Fuel Oxygenates and USTs
Though their use is decreasing, fuel oxygenates are used as a fuel additive and octane enhancer in reformulated gasoline, oxygenated fuel, and premium grades of unleaded gasoline. Water-quality criteria for fuel oxygenates to protect aquatic life have not been established. Available data indicates the presence of MTBE in drinking water. However, limited or no data are available for any other fuel oxygenate.
The major source of groundwater contamination with fuel oxygenates is releases from USTs. In addition to USTs, there are many other potential sources of fuel oxygenate contamination, such as gasoline spills to ground and surface waters, recreational water craft releasing unburned fuel to surface waters, and urban and industrial runoff and wastewater discharges. The public can assist in helping to prevent fuel oxygenate contamination by following safe fuel handling practices.
EPA is continuing to study both the potential health effects and the occurrence of fuel oxygenates, and some oxygenates are included on a list of contaminants (Contaminant Candidate List) for which EPA is considering setting drinking water standards.
On this page:
- About Fuel Oxygenates
- Characteristics and Identification
- Assessment and Remediation
- Health, Safety, and Handling
- State Reports
- Fate and Transport
About Fuel Oxygenates
Background Information
- An Overview of the Use of Oxygenates in Gasoline 1998.
This report by California's Environmental Protection Agency provides information on the use of oxygenates in gasoline in California and in the United States, including how and why oxygenates are used, their production and consumption levels, and the potential environmental impacts of their use. - Interagency Assessment of Oxygenated Fuels (PDF) (264 pp, 4.2 MB) 1997.
This report presents an interagency assessment of the Winter Oxygenated Fuels Program. - Motor Fuels - Issues Related to Reformulated Gasoline, Oxygenated Fuels, and Biofuels (PDF) (68 pp, 718 K) 1996.
This GAO report summarizes the results of studies on the cost-effectiveness of reformulated gasoline use, the potential for oxygenates to reduce the use of petroleum, and ongoing federal research into biofuels. - Toxicological and Performance Aspects of Oxygenated Motor Vehicle Fuels 1996.
Published by National Academy Press, this book reviews a draft report from the federal government assessing the public health, air quality, fuel economy, engine performance, and water quality effects of oxygenated gasoline.
Policy
- A Recommendation Regarding the Use of Alcohols as Gasoline Oxygenates (PDF) (9 pp, 63 K) 2006.
This report presents the recommendation of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources regarding the need to ban the sale of gasoline containing alcohols used as oxygenates, including methanol, iso-butanol, isopropanol, and others. - Guidelines for Investigation and Cleanup of MTBE and Other Ether-Based Oxygenates (PDF) (20 pp, 72 K) 2000.
Prepared by California's State Water Resource Control Board, this document provides guidance to California regulatory agencies on overseeing the investigation and cleanup of sites with MTBE contamination. - Motor Vehicle-Related Air Toxics Study (PDF) (125 pp, 345 K) 1993.
This EPA report presents the results of a study on controlling emissions of unregulated toxic air pollutants and the means and measures for such controls. - State Actions Banning MTBE (Statewide) 2007. EPA 420-B-07-013.
This EPA report provides state-by-state information on MTBE bans.
Programs
- Areas Participating in the Oxygenated Gasoline Program (PDF) (12 pp, 136 K) 1999.
Prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration, this Web page provides state-by-state information on oxygenated gasoline program participation and links to additional resources and regulations. - California Reformulated Gasoline Program
Prepared by the California Environmental Protection Agency, this Web page provides detailed information about the state of California's Gasoline Program, which aids the adoption of regulations that produce the most cost-effective combinations of control measures on motor vehicles and motor vehicle fuels - Monitoring the Occurrence of Unregulated Drinking Water Contaminants
Prepared by EPA, this Web page presents information on the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Program, which collects data for contaminants suspected to be present in drinking water, but that do not have health-based standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Standards
- Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) and Regulatory Determination
EPA provides information on the contaminant candidate list and related information on this Web page. - MTBE: Regulations and Drinking Water Monitoring Results
Prepared by California's Department of Public Health, this Web page includes drinking water standards, maximum contaminant levels, and comprehensive evaluation of health and environmental effects of MTBE and other oxygenates.
