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PROPOSAL:

Transfer Funds Within FY 1997-98 Budget to Purchase Vapor Recovery Analyzers

SYNOPSIS:

To establish compliance with the CARB executive orders and AQMD rules at gasoline dispensing facilities with bellowsless nozzle systems, testing is required using CARB-approved methods and equipment. Staff proposes to purchase hand-held units for this purpose. However, the per unit cost is above the threshold amount for fixed assets. This action is to transfer $32,000 from the Stationary Source Compliance, Services and Supplies Major Object, Public Notice and Advertising Account, to the Stationary Source Compliance, Fixed Asset Major Object, in the FY 1997-98 Budget. Purchase and use of the equipment was included in the Rule 461 Action Response Plan.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, March 20, 1998, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Transfer $32,000 from the Stationary Source Compliance, Services and Supplies Major Object, Public Notice and Advertising Account, to Stationary Source Compliance, Fixed Assets Major Object, in the FY 1997-98 Budget for the purchase of ten Vapor Recovery Analyzers.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

A significant number of retail gasoline dispensing facilities have installed the bellowsless nozzle vapor recovery systems certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). To verify compliance with CARB certification and AQMD rules, testing of the system must be performed using CARB-approved test methods and equipment. Specifically, CARB Test Procedure TP 201.5 must be conducted on each nozzle to verify the air-to-liquid (A/L) ratio is within required specifications.

The current test procedure uses the cumbersome Roots TLV test method for performing TP 201.5. This method requires two people to effectively conduct the test and a truck is generally used to transport the equipment. Recently, CARB approved the portable Hasstech VacuSmart analyzer as an alternate to TP 201.5 for measuring the A/L ratio and flow rates of bootless nozzles used in Phase II vapor recovery systems. It is a hand-held device that can be operated by a single person with minimal training. Test results are printed immediately upon test completion. Since CARB has approved its use as an alternate to TP 201.5, the results can be used for compliance action when required. Testing can be conducted during a routine inspection and does not require a subsequent test by a contractor if noncompliance is suspected.

Proposal

Currently, Stationary Source Compliance (SSC) does not have the capability for testing to verify if the vacuum-assist vapor recovery systems installed at gasoline dispensing facilities comply with the A/L specifications. Staff intends to purchase up to ten of the VacuSmart analyzers to be used as compliance tools. This testing was identified as one of the action items in the Rule 416 Action Response Plan. The per unit cost of the VacuSmart analyzers will be above the dollar threshold for designation as a fixed asset. Therefore, the units must be purchased from the Fixed Asset Major Object. CARB approved use of these units as an alternate to TP 201.5 after completion of the FY 1997-98 Budget and therefore, there is no SSC fixed asset funding for these analyzers. To fund this purchase, staff proposes that the Board transfer $32,000 from the Stationary Source Compliance, Services and Supplies Major Object, Public Notice and Advertising Account, to Stationary Source Compliance, Fixed Assets Major Object, in the FY 1997-98 Budget.

Resource Impacts

A total of $32,000 is needed to purchase the analyzers. Through this Board action, the funds will be transferred from one SSC budget account to another. Sufficient funds are available within the SSC account for the FY 1997-98 Budget. Without purchase of the analyzers, staff will not have the capability to conduct A/L ratio testing for compliance purposes. This testing is necessary for the Rule 461 Action Response Plan currently underway.

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