Every day, gas station activities generate five tons of gasoline vapors that contain toxic compounds that can be harmful to our health. That’s why we partner with the owners and operators of over 1,200 gas stations in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties to make sure they can run their business smoothly and safely.

Gasoline vapors can sting eyes, aggravate respiratory problems, such as asthma and emphysema, and cause cancer if inhaled over a long period. They are also major contributors to the formation of ozone (smog), which is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Overview of Responsibilities

Stations that have a throughput over 200,000 gallons of gasoline per year or have existing Stage 1 or Stage 2 equipment, require owners and operators to:

• Check nozzles and hoses for visible gasoline leaks on a regular basis. It is up to you to determine how often you should check for leaks so that you find them, not an inspector.
• Complete a pressure-decay test every six months. Stations with vapor-balance and vacuum-assist systems must complete a set of tests every year. Installations of new or replaced Stage 1 equipment now require specific tests.
• Have an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan for your business and ensure employees understand their O&M responsibilities.
• Hire only certified technicians to do new installations, repairs, upgrades, and testing. All gas station technicians/contractors are required to complete the certification exam(s) to ensure customers are receiving consistent service quality. View our List of Certified Testers and Installers.
• Immediately remove any defective equipment from service until repairs can be made.
• Keep all test reports at the station for at least two years after the testing date, and keep them accessible for inspection.
• Keep a log of when you check for gas leaks, and keep it accessible for inspection. Here is an example of a log (PDF).
• Make sure testing is conducted on time. This is your responsibility, not the testing contractor.

If you have questions, contact Aïssata Cissé at 206-689-4029.