Organizations
- American Petroleum Institute
- California Air Resources Board
- European Fuel Oxygenates Association
- Methanol Institute
- Renewable Fuels Association
- US Department of Energy
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Characteristics and Identification of Oxygenates
- Oxygenate identification
- Oxygenate properties
- Specific oxygenates
Oxygenate Identification
| Oxygenate | Names | CAS # | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methanol | Methyl alcohol Carbinol Methylol Methyl Hydroxide Monohydroxy methane Wood alcohol |
67-56-1 | CH40
CH3-0H |
32.042 |
| Ethanol | Ethyl alcohol Anhydrol Alcohol Methyl carbinol Ethyl hydrate Ethyl hydroxide Denatured alcohol Grain alcohol |
64-17-5 | C2H60
CH3CH2-0H |
46.069 |
| TBA | Tertiary-butyl alcohol Tert-butyl alcohol T-butyl alcohol 2-Methyl-2-propanol 1,1-Dimethyl ethanol Trimethyl carbinol 2-Methylpropan-2-ol Tert-butanol T-butyl hydroxide Trimethyl methanol Dimethyl ethanol Methyl-2-propanol |
75-65-0 | C4H100
(CH3)3C-OH |
74.122 |
| MTBE | Methyl tertiary-butyl ether Methyl tert-butyl ether Methyl t-butyl ether 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane |
1634-04-4 | C5H120
CH3-O-C(CH3)3 |
88.149 |
| DIPE | Diisopropyl ether Diisopropyl oxide 2-isopropoxy propane Isopropyl ether 2,2'-oxybispropane |
108-20-3 | C6H140
(CH3)2CH-O-CH(CH3)2 |
102.18 |
| ETBE | Ethyl tertiary-butyl ether Ethyl tert-butyl ether 2-methyl-2-ethoxypropane Tert-butyl ethyl ether Ethyl tert-butyl oxide 2-ethoxy-2-methylpropane |
637-92-3 | C6H140
CH3CH2-O-C(CH3)3 |
102.18 |
| TAME | Tertiary-amyl methyl ether Tert-pentyl methyl ether Butane, 2-methoxy-2-methyl 2-Methoxy-2-methyl butane Methyl 1,1-dimethyl propyl ether Methyl tert-amyl ether Methyl 2-methyl-2-butyl ether |
994-05-8 | C6H140
C2H5C(CH3)2-O-CH3 |
102.18 |
| n-Butanol | 1-butanol n-butyl alcohol proplycarbinol butanol butan-1-ol butyl hydroxide 1-hydroxybutane methylolpropane proplymethanol butalcohol butylhydrate butyric alcohol butyryl alcohol |
71-36-3 | CH3(CH2)2CH2OH C4H9OH C4H10O |
74.12 |
Oxygenate Properties
| Oxygenate | Pure Phase Solubility (mg/L) | log Koc (log l/kg) | Vapor Pressure (mm Hg) |
Henry's Law Constant (dimensionless) |
Specific Gravity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methanol | miscible | 0.44 - 0.92 | 121.6 | 0.00011 | 0.791 |
| Ethanol | miscible | 0.20 - 1.21 | 49 - 56.5 | 0.00021 - 0.00026 | 0.789 |
| TBA | miscible | 1.57 | 40 - 42 | 0.00048 - 0.00059 | 0.786 |
| MTBE | 43,000 - 54,300 | 1.0 - 1.1 | 245 - 256 | 0.023 - 0.12 | 0.741 |
| DIPE | 2,039 - 9,000 | 1.46 - 1.82 | 149 - 151 | 0.195 - 0.41 | 0.724 |
| ETBE | 26,000 | 1.0 - 2.2 | 152 | 0.11 | 0.7519 |
| TAME | 20,000 | 1.3 - 2.2 | 68.3 | 0.052 | 0.764 |
| n-Butanol | 74,000 | 0.84 | 7 | 0.000361 | 0.81 |
Methanol
- About
- About Methanol
Published by the Methanol Institute, this Web page highlights articles and studies regarding the use of ethanol and methanol in fuels.
