Stage II Decommissioning Guide

Source Vapor Recover Map Connecticut Delaware Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey Rhode Island Vermont

Please click on your state in the map to learn more about Stage II Decommissioning in your area.

Source is reviewing Stage II decommissioning requirements across the United States. Here’s what we know.

Stage II Decommissioning Research for Source

U.S. EPA Allowing Decommissioning of Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems

In the 1990s, The United States Clean Air Act (CAA) required many ozone nonattainment areas to adopt Stage II Vapor Recovery systems at their gasoline-dispensing facilities (GDF). Beginning in 1998, the CAA also required vehicle-makers to add onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) systems for capturing gasoline vapors during refueling to all automobiles and light- and medium-duty cars, vans and trucks. Since 2006, all new vehicles and trucks have been equipped with ORVR systems.

In large part because of the positive impacts ORVR systems have had on the reduction of harmful fugitive emissions during refueling, on May 16, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final ruling stating that since ORVR is now in widespread use, all states and regions with Stage II Vapor Recovery programs in place for ozone nonattainment areas have the option of removing these programs from their state implementation plans (SIPs). In order to approve the SIP revision, the EPA requires the state or region to produce a technical demonstration showing that removing a Stage II Vapor Recovery systems will not adversely impact air quality.

GDFs that provide an acceptable technical demonstration to the EPA are allowed to permanently decommission their Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems. To aid in this process, the Petroleum Equipment Institute has created "RP300: Recommended Practices for Installation and Testing of Vapor-Recovery Systems at Vehicle-Fueling Sites," specifically Section 14: Decommissioning State II Vapor-Recovery Piping.

With this new rule regarding Stage II Vapor Recovery systems recently going into effect, Source™ has been reviewing Stage II decommissioning efforts across the country. Here's what we know, state-by-state or region-by-region. Please contact your Source sales representative for more details.

Arizona: Last Updated: 2015-09-11

House Bill 2128 exempts new gasoline stations from the mandatory installation of Stage II equipment and requires the decommissioning of all existing Stage II equipment to occur from Oct. 1, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2018. The Arizona Department of Weights & Measures has developed rules, effective Oct. 6, 2015, for the decommissioning process. The department has also established requirements for remaining Stage I vapor recovery systems.

The default date owners and operators are required to decommission their Stage II vapor recovery equipment is based upon the facility Weights and Measures BMF (license) number:

Sites with a BMF number of 13676 or less: must decommission between Oct. 1, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2017
Sites with a BMF number of 13677 or higher: must decommission between Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2018

The Arizona Department of Weights & Measures will host conference calls at 1 p.m. Sept. 29, 2015, 10 a.m. Oct. 8 and 3 p.m. Oct. 20 to review decommissioning requirements. Alternate Decommissioning Plans are due Dec. 31, 2015.

Learn more at: https://dwm.az.gov/resource/stage-ii-program-changes

California: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

California has not waived any Stage II Vapor Recovery requirements and the California Environmental Protection Agency still requires the operation of Stage II systems throughout the state. This rule is expected to remain in effect until 2030.

Learn more at: www.arb.ca.gov

Connecticut: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

Rules for newly constructed GDFs were waived as of Feb. 12, 2012. Per House Bill 6534 signed June 18, 2013 GDFs are now allowed to begin decommissioning of Stage II in accordance with requirements of the statute. Subsection (c) stipulates that: “Decommissioning of a stage II vapor recovery system shall: (1) Begin after such owner has notified the commissioner of the intent to decommission; (2) be performed in accordance with Section 14 of the 2009 "Recommended Practices for Installation and Testing of Vapor Recovery Systems at Vehicle Refueling Sites" of the Petroleum Equipment Institute; and (3) be completed within one hundred days from initiation, unless the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection grants an extension of time for good cause after a request for such extension by the owner of a gasoline dispensing facility. Such notification shall be made at least thirty days prior to decommissioning on a form prescribed by the commissioner.”

Decommissioning of Stage II is required to be completed by July 1, 2015

Learn more at: www.ct.gov and legiscan.com/CT/text/HB06534

Delaware: Last Updated: 2015-09-11

Effective Sept. 11, 2015, new GDFs or GDFs being modified with monthly throughput greater than 10,000 gallons of gasoline are no longer required to install Stage II vapor recovery equipment. These GDFS will be required to install and use CARB-certified enhanced Stage I vapor control equipment to control emissions when underground storage tanks are being filled. These GDFs also are required to either comply with testing and monitoring procedures, or participate in a trial demonstration of CARB-certified CPM systems for its storage tanks.

