JOHN A. DONOFRIOJOHN A. DONOFRIOFISCAL OFFICERFISCAL OFFICERCounty of SummitCounty of Summit

Fuel Quality Fuel Quality Testing ProgramTesting Program

Weights & MeasuresWeights & MeasuresDivisionDivision

HistoryHistory

Currently only 4 states in the country, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Currently only 4 states in the country, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Alaska do not have laws regarding the testing Nebraska and Alaska do not have laws regarding the testing of fuel quality.of fuel quality.

There are existing laws for all Ohio counties to inspect all There are existing laws for all Ohio counties to inspect all fuel stations to ensure accuracy of price per gallon and the fuel stations to ensure accuracy of price per gallon and the quantity delivered at least once a year.quantity delivered at least once a year.

There are no laws that provide requirements for the testing There are no laws that provide requirements for the testing of the quality of regular fuel, diesel fuel, kerosene or to testof the quality of regular fuel, diesel fuel, kerosene or to testfor water in tanks and filters on the pump.for water in tanks and filters on the pump.

IntroductionIntroduction

The intent of this law is for consumer protection regarding fuelThe intent of this law is for consumer protection regarding fuelquality. Since there are no fuel testing laws in Ohio, there isquality. Since there are no fuel testing laws in Ohio, there is a need a need to educate the public regarding the choices of fuel that are avato educate the public regarding the choices of fuel that are available ilable and what is best for their car. The station owners also need toand what is best for their car. The station owners also need to be be further educated regarding the dangers caused by the fuel problefurther educated regarding the dangers caused by the fuel problems ms discovered during our research.discovered during our research.

With over 15 million cars registered in the State of Ohio we areWith over 15 million cars registered in the State of Ohio we arelooking at this as a partnership between local government and looking at this as a partnership between local government and consumers.consumers.

Although some disturbing issues have been found with the qualityAlthough some disturbing issues have been found with the quality of of fuel samples, most can easily be corrected. Additives can be usfuel samples, most can easily be corrected. Additives can be used ed and storage tanks can be pumped to expel any water that resides and storage tanks can be pumped to expel any water that resides in in them. These problems, if left untreated, can become very seriouthem. These problems, if left untreated, can become very serious s and expensive for everyone.and expensive for everyone.

IntroductionIntroduction(Continued)(Continued)

Microbial contamination in fuel is a new concern and is quickly Microbial contamination in fuel is a new concern and is quickly becoming the fastest growing problem across the country. The becoming the fastest growing problem across the country. The damage it can do to an automobile, storage tanks and meters is damage it can do to an automobile, storage tanks and meters is significant. Fuel quality testing will help prevent costly repasignificant. Fuel quality testing will help prevent costly repairs. irs.

The spill rims around the underground storage tanks were found tThe spill rims around the underground storage tanks were found to o be excessively dirty at the stations we visited. The rims are be excessively dirty at the stations we visited. The rims are designed to be kept free of dirt and debris. Otherwise, the designed to be kept free of dirt and debris. Otherwise, the possibility exists that waste material could be dropped into thepossibility exists that waste material could be dropped into the tank.tank.

There is no federal, state or local law that addresses filters oThere is no federal, state or local law that addresses filters on fuel n fuel pumps, which is why testing laws should be necessary. pumps, which is why testing laws should be necessary.

TestingTesting

DOCUMENTATION: DOCUMENTATION: Bill of LadingBill of Lading for fuel delivery. When the for fuel delivery. When the documentation is reviewed, it will indicate whether the fuel is documentation is reviewed, it will indicate whether the fuel is conventional or ethanol extended. This information is needed toconventional or ethanol extended. This information is needed totest the water levels in the underground storage tanks. The Billtest the water levels in the underground storage tanks. The Bill of of Lading will also show the pipeline from where the fuel originateLading will also show the pipeline from where the fuel originated.d.