- About Methanol
- Characteristics and Chemical Properties
- Chemicals in the Environment: Methanol (CAS No. 67-56-1) 1994. EPA 749-F-94-013.
Prepared by EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, this fact sheet provides background information on methanol. - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Methyl Alcohol 2005.
This pocket guide, prepared by the National Institutes of Health, provides basic safety and handling information related to methanol.
- Chemicals in the Environment: Methanol (CAS No. 67-56-1) 1994. EPA 749-F-94-013.
- Health and Safety
- Integrated Risk Information System: Methanol (CASRN 67-56-1) 1988.
EPA's Integrated Risk Information System provides detailed human health-related information on methanol.
- Integrated Risk Information System: Methanol (CASRN 67-56-1) 1988.
- Transport and Fate
- Anaerobic Biodegradation of Organic Chemicals in Groundwater: A Summary of Field and Laboratory Studies (PDF) (182 pp, 795 K) 1997.
In this final report prepared by the Syracuse Research Corporation, the biodegradation of organic chemicals including methanol is discussed. - Evaluation of the Fate and Transport of Methanol in the Environment (PDF) (69 pp, 345 K) 1999.
Prepared for the Methanol Institute, this report summarizes existing information on methanol, including its fate and transport and human health impacts.
- Anaerobic Biodegradation of Organic Chemicals in Groundwater: A Summary of Field and Laboratory Studies (PDF) (182 pp, 795 K) 1997.
Ethanol
- Handling and Use
- Ethanol Biorefinery Locations Web Page 2009.
Created by the Renewable Fuels Association, this Web page provides an interactive mapping application that shows the location of biofuel refineries throughout the United States.
- Ethanol Biorefinery Locations Web Page 2009.
- Health and Safety
- Potential Health Risks of Ethanol in Gasoline (PDF) (93 pp, 287 K) 1999.
Produced by the California Environmental Protection Agency, this report provides an overview of the health risks potentially associated with exposure to ethanol.
- Potential Health Risks of Ethanol in Gasoline (PDF) (93 pp, 287 K) 1999.
- State Reports
- Health, Environmental, and Economic Impacts of Adding Ethanol to Gasoline in the Northeast States Undated.
Created by a regional council, this three-volume report is a focused look at the potential impacts of ethanol use across several states.
- Health, Environmental, and Economic Impacts of Adding Ethanol to Gasoline in the Northeast States Undated.
- Transport and Fate
- The Subsurface Fate of Ethanol: A Look at the Emerging Oxygenate Alternative to MTBE
- This LUSTLine bulletin provides an overview of the life cycle of ethanol and potential knowledge gaps regarding its use as a fuel oxygenate.
- Non-Electronic Resources
- Wilson, J.T. and Cherri Adair. Effect of Ethanol on the Natural Fermentation of Benzene and Groundwater. Poster Presentation. Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds: The Fifth International Conference. May 22-25, 2006.
Tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA)
- Health and Safety
- Expedited Evaluation of Risk Assessment for Tertiary Butyl Alcohol in Drinking Water 1999.
This memorandum from the State of California summarizes an interim assessment of TBA-related issues including health effects. - Hazard Narrative for Tertiary-Butyl Alcohol (TBA) (PDF) (88 pp, 581 K) 2005.
Prepared by the American Petroleum Institute, this paper presents the results of a quantitative risk assessment in which data on the mode of action by which TBA induced renal tumors in rats and thyroid tumors in mice was considered. - Inhalation Exposure to Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Using Continuous Breath Analysis (PDF) (90 pp, 1.8 MB) 2003. EPA/600/R-05/095.
This report presents the results of an EPA-funded study examining the use of a continuous breath analyzer used to measure MTBE and TBA in the breath of the volunteers exposed to MTBE either in baths or in showers. - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Tert-Butyl Alcohol 2005.
