Vapor Recovery Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This page last reviewed April 22, 2010

1.0 - Vapor Recovery General (including pre-EVR questions)
2.0 - Enhanced Vapor Recovery (EVR) - GENERAL
3.0 - Liquid Retention
4.0 - Phase I EVR
5.0 - Phase II EVR
6.0 - Title 17 Equipment Defects
7.0 - Unihose

1.0 - VAPOR RECOVERY GENERAL (including pre-EVR questions)

1.1   How do I certify my equipment?

ANSWER: CP-201 Certification Procedure for Vapor Recovery Systems at Gasoline Dispensing Facilities outlines the certification process for vapor recovery equipment used in service stations.

1.2   Is my service station in compliance?

ANSWER: Check with your local district since California Service Stations are subject to the rules and regulations of the district.

1.3   What is the warranty period for certified equipment?

ANSWER: New vapor recovery equipment is required to have a warranty of at least 1 year.

1.4   Who enforces in-use vapor recovery performance?

ANSWER: In most cases,the local air district will enforce in-use vapor recovery performance requirements.

1.5   What is the timeline for ORVR compatibility?

ANSWER: Beginning April 1, 2003, new facilities can only install Phase II vapor recovery systems that have been determined to be compatible with ORVR equipped vehicles. Existing facilities shall comply with the ORVR compatibility deadlines as specified below:

September 1, 2005 for GDFs with > 2.0 million gal/yr throughput
January 1, 2006 for GDFs with < 2.0 and > 1.0 million gal/yr throughput
March 1, 2006 for GDFs with < 1.0 million gal/yr throughput

(gasoline throughput based on 2003 calendar year)

1.7   What existing Phase II systems have been approved as being ORVR compatible?

ANSWER: The Phase II systems that have been deemed compatible with ORVR equipped vehicles.

2.0 - ENHANCED VAPOR RECOVERY (EVR) - GENERAL

2.1   What are the EVR requirements, and when do they go into effect?

ANSWER: The EVR requirements are summarized in Advisory 336. The EVR Implementation Timeline that lists effective dates and operative dates of each requirement can be downloaded from the ARB Vapor Recovery website. This Timeline is applicable only to facilities with underground storage tanks.

2.2   How can I get copies of the EVR Executive Orders?

ANSWER: View them at vapor recovery system Executive orders. Otherwise, you can request a copy by calling (916) 327-0900.

2.3   What do I do if I am unable to buy an EVR-certified component due to limited commercial availability?

ANSWER: The ARB realizes some shortages may occur in the initial period after the new requirements take effect. If you have this problem, please complete the equipment unavailability form . This form is available at the ARB Vapor Recovery Web Page at www.arb.ca.gov/vapor/vapor.htm. Alternatively, you can send your request, along with supporting information, by FAX at (916) 322-2444 or by e-mail by using the Submit a question feature on this FAQ page. The ARB staff will review each request and make a determination of commercial availability on a statewide basis. The determination will be available and updated on the Vapor Recover website.

3.0 - LIQUID RETENTION

3.1   What are the requirements for replacement nozzles after April 1, 2005?

ANSWER: Only nozzles listed in Exhibit 1 of the latest version of the Executive Order G-70-199 series can be used.

3.2   Can I repair a non-EVR certified nozzle?

ANSWER: In most cases, the answer is "yes"; provided that certified factory replacement parts (or kits) are available for items such as spouts, boots, vapor guards and hold-open latches.

3.3   Can I install a nozzle not listed in Exhibit 1 that is in storage at a station or in inventory?

ANSWER: No. Only nozzles listed in Exhibit 1 can be used as replacements.

3.4   Does the Executive Order require the removal of any nozzles now in use?

ANSWER: Possibly. Not all nozzles have been certified to meet the 350 ml limit. Only those nozzles listed in Exhibit 1 of the latest version of Executive Order G-70-199 series may be used.

3.5   A dispensing nozzle is missing as a result of a drive-off and needs to be replaced. What nozzle can I use as a replacement?

ANSWER: The replacement nozzle for your system is listed in Exhibit 1 of the latest version of Executive Order G-70-199 series.

