Mountain Ranch To Lose It's Only Gas Station Due to State Regulations |
| Posted on Mar 18 2009 |
The Pine Tree
March 18, 2009
Mountain Ranch, CA....We just spoke with Hometown Auto Parts and Gas Station owner in Mountain Ranch, Jerry Yates. He confirmed that they quit selling gas yesterday when their existing supplies ran out. They are being forced to stop selling fuel due to the new state regulations as of April 1, 2009. The requirement known as Phase II Enhanced Vapor Recovery Program goes into effect at that time. This requires gas stations to individually purchase tens of thousands of dollars of equipment designed to prevent harmful vapors from escaping into the atmosphere...
Previously, the Mountain Ranch Gas Station was exempt because they pump less than 40,000 gallons per year.
Small low volume gas stations were previously exempt from the Phase I regulations. Jerry was informed by the County a couple of weeks ago that he would not be exempt from the Phase II regulations.
There may be some hope as several California Legislators are working to delay implementation for one year.
If this does not happen, the nearest gas station will be in San Andreas.
They are currently selling Diesel until supplies run out and the Auto Parts Store will remain open regardless.
Let's hope something can be worked out or this will force Mountain Ranch residents to make an out of the way inconvenient round trip for fuel.