OCTANE LEVEL: A OCTANE LEVEL: A Zeltex Octane Analyzer Zeltex Octane Analyzer measures all grades of measures all grades of unleaded gasoline directly from the pump. Samples taken from thunleaded gasoline directly from the pump. Samples taken from the e eight stations tested showed inconsistent results. Some exampleeight stations tested showed inconsistent results. Some examples s for the inconsistent octane levels can include improper blendingfor the inconsistent octane levels can include improper blending of of octane levels, excessive water level in storage tanks and winteroctane levels, excessive water level in storage tanks and winter vs. vs. summer fuel. NIST Handbook 130 refers to ASTM standards that summer fuel. NIST Handbook 130 refers to ASTM standards that prescribe, that in certain areas of the country, dates as to wheprescribe, that in certain areas of the country, dates as to when n winter and summer fuel can be used.winter and summer fuel can be used.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS: Test samples from the UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS: Test samples from the underground storage tanks showed where most of the problems underground storage tanks showed where most of the problems begin. There are several types of equipment used to test for fubegin. There are several types of equipment used to test for fuel el quality. First used was the quality. First used was the ScullyScully water detector, which sounds an water detector, which sounds an alarm if water is present. If the alarm sounds the next step isalarm if water is present. If the alarm sounds the next step is to to use the use the stick and pastestick and paste method to measure the level of water in method to measure the level of water in the storage tank. Two inches of water is allowed for conventionathe storage tank. Two inches of water is allowed for conventional l fuel but only fuel but only inch is allowed for ethanol extended fuel. The last inch is allowed for ethanol extended fuel. The last instrument that was used in the storage tank was the instrument that was used in the storage tank was the Bacon BombBacon Bomb. . It is attached to a chain and slowly lowered to the bottom of thIt is attached to a chain and slowly lowered to the bottom of the e tank and extracts a sample of fuel. Fiscal Office staff found wtank and extracts a sample of fuel. Fiscal Office staff found water, ater, cloudy and milky color, sediment and microbial contamination in cloudy and milky color, sediment and microbial contamination in the the tanks.tanks.

SPILL RIM: Designed to catch any spillage as the truck driver iSPILL RIM: Designed to catch any spillage as the truck driver is s dispensing fuel into the storage tanks. These rims should be kepdispensing fuel into the storage tanks. These rims should be kept t free of dirt and debris otherwise waste material could drop intofree of dirt and debris otherwise waste material could drop into the the underground tanks. underground tanks.

TestingTesting(Continued)(Continued)

Samples that are taken from the pump have gone through a filter.Samples that are taken from the pump have gone through a filter.If the filter on the fuel pump malfunctions, the possibility exiIf the filter on the fuel pump malfunctions, the possibility exists sts that sediment or contaminants could go into your fuel tank. that sediment or contaminants could go into your fuel tank. Another advantage of fuel quality testing is the inspector can Another advantage of fuel quality testing is the inspector can recommend the station replace the fuel pump filter.recommend the station replace the fuel pump filter.

Summit County inspectors will be required to check for winter fuSummit County inspectors will be required to check for winter fuel el versus summer fuel in storage tanks. NIST Handbook 130 refers versus summer fuel in storage tanks. NIST Handbook 130 refers to ASTM standards that prescribe, in areas of the country such ato ASTM standards that prescribe, in areas of the country such as s Ohio, dates as to when each type of fuel can be used. Ohio, dates as to when each type of fuel can be used.

No jurisdiction in Ohio has the authority to check on the differNo jurisdiction in Ohio has the authority to check on the different ent types of fuel. There could possibly be winter fuel in the storatypes of fuel. There could possibly be winter fuel in the storage ge tanks during hot periods, which could cause vapor lock. Summer tanks during hot periods, which could cause vapor lock. Summer fuel, during cold periods, could cause enginefuel, during cold periods, could cause engine--starting problems. starting problems.

By testing, unnecessary car expenditures can be avoided.By testing, unnecessary car expenditures can be avoided.

TestingTesting(Continued)(Continued)

County ProceduresCounty ProceduresStep 1:Step 1:

Inspector will test underground Inspector will test underground storage tank with the storage tank with the Scully Scully Water Detection DeviceWater Detection Device

An alarm will sound if water is An alarm will sound if water is presentpresent

Step 2:Step 2: If water is present, the If water is present, the

inspector will use the inspector will use the Stick Stick and Paste and Paste method.method.

