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COMPANIES VOLUNTEER IN CLEAN AIR ACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
Release Date: 01/19/2001
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JAN. 19, 2001
COMPANIES VOLUNTEER IN CLEAN AIR ACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAM
Under EPA’s Storage Tank Emission Reduction Partnership Program, developed with the American Petroleum Institute, 61 companies nationwide have voluntarily agreed to install emission controls on approximately 866 above-ground storage tanks. These emission controls are expected to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 2,000 tons annually -- the equivalent of removing 76,000 cars from the nation’s roads. VOCs are key contributors to ground-level ozone, or smog, which can decrease lung function and aggravate respiratory problems. Companies participating in the program include those with above-ground tanks that store substantial quantities of volatile organic liquids, including petroleum products. These companies will install enhanced emission control devices on their above-ground storage tanks that are equipped with fittings called “slotted guide poles.” The guide poles are slender columns built on the inside of the tanks that allow for fuel sampling and drainage. While guide poles enable accurate sampling to be conducted for environmental compliance, they also allow releases of VOCs into the air. In return for participation, EPA has agreed to eliminate any penalty obligations from companies that agree to audit, disclose and correct leaks from slotted guide poles. There was a June 12 deadline for companies to register their intent to participate in the program. The submission for the participation agreement was Dec. 11, 2000. Participating companies also agreed to install acceptable controls no later than June 13, 2002. More time will be allowed for those tanks that must be taken out of service to install these controls. The Storage Tank Emission Reduction Partnership Program exemplifies how government and industry can work together to achieve significant environmental benefits. Details of this program were published in the Federal Register (FR) on Jan.14. Pertinent FR notices are available at:
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/2000/January/Day-14/a621 and at www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPAFR-CONTENTS/2000/April/Day-13/contents.
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