California Air Resources Board Status of the Portable Fuel Container Spillage Control Regulations

Portable Fuel Container Spillage Control Regulations Approved in September, 1999 Based on performance standards Replaces conventional gas cans with spill- proof systems and spouts Provides a 73% (70 TPD) reduction in ROG emissions from gas cans

Sources of Gas Can Emissions

Performance Standards Reduce Emissions Automatic shut-off Automatic closure One opening requirement Permeation standard

Progress of Gas Can and Spout Manufacturers Staff discussed progress with individual manufacturers Several have spout designs ready for production Remaining issue: Choosing the most cost- effective control strategy to meet the 0.4 g/gal/day permeation standard

Permeation 8% of all gas can emissions Reduction of 6 tons per day statewide in 2010 Manufacturers requesting a delay of the permeation standard

Meeting the Permeation Standard - Barrier Treatments Staff presented information on fluorination & sulfonation Initial estimates of $ $1.58 per container Two methods: Off site or On site Off site treatment provides highest cost estimates

Estimated Costs of Barrier Surface Treatments An average gas can has a nominal capacity of 2.5 gallons Initial estimate $ $1.58 per unit

Cost Comparison - Wholesale vs. Retail Manufacturers cost estimates based on retail price Includes 133% price increase Average retail cost of treatment ~ $3.00 per container Cost-effectiveness ~ $5.27 per pound of ROG reduced

Meeting the Permeation Standard - New Information Increasing nominal wall thickness Selar RB 

Effects of Nominal Wall Thickness on Permeation Rates Standard

Meeting the Permeation Standard - Increasing Wall Thickness Data shows that 0.250” wall thickness will likely meet the approved standard May require additional cooling to keep cycle times down Probably not an option for all manufacturers Average cost to manufacturers ~ $1.50 per container

Meeting the Permeation Standard - Selar RB  Barrier resin mixed with HDPE Successfully used to achieve a 98% reduction permeation rates on automotive fuel tanks Uses existing blow molding equipment Average cost to manufacturers ~ $0.60 per container

Meeting the Permeation Standard - Multi-Layer Co-extrusion Large capital improvement costs Proven technology - EVOH barrier layer Used in most domestic automotive fuel tanks Average cost to manufacturers ~ $3.20 per container

Comparison of Costs of Various Control Strategies 2 Barrier surface treatments ~ $1.28 Increasing wall thickness ~ $1.50 Inclusion of Selar RB  ~ $0.60 Multi-layer Co-ex ~ $3.20

Implementation Date January 1, 2001 One-year sell through Off-site treatment Temporarily increase nominal wall thickness Variance provision

Conclusion Performance standards are achievable Manufacturers making sufficient progress Permeation control strategies are cost- effective Regulations contain sufficient flexibility