Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Controls Applicable to Gasoline Retailers and Wholesale Purchaser-Consumers; 10 Gallon Per Minute Fuel Dispensing Limit Requirement Implementation

On January 20, 1993 EPA finalized a requirement limiting vehicle service station fuel dispensing rates to 10 gallons per minute (gpm) maximum, beginning January 1, 1996, for retailers and wholesale purchaser-consumers handling over 10,000 gallons of fuel per month (55 FR 16002, March 24, 1993). In 1995, various groups in the petroleum industry requested that EPA delay the January 1, 1996 deadline, due mainly to the lack of available retrofit parts needed for compliance with the 10gpm requirement. This direct final rule delays the implementation date of the 10gpm requirement from January 1, 1996 until July 1, 1996. In addition, this direct final rule clarifies that the hardware/software for controlling the fuel dispensing rate may be located anywhere in the pump/dispenser system and that refueling facilities are exempt from the 10gpm requirement if used exclusively to refuel heavy-duty vehicles, boats or airplanes. Today's action is beneficial to affected parties which are not already in compliance with the 10gpm requirement. It provides additional time for manufacturers of fuel dispensing hardware to certify and produce the necessary equipment; and provides additional time for service station owners and fleet managers handling over 10,000 gallons of fuel per month to install the equipment where it is needed. It is not expected to result in any significant economic impact to any of the affected parties. Today's action has no impact on service station owners and fleet managers handling less than 10,000 gallons of fuel per month because they are not required to meet the 10gpm requirement until January 1, 1998. Today's action does not result in any significant environmental impacts. The six-month delay will only increase fuel spillage during refueling events (on a fleet average basis) by approximately .03 grams per gallon (or less) of fuel dispensed. For comparison purposes, the onboard refueling vapor recovery refueling (ORVR) emission standard is .20 grams per gallon