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1. What is an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plan?

Gas station owners are required to develop and maintain an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plan. These can be as simple as a checklist showing when inspections for gasoline leaks from hoses and nozzles are completed and any corrective action (repair) taken. The O&M plan should include a simple statement of how the station will complete the required  tests in a timely manner. Some stations set a regular testing schedule (e.g., every December and June).

2. Does the Clean Air Agency inspect gas stations?

Yes. We may inspect your station, but we are less likely to do so if we have your passing tests on file and your registration fees are paid on time.

3. What tests are needed to comply with the rules?

• All stations need to have a pressure-decay test every six months.
• Stations with vapor-balance systems need to have a complete set of tests every year instead of every other year.
• A tank torque test must be included in the complete set of annual tests.
• The tank-tie test must be conducted at least once, or after any tank configuration changes to show the tanks are manifolded.
• All new or complete replacement of Stage One or Stage Two equipment must file a completed notification form with the Agency. Installations will need a specified set of tests prior to operation.

4. How much will the tests cost?

Costs may vary. Contact a certified technician for test costs.

5. Can I resume full operations at my station if any of the tests fail?

No. If the defective equipment cannot be repaired by the close of the next business day following the failed compliance test, you must stop receiving and/or dispensing gasoline from the defective equipment until it is repaired and retested, and passes all required compliance tests.

6. How long will I need to keep test reports?

The station owner or operator is required to keep copies of test reports on-site for two years from the dates of the tests.

7. Who is responsible for notifying the Clean Air Agency that the testing was completed?

The tester is required to submit a pass/fail test to the agency within five days after the test.

8. What is the agency's position on the new EPA guidance for removing Stage II vapor control systems?

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has reviewed the EPA guidance and conducted our own analysis. View the Analysis Results (PDF).

9. Why am I required to hire technicians who are certified?

Only technicians who have passed the certification exams are permitted to conduct equipment tests and do new equipment installations in our jurisdiction. Highly-skilled, certified technicians help ensure that testing and repairs are done correctly, saving station owners and operators staff time and training costs and reducing equipment failures.

10. Where can I find a list of certified technicians registered with the Clean Air Agency?

View our List of Certified Testers and Installers.

11. What happens if a testing technician is not certified as required by the Clean Air Agency?

A tester who claims to be certified but is not may be fined by the Clean Air Agency. Ultimately, you, the gas station owner/operator, are responsible for hiring a certified technician. Always ask a technician for his or her certification card to ensure it is valid.