County ProceduresCounty Procedures(Continued)(Continued)

The The Bacon BombBacon Bomb is attached is attached to a chain and slowly lowered to to a chain and slowly lowered to the bottom of the tank to extract the bottom of the tank to extract a sample of fuel.a sample of fuel.

County ProceduresCounty Procedures(Continued)(Continued)

Step 3: Step 3: The The Bacon BombBacon Bomb is then used to is then used to

determine any other irregularities determine any other irregularities in the storage tank.in the storage tank.

County ProceduresCounty Procedures(Continued)(Continued)

Step 4: Step 4: Measure Octane LevelsMeasure Octane Levels

A A Zeltex Octane AnalyzerZeltex Octane Analyzermeasures all grades of measures all grades of unleaded gasoline unleaded gasoline directly from the pump.directly from the pump.

These samples were taken on March 31, 2004These samples were taken on March 31, 2004

in Summit County, Ohioin Summit County, Ohio

Which fuel do you want?Which fuel do you want?

ViolationsViolations Missing Octane Level Label:Missing Octane Level Label:

If an Octane level label is missing from the pump, each button aIf an Octane level label is missing from the pump, each button at t each pump is considered a separate violation.each pump is considered a separate violation.

Documentation not available:Documentation not available:The station must have the proper documentation (Bill of Lading) The station must have the proper documentation (Bill of Lading) onon--site for one year.site for one year.

Improper Octane Sale:Improper Octane Sale:Example, selling 89 Octane gasoline for 92 Octane priceExample, selling 89 Octane gasoline for 92 Octane price

Storage tanks:Storage tanks:Water in tanks exceeding Water in tanks exceeding inch for Ethanol and 2 inches for inch for Ethanol and 2 inches for conventional fuel. Incorrect octane level in the tanks. conventional fuel. Incorrect octane level in the tanks.

Spill rimsSpill rims containing dirt and other contaminants: containing dirt and other contaminants: Must keep spill rims clean and free of debris.Must keep spill rims clean and free of debris.

Citations and/or fines could be assessed against pumps,Citations and/or fines could be assessed against pumps,hoses, and/or storage tanks.hoses, and/or storage tanks.

Partnership with University of AkronPartnership with University of AkronDepartment of ChemistryDepartment of Chemistry

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

Provide sterile containers for collecting samples and transportiProvide sterile containers for collecting samples and transportingng

Purchase equipment for octane testingPurchase equipment for octane testing

Purchase equipment for flash point testingPurchase equipment for flash point testing

Perform split sampling for Chain of CustodyPerform split sampling for Chain of Custody

Conduct preliminary testing of samplesConduct preliminary testing of samples

Ship to designated lab for further testing if necessaryShip to designated lab for further testing if necessary

Store all samples until time of disposalStore all samples until time of disposal

Dispose of samplesDispose of samples

Chain of CustodyChain of Custody The University of Akron will have access to data that Summit The University of Akron will have access to data that Summit

County uses to collect the samples.County uses to collect the samples.

Station names and addresses are withheld to eliminate any bias Station names and addresses are withheld to eliminate any bias during testing.during testing.

University will log results into database for immediate access bUniversity will log results into database for immediate access by y Weights and Measures inspectors.Weights and Measures inspectors.

University will conduct preliminary testing of samples and University will conduct preliminary testing of samples and determine if any should be forwarded to the designated ASTM determine if any should be forwarded to the designated ASTM certified laboratory for further testing and final results.certified laboratory for further testing and final results.

University will be responsible for testing octane levels, oxygenUniversity will be responsible for testing octane levels, oxygenates ates (alcohol levels), cloudy fuel and using the Flash Point Tester f(alcohol levels), cloudy fuel and using the Flash Point Tester for or kerosene and diesel fuel.kerosene and diesel fuel.

SummarySummary

The Fiscal OfficerThe Fiscal Officers Fuel Quality Testing s Fuel Quality Testing Program will benefit everyone in Summit Program will benefit everyone in Summit County. It is our hope that the State County. It is our hope that the State Legislature will follow Summit CountyLegislature will follow Summit Countys lead s lead and address this issue statewide, allowing the and address this issue statewide, allowing the other 87 county auditors to implement fuel other 87 county auditors to implement fuel quality testing standards in their respective quality testing standards in their respective counties.counties.