Learn more at: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Info/Documents/Secretarys-Order-No-2015-A-0030.pdf

Florida: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

As of May 15, 2007, Florida no longer required Stage II Vapor Recovery installation in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Learn more at: www.dep.state.fl.us

Georgia: Last Updated: 2014-04-23

Stage II decommissioning started on 5-1-2014 must be completed by 4-30-2016.

Learn more at: environet.dnr.state.ga.us

Illinois: Last Updated: 2014-01-02

The Illinois Pollution Control Board adopted decommissioning rules on December 19, 2013. Effective as of January 1, 2014 Illinois is now accepting “Notice of Intent” forms, which must be submitted prior to starting any work. Stage II Decommissioning forms and related information can be found on the State of Illinois EPA website http://www.epa.state.il.us/.

Illinois will require all decommissioning to be completed by Dec 31, 2016.

Indiana: Last Updated: 2015-03-23

As of April 12, 2013, new stations, and those that meet certain upgrade/update requirements, are no longer required to install or maintain vapor recovery systems. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management must be notified before decommissioning an existing site. This department can be contacted at Stage2notify@idem.in.gov or at (317) 233-6865.

Learn more at: www.in.gov

Kentucky: Last Updated: 2016-08-8

Motor fuels retailers in Boone, Campbell, Jefferson and Kenton counties are no longer required to install Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems for new installations. Likewise, existing Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems are no longer required and must be decommissioned by December 31, 2018.

Learn more at: www.lrc.ky.gov

Louisiana: Last Updated: 2014-06-25

Stage II Vapor Recovery is still required in the six parishes surrounding Baton Rouge. The rule does not apply to segregated E85 dispensing systems that can only dispense to E85 vehicles.

Learn more at: www.deq.louisiana.gov

Please note that in 2012 the state issued a potpourri memorandum which suspended Stage II requirements for new construction and significant upgrades, but cautions that if at any time the department deems the vapor recovery systems necessary, the stations will have to retroactively install and/or connect said systems.

Learn more at: www.deq.louisiana.gov

Maine: Last Updated: 2015-03-23

Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection amended its air rules in April 2011 and repealed its Stage II Vapor Recovery requirements as of Jan. 1, 2012. GDFs with Stage II systems must have discontinued the Stage II systems and/or removed the Stage II systems by Jan. 1, 2013.

Learn more at: www.maine.gov/dep/

Maryland: Last Updated: 2014-04-23

Stage II decommissioning started as of 3-6-2014 but no completion timeframe to date.

Learn more at: www.mde.maryland.gov

Massachusetts: Last Updated: 2015-01-29

Stage II decommissioning started 7/9/12, per MassDEP’s first Stage II enforcement discretion letter. Effective January 2, 2015, amendments to MassDEP Air Pollution Control Regulations at 310 CMR 7.00 and 310 CMR 7.24 require the removal of Stage II vapor recovery systems and enhancements to Stage I vapor recovery equipment at gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs) across Massachusetts, and the completion date is 2 years from this effective date.

Learn more at: www.mass.gov

Michigan: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

In April 2011, the state waived its Stage II Vapor Recovery installation requirements.

Learn more at: www.michigan.gov

Missouri: Last Updated: 2015-03-23

The Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program announced that effective March 15, 2013, gasoline stations in the city of St. Louis and Jefferson, St. Charles, Franklin and St. Louis counties are subject to Stage II Vapor Recovery Rules and may begin to decommission their Stage II Vapor Recovery Equipment, following proper procedures. According to the department’s Code of State Regulations 10 CSR 10-5.220, Stage II Vapor Recovery systems must be decommissioned by Dec. 31, 2015.

Learn more at: dnr.mo.gov

Nevada: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

Stage II Vapor Recovery is required in Las Vegas and Reno counties, which are autonomous from the state's air program.

Learn more at: www.nv.gov

New Hampshire: Last Updated: 2014-04-23

All stations must be decommissioned by 12-22-2015

Learn more at: www.des.nh.gov

New Jersey: Last Updated: 2019-10-1

Has not waived Stage II Vapor Recovery requirements and a GDF can only be in operation if it is equipped with a vapor-control system. Sites that have been decommissioned are required to have dripless CARB-certified enhanced conventional nozzles and low-permeation hoses installed by Nov. 9, 2020. View the full regulations, Title 7, Chapter 27 — Air Pollution Control — at the State of New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality Regulatory Development webpage.

Learn more at: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/daq/

New Mexico: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

Dona Ana County (Las Cruces, NM/El Paso, TX, area) is the only county that requires Stage II Vapor Recovery.

Learn more at: www.nmenv.state.nm.us

New York: Last Updated: 2014-04-23

Stage II decommissioning is allowed when proper removal procedures are followed.

