What is the primary purpose of Stage I vapor recovery?

The primary purpose of Stage I vapor recovery is to prevent vapors from escaping during the delivery of fuel from a transport vehicle to an underground storage tank (UST). During this process, gasoline or other volatile liquids can generate vapors that, if not captured, can escape into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and potential health hazards. Stage I vapor recovery systems are specifically designed to capture and return these vapors back into the delivery vehicle or to the UST, thereby minimizing emissions and protecting the environment.

This system is particularly important because the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in fuel can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, which is a key component of smog and can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. By implementing Stage I vapor recovery, operators help comply with environmental regulations and promote safer operational practices during fuel transfers.