Gas Stations and Vapor Recovery

Compliance Advisories

Authority to Construct Permits – Effective January 1, 2022 Vapor Recovery Testing Policies and Procedures – Effective January 1, 2022

Do I need a permit?

All retail gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs) in Butte County are required to have a Permit to Operate for their Phase I and Phase II vapor recovery systems. All non-retail gasoline storage tanks 550-gallons or larger are also required to have a Permit to Operate. The Permit to Operate outlines operating, source testing, maintenance, and recordkeeping requirements. If you are a new facility and would like to apply for a permit, an Authority to Construct application form must be completed and returned to the District. Authority to Construct application forms can be found here. If you have any further questions about the application process or permit requirements, contact Dave Campbell at (530) 332-9400 ext. 102.

Source testing

Retail and non-retail GDFs require vapor recovery source testing on an annual basis. GDF performance testing shall be completed annually, no later than twelve (12) months after the previous annual performance test. The District shall be notified at least ten (10) days prior to the source test date(s) so that District personnel can witness the tests, and the results shall be provided to the District office within 30 days of completion. The permit holder is responsible for source test scheduling. If you have questions regarding source test requirements and scheduling, contact Dave Campbell at (530) 332-9400 ext. 102.

Planning to make equipment changes?

All major equipment modifications at existing GDFs must be completed under an Authority to Construct permit. Authority to Construct permits can be found here and must be completed and approved before modifications begin. Also, start-up testing is required within 30 days of the completed equipment installation. If you have any further questions regarding Authority to Construct requirements or the application process, contact Riley Peacock at (530) 332-9400 ext. 107.