Learn more at: www.dec.ny.gov

North Carolina: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

The state repealed its Stage II Vapor Recovery requirements, which applied only to Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), on April 19, 2009.

Learn more at: www.charmeck.org

Ohio: Last Updated: 2015-03-23

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has allowed decommissioning of Stage II vapor control systems since January 17, 2014. Ohio requires statewide decommissioning of Stage II vapor recovery to be completed by January 1, 2017. In addition as of April 1, 2014 the state also requires installation of low permeation hose.

Learn more at: www.epa.state.oh.us

Oregon: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

Has not waived Stage II Vapor Recovery rules, which require vapor-control systems in the Portland-area counties of Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington.

Learn more at: www.deq.state.or.us

Pennsylvania: Last Updated: 2022-04-11

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has finalized its Stage II decommission regulations for gasoline dispensing facilities in 12 counties in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas. The final rulemaking, which is effective March 26, 2022, requires the removal of vacuum assist vapor recovery equipment by Dec. 31, 2022. It also requires the installation of low permeation hoses and ECO enhanced conventional nozzles with interlocks according to the following timelines:

  • At existing dispensers approximately 2 years after the effective date of the rule
  • Immediately when a new gasoline dispensing facility begins operation
  • Immediately when a dispenser is replaced

Recordkeeping and reporting requirements also were revised under the updated regulation.

Learn more at: www.dep.pa.gov

Rhode Island: Last Updated: 2014-04-23

Stage II decommissioning started 12-25-2013 and must be complete by 12-22-2017. Also by December 25, 2020, all GDFs must have installed a CARB-certified EVR Stage I system or a Stage I system made up of EVR components.

Learn more at: www.dem.ri.gov

Tennessee: Last Updated: 2015-07-27

Tennessee Proposes to Amend Vapor Recovery Regulations

The state proposes to remove its Stage II vapor recovery requirements from TAPCR 1200-03-18-24, which covers the five-county Middle Tennessee area (Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson Counties). As proposed:

  • Gasoline dispensing facilities with existing Stage II vapor recovery systems would have to decommission and remove their Stage II systems no later than January 1, 2019.
  • On and after January 1, 2016, no gasoline dispensing facility would have to install a Stage II system.
  • Stage II systems must be removed according to PEI’s Recommended Practices for Installation and Testing of Vapor-Recovery Systems at Vehicle-Fueling Sites (PEI/PRP300-09).

In a related rulemaking proposal, Tennessee proposes to lower the applicability thresholds for certain gasoline storage tanks subject to federal Stage I requirements. Tennessee’s revised state requirements would be as stringent as or more stringent than the comparable federal requirements.

Learn more at: www.tn.gov

Texas: Last Updated: 2015-03-23

Effective May 16, 2014, Gasoline Dispensing Facilities with Stage II equipment may now elect to remove their Stage II systems. Owners (or their Licensed A/B Tank Contractor) must file 30 day Notification with the appropriate TCEQ regional office and/or the local government program having jurisdiction. A link to the form is provided in this Regulatory Alert. Contact and address information is provided on the 2nd page of the form for the regional TCEQ and local government offices. In addition, follow-up confirmation to the appropriate regional/local government office 24 – 72 hours prior to the scheduled date is required. Stage II decommissioning must be completed by 8-31-2018.

Learn more at: www.tceq.state.tx.us

Vermont: Last Updated: 2015-03-23

In 2009, Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources enacted a law that authorized the phaseout of Stage II Vapor Recovery systems. Effective January 1, 2013, GDFs can discontinue the use of their Stage II systems, and all systems must be properly decommissioned by Jan. 15, 2015.

Learn more at: www.anr.state.vt.us

Virginia: Last Updated: 2014-04-23

Decommissioning is currently allowed when certain requirements are met. New locations do not require Stage II.

Learn more at: www.deq.virginia.gov

Washington: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

Has not waived Stage II Vapor Recovery requirements for a total of seven counties in the Seattle and Vancouver areas.

Learn more at: www.ecy.wa.gov

Washington, D.C.: Last Updated: 2013-07-5

Has not waived Stage II Vapor Recovery System requirements.

Learn more at: www.mwcog.org

Wisconsin: Last Updated: 2015-03-23

The governor signed a law that now allows decommissioning of existing sites in Wisconsin affecting the counties of Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha. Please refer to the specific statute 285.31 for details here.

Additionally, according to the WI DNR website, site owners can apply for state grants to fund decommissioning projects. The deadline to apply for a grant is May 15, 2015.

Learn more at: dnr.wi.gov

Nineteen states currently do not require any form of Stage II Vapor Recovery at GDFs. They are:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • North Dakota
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Utah
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

Please contact your Source sales representative for more details.

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