E85 Maintenance Issues

A fueling system is composed of many fittings and components. Ongoing inspection and maintenance are required to ensure the reliable and safe operation of E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) dispensing and storage equipment. This minimizes the probability of fuel-dispensing failure and reduces fire-safety and environmental hazards.

Some maintenance procedures are common sense but easy to overlook, such as a daily "walk-by" to ensure equipment is functioning properly and no leaks are visible. Ignoring a cracked or split hose might lead to it finally giving way. An improperly installed dispenser filter might release fuel into the environment or harm the fuel site operator. Regular site inspections and maintenance can prevent component failures or allow components to "fail properly" so they can be taken out of service before a catastrophic failure. It is also important for the site operator to keep thorough records of the site's design, equipment installations or conversions, maintenance, containment area evaluations, tank monitoring, and inspections.

The fuel dispenser filter is the last line of defense in preventing contaminated fuel from entering a vehicle. It is not uncommon to have minor contamination in storage tanks that have been in operation for long periods. Whether dispensing a petroleum product or E85, using the right dispenser filter today is insurance against a big headache tomorrow.

Typically, 10-micron gasoline and 1- or 2-micron E85 dispenser filters should be changed on a 3- to 6-month cycle. The age of the tank, condition of the fuel system, and other factors can shorten this cycle. When replacing a filter, it should be dated so its age can be determined later. The maximum legal limit for dispensing fuel is 10 gallons per minute. If a sudden drop in fuel flow occurs or the flow slows (to 6 or 7 gallons per minute) over time, it is likely time to replace the dispenser filter.

Certain maintenance duties are dictated to the fuel site operator by federal, state, or local regulations. These include the notification about new storage tanks or a change in their use, specific leak-detection requirements, leak-monitoring tests, and corrosion-protection tests. In 2003 and 2004, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) conducted inspections of underground storage tanks (USTs) at several hundred sites. The following prioritized list of the most common UST maintenance violations found in Minnesota shows what issues can arise:

• Failure to test cathodic protection on steel tanks and piping every 3 years
• Failure to test pressurized lines (at a minimum) annually
• Failure to perform annual check of line leak detectors for proper function
• Failure to provide adequate leak detection for tanks each month

The Minnesota case is typical. The MPCA provides informative fact sheets that assist fuel site operators regardless of geographic location.

Some maintenance requirements vary from state to state; however, the above list points to serious oversights that can be made by any site operator. These oversights can lead to environmentally serious and financially costly problems. The site contractor should be well informed on all installation and maintenance requirements and certified through the state agency overseeing equipment installers.

As an example, MPCA forms are provided for comparison to those of other states' regulatory agencies. Locate local regulatory contacts via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.