This pocket guide, prepared by the National Institutes of Health, provides basic safety and handling information related to TBA. - Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of t-Butyl Alcohol (CAS No. 75-65-0) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F Mice (Drinking Water Studies) 1995.
Prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's National Toxicology Program, this Web page provides information on the carcinogenicity of TBA
- Expedited Evaluation of Risk Assessment for Tertiary Butyl Alcohol in Drinking Water 1999.
- Remediation and Treatment
- Aerobic Biodegradation of Gasoline Oxygenates MTBE and TBA 2001.
Published in Water Science Technology, this paper presents research results relating to the degradation of MTBE using a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with biomass retention (porous pot reactor) operated under aerobic conditions. - Biodegradation of Tert-Butyl Alcohol and Related Xenobiotics by a Methylotrophic Bacterial Isolate 2001.
Published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, this paper presents the results of a study on the use of a new aerobic bacterial strain, CIP I-2052, in the degradation of tert-butyl alcohol (TBA). - Microbial Degradation and Fate in the Environment of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether and Related Fuel Oxygenates 2001.
Published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, this paper provides a review of current work related to the degradation and fate of MTBE and TBA. - Overview of Groundwater Remediation Technologies for MTBE and TBA (PDF) (132 pp, 2.4 MB) 2005.
Prepared by The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council MTBE and Other Fuel Oxygenates Team, this report provides an overview of remediation technologies for MTBE and TBA in ground water.
- Aerobic Biodegradation of Gasoline Oxygenates MTBE and TBA 2001.
- Transport and Fate
- Effect of BTEX on Degradation of MTBE and TBA by Mixed Bacterial Consortium 2002.
Published in the Journal of Environmental Engineering, this paper explores the effect of BTEX on MTBE and TBA degradation. - Maximum Potential Impacts of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol (TBA) on Groundwater from Small-Volume Releases of Ethanol-Blended Gasoline in the Vadose Zone (PDF) (8 pp, 323 K) 2005.
Prepared by the American Petroleum Institute, this report examines the application of transport modeling to predict maximum TBA impacts on groundwater from small-volume releases of ethanol-blended gasoline in the vadose zone. - Monitored Natural Attenuation of Tertiary Butyl Alcohol (TBA) in Ground Water at Gasoline Spill Sites (PDF) (55 pp, 2.4 MB) 2007. EPA/600/R-07/100.
EPA produced this report which reviews the distribution of TBA in ground water at gasoline spill sites, the process of anaerobic MTBE biodegradation that produces TBA, and the possibility of natural biodegradation of TBA in groundwater.
- Effect of BTEX on Degradation of MTBE and TBA by Mixed Bacterial Consortium 2002.
- Non-Electronic Resources
- Novak, J.T., C.D. Goldsmith, R.E. Benoit, and J.H. O'Brien. Biodegradation of Methanol and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol in Subsurface Systems. 1994. Water Science Technology. 17, Copenhagen, Pages 71-85.
- Lambie, John and L. Ochs. In-Situ Remediation of MTBE and TBA in Groundwater Using Iso-Gen Technology to Biostimulate Indigenous Microbes. 2002. Soil Sediment & Groundwater.
- Landmeyer, J.E., J.F. Pankow, and C.D. Church. Occurrence of MTBE and Tert-butyl Alcohol in a Gasoline-Contaminated Aquifer. 1997. Preprints of Symposia Papers Presented before the Division of Environmental Chemistry, American Chemical Society, San Francisco, CA, April 13-17, 1997 pages 413-415.
Diisopropyl Ether (DIPE)
- Characteristics and Chemical Properties
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Isopropyl Ether 2005.
This pocket guide, prepared by the National Institutes of Health, provides basic safety and handling information related to isopropyl ether.
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Isopropyl Ether 2005.
Ethyl Tert-Butyl Ether (ETBE)
Tertiary-Amyl Methyl Ether (TAME)
- Characteristics and Chemical Properties
- Tert-Amyl Methyl Ether Information Undated.
Prepared by ChemicalLand21, this Web page provides general information on TAME.