3.6   What if there are no certified nozzles for my system?

ANSWER: You must change your vapor recovery system so that you may use a nozzle listed in Exhibit 1.

3.7   What should I do if someone wants to sell me a nozzle not listed on Exhibit 1?

ANSWER: State law and the latest version of Executive Order G-70-199 series prohibit the offer for sale, sale or installation of nozzles that are not listed on Exhibit 1 after April 1, 2005. Installation of such nozzles after April 1, 2005, would be illegal and subject to enforcement action by districts. Therefore, you should report the seller to your local district.

3.8   When a boot or spout fails, can I remove the nozzle from the hose and replace it with an identical one that was previously in service, but has been repaired. For nozzles not listed on Exhibit 1, can I continue this practice?

ANSWER: If the nozzle is not listed on Exhibit 1, the answer is "NO."

3.9   Is it all right to remove a nozzle from the hose to perform a repair?

ANSWER: Yes. Before removing the nozzle, the dispenser must be taken out of service. The same nozzle body must be returned to use after the repair is completed.

3.10   If a station installs a new hose or changes the hose configuration on a dispenser, must the station replace the nozzle with one which meets the liquid retention requirement?

ANSWER: Yes.

3.11   If a non-booted nozzle listed in Executive Order G-70-150-AE fails, can I replace it with an identical non-booted nozzle if it is listed in Exhibit 1 and not adjust the A/L ratio down?

ANSWER: Higher A/L range nozzles must be replaced in accordance with Advisory 188.

4.0 - PHASE I EVR

4.1   What is the status of available EVR-certified, Phase I systems for new or modified construction?

ANSWER: View the EVR certified Phase I systems listed on the website. Additional Executive Orders certifying new systems will be posted as they are issued. Only certified systems may be installed in new gasoline dispensing facilities or for major modifications of existing gasoline dispensing facilities on or after July 1, 2001.
NOTE: As more EVR-certified systems become available, future Executive Orders will list additional components that may be used as alternatives to the originally certified components. Some of these components will be listed in more than one EO.

5.0 - PHASE II EVR

5.1   What is the status of EVR-certified Phase II vapor recovery systems?

ANSWER: View the Phase II EVR certified vapor recovery system Executive Orders.

6.0 - Title 17 Vapor Recovery Equipment Defects

6.1   Where can I find further information on Title 17 vapor recovery equipment defects?

ANSWER: View information regarding Title 17 equipment defects on our web site

7.0 - Unihose

7.1   When do I need to replace my non-Unihose multiproduct (non-Unihose) dispensers (i.e. 6-packs) with Phase II Unihose multi-product (Unihose) dispensers?

Answer: If your non-Unihose dispensers were installed before April 1, 2003, they may remain in use for the remainder of their useful life unless major modifications are made to your facility. Major modifications include addition, replacement or removal of 50 percent or more of the buried vapor piping or replacing dispensers.

7.2   My non-Unihose dispenser was damaged by a customer (end user) and needs to be replaced. Do I need to replace it with a Unihose dispenser?

Answer: No. Dispensers damaged as a result of an accident or vandalism may be replaced with the previously installed type dispenser.

7.3   I installed six non-Unihose dispensers before April 1, 2003. Over the last few months I replaced two dispensers due to end user damage. I now must replace a third dispenser due to further damage from end users. Is this considered the 50 percent limit for replacing non-Unihose dispensers? Am I required to replace the remainder of my non-Unihose dispensers?

Answer: No. The 50 percent replacement is not a cumulative total as long as the replacement is necessary because of damage.

7.4   Do I need to replace my non-Unihose dispensers with Unihose dispensers if I am replacing a blender or sensor?

Answer: No.

7.5   I am replacing an under dispenser spill containment for my non-Unihose dispensers. Do I need to replace the dispenser with a Unihose dispenser?

Answer: No, if the under-dispenser containment instalation is initiated before January 1, 2004.

7.6   If I install a Unihose dispenser today, will it be allowed to stay in use beyond 2008?

Answer: Unihose and non-unihose dispensers that are eventually certified as part of EVR Phase II systems can be used beyond 2009.