Vapor Recovery requirements exist to ensure the implementation of technologies that would trap gasoline vapors that have been found to contribute to the formation of harmful ozone in our atmosphere.
Stage I vapor recovery refers to the capture of the gasoline vapors generated when a tank truck delivers gasoline to a storage tank at a gasoline dispensing facility and the return of those vapors to the tank truck. The collected vapors are then transported to the gasoline terminal by the tank truck where they are controlled when the tank truck is refilled, usually by condensing the vapors or incineration.
Stage II vapor recovery refers to the system used on gasoline dispensing pumps to control releases of gasoline vapors when motor vehicles are refueled. Since the early 2000s, new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and most heavy-duty gasoline powered vehicles have been equipped with onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) systems. ORVR systems are carbon canisters installed directly on automobiles to capture the fuel vapors evacuated from the gasoline tank before they reach the nozzle of a gas pump. The fuel vapors captured in the carbon canisters are then combusted in the engine when the automobile is in operation. The phase-in of ORVR controls has essentially eliminated the need for Stage II vapor recovery systems.
In Indiana, only Lake, Porter, Clark, and Floyd counties had requirements for Stage II vapor recovery at certain gasoline stations, depending on the amount of gasoline pumped at the facility and the facility's location. U.S. EPA approved removal of Stage II requirements in these counties, effective July 11, 2016.
Stage II Vapor Recovery Rules and Guidance
- Approval and Promulgation of SIP Submittal to Remove Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems for Clark, Floyd, Lake, and Porter Counties effective July 11, 2016
- Additional Information Regarding State Implementation Plan Revision for Clark/Floyd Counties and Lake/Porter Counties, Indiana for Removal of Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems (September 10, 2015) [PDF]
- SIP Submittal to Remove Stage II Vapor Recovery Systems for Clark, Floyd, Lake and Porter Counties (April 27, 2015) [PDF]
- 326 IAC 8-4-6, Gasoline Dispensing Facilities [PDF]
- Federal Widespread Use Finding/Waiver [ZIP]
- Guidance on Removing Stage II Gasoline Vapor Control Programs from State Implementation Plans and Assessing Comparable Measures [ZIP]
- Widespread Use Analysis for Indiana per U.S. EPA Guidance [PDF]
- Stage II Vapor Recovery Nonrule Policy Document (NPD-Air-036) - available on the IDEM Nonrule Policies page