Leak Tightness Testing
Updated Requirements
NESHAP Subpart BBBBBB
On July 8, 2024, the EPA finalized the requirement of a graduated vapor tightness certification from 0.5 to 1.25 inches of water pressure drop over a 5-minute period, depending on the cargo tank compartment size for gasoline cargo tanks.
Changes to the leak tightness requirements of cargo tanks used to transport gasoline
Effective October 1, 2020, North Carolina updated several Air Quality rules with regards to leak testing requirements of cargo tanks used for transporting gasoline to and from gasoline storage tank facilities (including but not limited to: terminals, bulk plants, and gasoline service stations).
Updates to these rules modify the testing options and requirements for federally-certified testing facilities and cargo tanks that conduct business with terminals within the boundaries of the State of North Carolina. North Carolina will no longer require cargo tanks that transport gasoline to meet additional leak testing requirements (Method 27 of Appendix A of CFR Part 60) beyond those outlined in the federal leak testing requirements (49 CFR § 180.407 - Requirements for test and inspection of specification cargo tanks).
As of October 1, 2020, North Carolina no longer requires federally-certified tank testing facilities to be North Carolina-certified or have North Carolina-certified leak testing inspectors on staff. In addition, North Carolina eliminated the requirement of these facilities to issue North Carolina-specific decals and modified record keeping requirements.
Testing requirements included in the updated rules are in line with federal cargo tank testing requirements. All federal requirements, including issuing of any federally-required decals, must continue to be met.
Information on federal cargo tank testing certification and renewal can be found on the FMCSA website.
Related Documents
- Test and Inspection Form: NC Truck Certification Inspection Form using EPA Method 27
- Important Informational Advisory: Gasoline Delivery
Rules
Rules affecting Gasoline loading and unloading operations in North Carolina.
- 15A NCAC 02D.0926 Bulk Gasoline Plants
- 15A NCAC 02D.0927 Bulk Gasoline Terminals
- 15A NCAC 02D.0928 Gasoline Service Stations, Stage I
- 15A NCAC 02D.0932 Gasoline Truck Tanks and Vapor Collection Systems
- 15A NCAC 02D.0960 Certification of Leak Tightness Tester
- 15A NCAC 02D.2615 Determination of Leak Tightness and Vapor Leaks
- EPA Method 27 - Vapor Tightness of Gasoline Tank - Pressure Vacuum
Contact
For more information:
Vapor Recovery Program
daq.mscb.vrecovery@deq.nc.gov
Steven Rice
919-707-8404