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EPA Regulations

EPA regulations effective July 31, 2011 will require changes to fuel systems
◦ Refueling without spitback/spilling
◦ Automatic shutoff of the nozzle
◦ Allow for expansion while containing fuel in the tank
◦ Diurnal control – 50 percent implementation

ABYC refueling subcommittee is currently writing a refueling standard/test. This will be updated as information becomes available.

C. Final Evaporative Emission Standards

(3) Diurnal Emission Standards and Dates

Manufacturers will likely control diurnal emissions from installed marine fuel tanks either by sealing the fuel system up to 1.0 psi or by using a carbon canister in the vent line. As discussed below, we believe PWC manufacturers will likely seal the fuel tank with a pressure relief valve while manufacturers of other boats with installed fuel tanks are more likely to use carbon canisters. However, either technology will be acceptable for either kind of installed marine fuel tank as long as every system meets the numerical standard applicable to the specific tank.

Subpart B—Emission Standards and Related Requirements
§1060.101 What evaporative emission requirements apply under this part?

(3) Refueling. For any equipment using fuel tanks that are subject to diurnal or permeation emission standards under this part, you must design and build your equipment such that operators can reasonably be expected to fill the fuel tank without spitback or spillage during the refueling event. The following examples illustrate designs that meet this requirement:

(i) Equipment that is commonly refueled using a portable gasoline container should have a fuel tank inlet that is larger than a typical dispensing spout. The fuel tank inlet should be located so the operator can place the nozzle directly in the fuel tank inlet and see the fuel level in the tank while pouring the fuel from an appropriately sized refueling container (either through the tank wall or the fuel tank inlet). We will deem you to comply with the requirements of this paragraph (f)(3)(i) if you design your equipment to meet applicable industry standards related to fuel tank inlets.

(ii) (ii) Marine SI vessels with a filler neck extending to the side of the boat should be designed for automatic fuel shutoff. Alternatively, the filler neck should be designed such that the orientation of the filler neck allows dispensed fuel that collects in the filler neck to flow back into the fuel tank. A filler neck that ends with a horizontal or nearly horizontal segment at the opening where fuel is dispensed would not be an acceptable design.

§1060.105 What diurnal requirements apply for equipment?

(f) The following general provisions apply for controlling diurnal emissions: (1) If you are subject to both running loss and diurnal emission standards, use good engineering judgment to ensure that the emission controls are compatible. (2) You may not use diurnal emission controls that increase the occurrence of fuel spitback or spillage during in-use refueling. Also, if you use a carbon canister, you must incorporate design features that prevent liquid gasoline from reaching the canister during refueling or as a result of fuel sloshing or fuel expansion.

§1060.5 Do the requirements of this part apply to me?

(b) Marine SI. Certify vessels, engines, and fuel-system components as follows: (1) Component manufacturers must certify their fuel lines and fuel tanks intended for installation with Marine SI engines and vessels under this part 1060, except as allowed by §1060.601(f). This includes permeation and diurnal emission standards.