equipment compatibility

EPA's Requirements

In 2015, EPA published guidance regarding compatibility of underground storage tank (UST) systems with biofuel blends. The guidance discusses how owners and operators who wish to store gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol in their UST systems may demonstrate compliance with the compatibility requirement in 40 CFR 280.32.

What does EPA require?

EPA has determined that owners and operators must demonstrate that the following UST components are compatible with the fuel to be stored:

• Tank

• Piping

• Containment sumps

• Pumping equipment

• Release detection equipment

• Spill prevention equipment

• Overfill prevention equipment

determining equipment compatibility

U.S. EPA accepts EITHER to prove E15 compatibility

• Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Listing

• Manufacturer’s Warranty/Statement

Fuel Dispensers

• Wayne dispensers are all compatible to E15 and their newer dispensers (since 2014) are approved up to E40.

• Gilbarco dispensers since 2008 are all compatible for E15. In 2011, they moved to E25 and released retrofit kits in 2012. They will soon move to E40.

Tanks

• Nearly all UST made in the last 30 years are approved up to 100% ethanol.

• All steel tanks in service, regardless of age are approved for storing E15.

• All double-walled fiberglass tanks installed since the year 1990 are compatible with E15.

• Single wall fiberglass tanks since 2005 are compatible with E15.

Piping

• All steel and double wall fiberglass piping since 1990 are compatible with E15..

• Manufacturers of pipe thread sealants (pipe dope) have stated that their products have been compatible with ethanol blends up to E20 for many years.