Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-3-6-.05

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 12, September 30, 2024

Section 335-3-6-.05 - Bulk Gasoline Plants

(1) For the purpose of this Rule, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Bottom Filling" shall mean the filling of a tank truck or stationary storage tank through an opening that is flush with the tank bottoms.

(b) "Bulk Gasoline Plant" shall mean a gasoline storage and distribution facility with an average daily throughput equal to or less than 76,000 liters (20,000 gallons) in any calendar month which receives gasoline from bulk terminals by trailer transport, stores it in tanks, and subsequently dispenses it via account trucks to local farms, businesses, and gasoline dispensing facilities.

(c) "Splash Filling" shall mean the filling of a tank truck or stationary tank through a pipe or hose whose discharge opening is above the surface level of the liquid in the tank being filled.

(d) "Vapor Balance System" shall mean a combination of pipes or hoses which create a closed system between the vapor spaces of an unloading and a receiving tank such that vapors displaced from the receiving tank are transferred to the tank being unloaded.

(2) This Rule shall apply to the unloading and storage operations of all bulk gasoline plants and all tank trucks or trailers delivering gasoline at bulk gasoline plants, except stationary storage tanks of less than 3,785 liters (1,000 gallons) capacity.

(3) Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this Rule, no owner or operator of a bulk gasoline plant may permit the unloading of gasoline into stationary storage tanks unless each tank is equipped with a vapor balance system as described under paragraph (6) of this Rule and approved by the Director; and

(a) each tank is equipped with a submerged fill pipe, approved by the Director; or

(b) each tank is equipped with a fill line whose discharge opening is not over 18 inches from the bottom of the tank.

(4) Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this Rule, after October 1, 1992, no owner or operator of a bulk gasoline plant, tank truck, or trailer may permit the unloading of tank trucks or trailers at a bulk gasoline plant unless each tank truck or trailer is equipped with a vapor balance system as described under paragraph (6) of this Rule and complies with Rule 335-3-6-.20(3).

(5) No owner or operator of a bulk gasoline plant, tank truck, or trailer shall permit the transfer of gasoline between tank truck or trailer and stationary storage tank unless:

(a) the transfer is conducted in accordance with paragraphs (3) (4) of this Rule; and

(b) the vapor balance system is in good working order and is connected and operating; and

(c) gasoline tank truck or trailer hatches are covered at all times during unloading operations; and

(d) there are no leaks in the tank trucks' and trailers' pressure/vacuum relief valves and hatch covers, or the truck tanks or storage tanks, or associated vapor and liquid lines during unloading; and

(e) the pressure relief valves on above-ground storage vessels and tank trucks or trailers are set to release at no less than 4.8 kPa (0.7 psia) or the highest possible pressure (in accordance with state or local fire codes or the National Fire Prevention Association guidelines); and

(f) the gasoline tank truck or trailer has a valid Department Air Sticker as required by Rule 335-3-6-.20(4) attached and visibly displayed.

(6) Vapor balance system required under paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Rule shall consist of the following major components:

(a) a vapor space connection on the stationary storage tank equipped with fittings which are vapor tight and will automatically and immediately close upon disconnection so as to prevent release of organic compounds; and

(b) a connecting pipe or hose equipped with fittings which are vapor tight and will automatically and immediately close upon disconnection so as to prevent release of organic compounds; and

(c) a vapor space connection on the tank truck or trailer equipped with fittings which are vapor tight and will automatically and immediately close upon disconnection so as to prevent release of organic material.

(7) Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this Rule after October 1, 1998, no owner or operator of a bulk gasoline plant, tank truck, or trailer may permit the loading of gasoline into tank trucks or trailers that are returning with vapors from gasoline dispensing facilities affected by Rule 335-3-6-.07 unless each tank truck or trailer and the stationary storage tank is equipped with a vapor balance system as described under paragraph (6) of this Rule and complies with Rule 335-3-6-.20(3) and

(a) equipment is available at the bulk gasoline plant to provide for the submerged filling of each tank truck or trailer; or

(b) each tank truck or trailer is equipped for bottom filling.

(8) No owner or operator of a bulk gasoline plant may permit the disposal of waste gasoline in sewers, open containers or in a manner that would result in evaporation.

Author: Wm. Gerald Hardy

Ala. Admin. Code r. 335-3-6-.05

Effective Date: November 26, 1979. Amended: Effective Date: November 1, 1990; October 24, 1991. Amended: Filed October 17, 1996; effective November 21, 1996.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-28-14, 22-22A-5, 22-22A-6, 22-22A-8.