Many States Ease Regulations to Allow Conventional Fuel Nozzles at New or Modified Gas Stations

ST. LOUIS - May 22, 2013 - PRLog -- PACIFIC, MO – Regulators in several states now allow new or modified Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (GDF) exemptions from Stage II vapor recovery requirements and permit the installation of conventional systems and hanging hardware. Stage II systems are frequently cumbersome for customers to use and expensive for gas stations to operate. For fuel marketers who want to take advantage of such opportunities, Husky Corporation offers the preassembled and fully tested EZ Connect hanging hardware solution.

http://husky.com/husky/ez-connect/decommissioning/

In May 2012 the Environmental Protection Agency ruled Stage II vapor recovery systems are less effective at recapturing gas vapors during refueling because Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery systems (ORVR) are widespread. States in the 40 ozone nonattainment areas affected by the decision may revise plans to meet air quality guidelines without Stage II systems. A number of states have opted to waive requirements because Stage II systems no longer justify the cost to install and maintain them.

·   Connecticut: Waived requirements to install Stage II vapor recovery systems at newly constructed GDF http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2684&q=322140&depNav_GID=1619

·   Louisiana: Suspended Stage II requirements for newly constructed GDF and those with increased throughput that would otherwise be required to install Stage II http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/DIVISIONS/LegalAffairs/RulesandRegulations/MonthlyRegulationChanges/2012Rules.aspx

·   Massachusetts: Stage II requirements do not apply to new or modified GDF  http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/service/massdep-site-help.html

·   Michigan: Waived Stage II vapor recovery installation requirements http://www.michigan.gov/

·   New York: Does not assess fines for new installations and GDF that properly decommission Stage II systems http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/74990.html

·   Ohio: New retail GDF and those that have been fully renovated are exempt from Stage II vapor recovery requirements  

·   Pennsylvania: Suspended enforcement of Stage II vapor recovery requirements for new GDF and those what would be affected by the requirements in the future http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/about_dep/13464

·   Rhode Island: GDF that excavate and expose vapor lines, as well as stations that replace 50 percent or more of their dispensers, can apply for an exemption from Stage II requirements http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/air/pdf/stage2po.pdf

·   Virginia: Exercises enforcement discretion by not assessing a violation to a new or modified GDF for failure to comply with Stage II requirements http://www.deq.virginia.gov/

States including Illinois and Texas are currently considering rule revisions to specify that new GDF not be required to install Stage II equipment and to allow existing systems to be properly decommissioned.

Florida, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Vermont, and Wisconsin have either revoked all Stage II requirements or currently allow GDF to decommission them.

Husky Corporation is the only company that manufactures all the components required for decommissioning Stage II systems. EZ Connect is available according to customer specifications:

·         EZ Connect Adapter: Plugs the fuel hose vapor recovery line at the dispenser

·         Whip Hose: Eight or nine inch lengths

·         Safe-T-Break: Chose from single use, standard re-connectable or MagBreak® magnetic re-connectable breakaway devices

·         Fuel Hose: Hard Wall, Wire Braid, Soft Wall

·         Multi-plane Swivel

·         Pressure-activated conventional Nozzle

The EPA estimates the 30,600 gasoline dispensing facilities outside California would save $3,000 each year, for a total national annual savings of $91 million, by decommissioning Stage II equipment. Fuel marketers are advised to check with the proper agency in their region to learn about the status of the Stage II vapor recovery program.

Please contact Husky Corporation toll-free at 800-325-3558 or at the Husky Corporation web site (http://www.husky.com/ez-connect) for more information.

About Husky: A Breed Apart
For 65 years, Husky Corporation has served as a trustworthy guide, developing breakthrough, American-made fuel nozzles, safe-t-breaks, and accessories, plus relentlessly providing the most dependable customer service in the industry. Headquartered in Pacific, Missouri (in the metro St. Louis area), Husky is committed to provide petroleum-dispensing products that meet or exceed our customer’s expectations and reinforce the fact that we are a reliable partner that is with our valued clients every step of the way. Husky continues to grow its reputation as a special-breed innovator with an acquisition strategy designed to add more products and services worthy of the Husky name. In addition to our legendary line of nozzles for vapor recovery, conventional fueling, truck and high volume, farm and commercial, and convenience stores, we now feature curb and farm hoses, oil lube products, plus aviation hoses.