- Tert-Amyl Methyl Ether Information Undated.
- Health and Safety
- A Physiological Model for Tert-Amyl Methyl Ether and Tert-Amyl Alcohol: Hypothesis Testing of Model Structures 1999.
Published in Toxicological Sciences, this paper presents the results of a study using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to describe the disposition of TAME and its major metabolite, TAA, in male Fischer-344 rats. - Customer Exposure to MTBE, TAME, C6 Alkyl Methyl Ethers, and Benzene During Gasoline Refueling 1999.
Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, this paper presents the results of a study on the exposure to customers during refueling.
- A Physiological Model for Tert-Amyl Methyl Ether and Tert-Amyl Alcohol: Hypothesis Testing of Model Structures 1999.
N-Butanol
- Handling and Use
- Material Safety Data Sheet: Butyl Alcohol
This Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) presents background information on 1-butanol, including hazards identification, health effects, first aid and firefighting measures, handling and storage directions, exposure controls, toxicological information, and physical and chemical properties.
- Material Safety Data Sheet: Butyl Alcohol
- Health and Safety
- Health And Safety Guide No. 3: 1-Butanol 1987.
Prepared by the World Health Organization, this Web page provides background information on 1-butanol, including physical and chemical properties, uses, human health effects, and recommendations. - Lack of Selective Developmental Toxicity of Three Butanol Isomers Administered by Inhalation to Rats 1989.
Published in Toxicological Sciences, a publication of Oxford University Press, this paper presents the results of teratology assessments of 1-butanol, 2-butanol, and t-butanol administered by inhalation to rats.
- Health And Safety Guide No. 3: 1-Butanol 1987.
Assessment, Characterization, Analysis, Remediation, and Treatment
Assessment, Characterization, and Analysis
- Hazardous Waste Test Methods/SW-846
Prepared by EPA, this website provides links to EPA test methods for evaluating solid and hazardous waste. - Analysis of Fuel Oxygenates in the Environment 2001.
Published in The Analyst, a journal of The Royal Society of Chemistry, this paper explores issues related to the presence of fuel oxygenates in the environment, including occurrence in water and air and analytical methods. - ASTM D4815 - 04 Standard Test Method for Determination of MTBE, ETBE, TAME, DIPE, Tertiary-Amyl Alcohol and C1 to C4 Alcohols in Gasoline by Gas Chromatography 2009.
Prepared by the American Society for Testing and Materials, this test method is applicable to quality control in the production of gasoline and determination of deliberate or extraneous oxygenate additions or contamination. - Selecting Analytical Methods for the Determination of Oxygenates in Environmental Samples and Gasoline (PDF) (6 pp, 145 K) 2001.
- Published in Environmental Testing & Analysis, this article discusses the history of oxygenate use, provides basic information about oxygenates, and examines some of the methods used to identify oxygenates in environmental samples and gasoline.
- Significance and Treatment of Volatile Organic Compounds in Water Supplies 1990.
This book reviews EPA-approved analytical methods for VOC analysis, QA/QC, data quality objectives, and limits of detection.
Non-Electronic Resources
- Milkey, N.E. Site Assessment for Gasoline Spills and Leaks. Soil Sediment & Groundwater. July/August 2002.
This article discusses strategies for the evaluation of the underlying stratigraphy, affected media, and potential migration pathways conducted during site assessments.
Remediation and Treatment
Bioremediation, Phytoremediation, and Natural Attenuation
- Clu-In Technology Focus: Natural Attenuation 2006.
- Prepared by EPA's Technology Innovation Program, this Web page provides links to numerous reports related to natural attenuation.
- Technical Protocol for Evaluating the Natural Attenuation of MTBE (PDF) (186 pp, 2.8 MB) API Publication 4761. May 2007.
Prepared by the American Petroleum Institute, this protocol addresses data collection, evaluation, and interpretation procedures that consider the physical, chemical, and biological properties of MTBE and other oxygenates and degradation byproducts.
