1999 ANNUAL REPORT
VAPOR RECOVERY/
ENVIRONMENT MARKETING

WSPA Works To Build Consensus Regarding Problems
With Vapor Recovery Systems

In 1999, WSPA hosted a meeting with representatives from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Independent Oil Marketers Association (CIOMA) and two major air districts to address possible problems linked with service station vapor recovery systems. The goal of the meeting was to develop a proposal to correct the potential difficulties with the systems.

Assuming that all stakeholders have ownership in this potential problem, WSPA advocated for the identification of the concrete issues along with the prioritization of their appropriate solutions. Stakeholders, including WSPA & The American Petroleum Institute (API), recognized that a preliminary proposal from CARB could result in de-certification of virtually all existing vapor recovery systems at retail gasoline outlets over the next few years. The stakeholder group is attempting to develop a feasible approach to resolving the issue.

WSPA's recommendations include:

• enhancing the equipment certification process

• assessing the performance of equipment in the field

• providing for training and/or certification standards for installation, maintenance and testing personnel

• assuring the correctness of initial installations

• maintaining statewide consistency

• addressing legislative changes that may be necessary in order to implement these recommendations

Because other states throughout the nation rely on California for certification of equipment, this issue could have far reaching implications. CARB has become very sensitive to these issues and is working to avoid any potential disruption to the industry and consumers.

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