ILTA Pressed EPA for Temporary Air Emissions Waiver

ILTA pressed EPA for temporary air emissions waivers related to landing floating roofs. Terminals must land the floating roof on the ground if product levels in the tanks diminish to the point that the roof is no longer floating on the surface of the stored liquid. Landing a roof can cause greater emissions, but in a shortage situation failure to do so limits available supply that could be accessed from storage tanks. Terminal operators could load the extra fuel on tanker trunks to help ease market constraints. 

EPA listened closely to ILTA, including in a weekend meeting. But with the supply situation rapidly improving after the restart of the pipeline, it opted not to grant a blanket temporary waiver.

Still, the discussion allowed ILTA to make key contacts in the Biden administration EPA and provided fodder for future discussions. Terminal operators are experts at logistics and handling of bulk liquids, and they stand ready to help policy makers craft approaches that will enhance the resilience of critical energy infrastructure. ILTA will continue to work with EPA to educate it on the issue to help ensure the resilience of the fuel supply chain in the event of any future shutdown or disruption.