Skip Navigation to main content U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Bringing you a prosperous future where energy is clean, abundant, reliable, and affordableEERE HomeEERE Home
Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center
About the AFDCFuelsVehiclesFleetsIncentives and LawsData, Analysis and TrendsInformation ResourcesHome
E85 Fleet Toolkit

Maintenance Issues

Photo of a flexible-fuel car parked next to an E85 fueling pump.

Ongoing inspection and maintenance is required to ensure the reliable and safe operation of fuel dispensing and storage equipment. Doing so can minimize the probability of fuel dispensing failure and reduce fire-safety and environmental hazards. A fueling system is composed of many fittings and components. Ignoring a cracked or split hose may lead to it finally giving way, or an improperly installed dispenser filter may release fuel into the environment or harm the fuel site operator. Regular site inspections and maintenance can prevent component failures or allow them to 'fail properly;' so, they may be taken out of service before a catastrophic failure.

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 of time. Whether you are dispensing a petroleum product or E85, using the right dispenser filter today is good 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.

In 2003 and 2004, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) conducted inspections of underground storage tanks (USTs) at several hundred sites. As an example of what issues could arise in your area, the following prioritized list of the most common UST maintenance violations found in Minnesota is provided.

  • 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; and
  • Failure to provide adequate leak detection for tanks each month.

The Minnesota case is typical. The MPCA provides informative fact sheets that will assist fuel site operators regardless of where they may be located.

Some maintenance requirements will 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. Your site contractor should be well informed on all installation and maintenance requirements. Make certain the company you hire is certified through the state agency overseeing equipment installers.

As an example, MPCA forms are provided for comparison to those of your state's regulatory agency. You can also locate the regulatory contact for your area via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).