Petrol vapour recovery regulation
Many service stations require an Environmental Permit, which ensures that controls are in place to recover petrol vapour that can be lost to the atmosphere during the following activities.
- The unloading of petrol into stationary storage tanks from a road tanker, and
- The refuelling of motor vehicle petrol tanks
Controls to minimise vapour loss from the unloading of petrol into storage tanks are referred to as Stage 1 vapour recovery controls. Controls to minimise vapour loss from the filling of vehicle tanks are referred to as Stage 2 vapour recovery controls.
A service station will require an Environmental Permit in the following circumstances.
- New Service stations (those brought into operation after 31 December 2009): A permit covering Stage 1 and Stage 2 vapour recovery is required if the annual throughput of petrol is, or is likely to be, 500m3 or more per annum.
- Existing service stations (those brought into operation before 31 December 2009): A permit covering Stage 1 vapour recovery is required if the annual amount of petrol unloaded at the station is, or is likely to be, 500m3 or more. The permit will also need to cover Stage 2 vapour recovery if the annual throughput of petrol at the station is, or is likely to be, 3500m3 or more.
Service stations that meet the above thresholds must apply for an Environmental Permit from the Local Authority. It is an offence to operate a service station without one.
For more information, please submit an Enquiry Form.
