News Release No. 182

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PROMOTES HEALTHY AIR QUALITY IN ST. LOUIS AREA THROUGH SAFE FUEL DELIVERY PRACTICES

Volume 34-182

Contact: Renee Bungart

(For immediate release)

573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 9, 2006 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources promotes safety and protection through the use of Stage I Vapor Recovery Systems at gas stations. When used correctly, these systems prevent the release of gasoline vapors into the air and potential explosions during fuel deliveries.

Stage I vapor recovery systems captures the vapors released as fuel is transferred from the delivery truck into the storage tank. Using two separate lines, the vapors are returned to the delivery truck as the fuel is transferred into the storage tank. The gasoline truck driver then transports these vapors back to the terminal for processing or destruction.

Improper use of Stage I vapor recovery systems, known as an illegal drop, will release gasoline vapors during fuel delivery increasing the danger of flash fires and explosions. Illegal drops not only can lead to life threatening fires and explosions but also can subject the driver and nearby people to the inhalation of hazardous chemicals, such as benzene and other known carcinogens found in gasoline.

St. Louis gas stations are also required to install Stage II vapor recovery systems in order to recover vapors from the nozzle as fuel is dispensed. Stage II vapor recovery requires black boot-like nozzles be placed on gas pumps at St. Louis area stations. These nozzles capture and return the vapors from the automobile tank to the underground storage tank at the station. The vapors are held there until a truck using a Stage I recovery system refills the underground tank. Due to variations of temperatures in the storage tank, vapors often condense back to liquid.

Gasoline delivery vessels that operate in St. Louis are required to test annually to demonstrate compliance with the Stage I regulations. The department, as well as the St. Louis City's Division of Air Pollution Control and the St. Louis County Department of Health, inspect and regulate gasoline bulk deliveries made using Stage I vapor recovery. If an improper use of the Stage I system is found, the gasoline delivery company as well as the gas station can be held responsible.

Gasoline vapors are a precursor needed for the formation of ground level ozone. Ozone is a major part of what is more commonly referred to as smog and is produced when volatile organic compounds from gasoline, car exhaust, industrial emissions and other sources mix with oxides of nitrogen from power plants and other sources. In order to form, ozone needs hot, sunny days with little or no wind.

Exposure to ground-level ozone can contribute to health problems. Those who suffer from asthma, heart disease, emphysema and other cardiopulmonary diseases could experience increased breathing difficulty. Long-term exposure to high levels of ozone can even cause healthy adults to experience breathing difficulty, especially those who exercise or work outdoors.

For more information on air quality and fuel delivery requirements, contact the department's Air Pollution Control Program at 573-751-4817 or 800-361-4827.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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