This National Standard of Canada was developed in support of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME)’s Environmental Code of Practice for Vapour Recovery in Gasoline Distribution Networks. The CCME’s Code of Practice addresses initiatives to reduce emissions of gasoline vapours, which are part of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to the atmosphere. These compounds react with oxides of nitrogen on hot, sunny days to form ground-level ozone, a component of urban photochemical smog.

This standard applies to a vapour control system (VCS) for gasoline transfers to cargo tanks, bulk plant storage and service station storage tanks (often called Stage I controls). In some existing gasoline distribution networks, the air and gasoline vapour in empty tanks is vented to the atmosphere as the tank is being filled. The VCS recycles the air/vapour mixture from the tank receiving the gasoline back to the tank delivering the gasoline, then back to a processing unit that recovers or destroys the vapours. The use of this standard for a VCS will ensure that approximately 90% of the vapours are typically contained.

This standard provides guidance to federal, provincial and regional authorities having jurisdiction for vapour recovery in gasoline distribution networks and to owners who voluntarily implement a VCS.

This standard specifies technical details for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of Stage I controls. Implementation of Stage I controls in Canada is through regulation by the authority having jurisdiction. This standard is referenced in various regulations or permit requirements, and it is recommended that users consult the regulations, this standard and the CCME Code of Practice to satisfy all requirements. Conformance to this standard is recommended in the absence of regulation whenever Stage I controls are installed across Canada.