at any such gasoline dispensing facility unless the stationary storage tank is equipped for
submerged filling and the vapors displaced from the storage tank during filling are processed by a Stage I vapor
recovery system in accordance with subsection 62-52.300(3), F.A.C.”
*For more information please contact Martin Costello at 850-717-9040 or [email protected]. A copy of
the complete rule can be found at http://www.floridadep.org/air/rules/fac/62-252.pdf.
January 2011