Gas station deadline is today

By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer

The gas pumps outside the Hitching Post store in Colton were closed Wednesday as a new statewide requirement for cleaner technology went into effect.

"I'm not saying I've stopped completely. I'm stopped for this time," said Hitching Post owner Marvene Stout, who has yet to decide whether to invest in costly anti-pollution equipment or to keep her pumps out of business.

Stout's not the only gas station owner who faces the dilemma, which also includes the option of doing business without the technology -- but at the costs of paying thousands in fines.

The California Air Resources Board set Wednesday as the deadline for the state's gas stations to comply with its Enhanced Vapor Recovery Program.

The program requires stations to install technology designed to prevent gasoline vapors from escaping into the air while customers pump their vehicles full of fuel. By the board's own estimates, the mandated equipment could cost station owners about $11,000 per pump.

The rule has been on the books since 2000, but a group representing gas station owners reports that air quality regulators have only approved three vendors to sell the needed technology, the most recent approval was made in fall 2008.

Air Resources Board spokesman Dimitri Stanich said local air quality management districts will enforce Wednesday's deadline, but will work with stations that are working towards compliance.
"We want people to understand that the goal is clean air. Nobody's going to get shut down," Stanich said.