Technologies
- Demonstration and Evaluation of an Automated Infiltration Gallery System at Port Hueneme, CA (PDF) (109 pp, 4.5 MB) 2008. EPA/600/R-08/068.
This EPA paper presents the results of research on the treatment of fuel components using a remotely operated infiltration gallery. - High Voltage Environmental Applications, Inc. Electron Beam Technology: Innovative Technology Evaluation Report (PDF) (66 pp, 206 K) 1997. EPA/540/R-96/504.
Prepared by EPA's Office of Research and Development, this report evaluates the ability of high-voltage electron beam technology to destroy volatile organic compounds and other contaminants present in liquid wastes. - In-line Ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment for Removal of Organic Chemicals 1992.
Published in by the Water Research Foundation, this report presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of an in-line application of ozone and hydrogen peroxide to remove organic chemicals at much higher pressures than those in conventional ozone and hydrogen peroxide dissolution and contacting systems. - In-Situ Chemical Oxidation 2006. EPA/600/R-06/072.
One of a series of EPA Engineering Issue Papers, which summarize the latest available information on specific technical issues. This paper provides an overview of in-situ chemical oxidation remediation technology and fundamentals. - Removing Organics From Groundwater Through Aeration Plus GAC 1984.
Published in the journal of the American Water Works Association, this paper presents the details on the design, operation, and performance of GAC and aeration systems employed at a site in New Jersey. - Technologies for Treating MtBE and Other Fuel Oxygenates (PDF) (106 pp, 2.26 MB) 2004. EPA 542-R-04-009.
Prepared by EPA's Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, this report provides information on technologies used in the remediation of MTBE and other oxygenate contamination. - Treatment of Groundwater Contaminated with PAHs, Gasoline Hydrocarbons, and Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether in a Laboratory Biomass-Retaining Bioreactor 2006.
Published in Bioremediation, this paper presents the results of a study investigating use of an ex-situ aerobic biotreatment system in the treatment of co-mingled ground water contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, gasoline hydrocarbons, and MTBE.
Non-Electronic Resources
- Wilson, R.D., M. Schirmer, C.N. Naas, A. Smith, C. Smith, K.M. Scow, M.R. Hyman, and D.M. Mackay. Laboratory-Scale Evaluation of In Situ Aerobic MTBE Biodegradation Options for Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. 1999. Proceedings of the 2000 Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Ground Water: Prevention, Detection, and Remediation. Houston, Texas November 17-19, 1999.
Health, Safety, and Handling
Health and Safety
- Alternative Fuels Research Strategy. Review Draft (PDF) (520 pp, 2.44 MB) 1992. EPA 600/AP-92/002.
Prepared by EPA's Office of Research and Development, this draft report lays a foundation for developing the scientific information needed to compare the benefits and risks of various motor vehicle fuels, especially alternative and reformulated fuels, in relation to conventional gasoline and diesel fuels. MTBE, ETBE, and ethanol are discussed. - Cleaner Gasoline for Cleaner Air Better for Your Health (PDF) (3 pp, 145 K) 1995. EPA 420-F-95-005.
Prepared by EPA's Office of Mobile Sources, this Web page provides information on the health aspects of reformulated gasoline. - Effects of a Thirteen-Week Inhalation Exposure to Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether on Fischer-344 Rats and CD-1 Mice 1999.
Published in Toxicological Sciences, this paper presents the results of research of the toxic effects of ETBE inhalation exposure in rats. - Odor Threshold Studies Performed with Gasoline and Gasoline Combined with MTBE, ETBE and TAME 1994.
This report was prepared by the American Petroleum Institute. - Rat Olfactory Mucosa Displays a High Activity in Metabolizing Methyl tert-butyl Ether and Other Gasoline Ethers (PDF) (6 pp, 457 K) 1997.
Published in Applied Toxicology, this paper presents the results of research on the ability of the olfactory mucosa of rats to metabolize MTBE, ETBE, and TAME. - The Potential Health Effects of Oxygenates Added to Gasoline. A Review of the Current Literature 1996.
This Special Report of the Health Institute's Oxygenates Evaluation Committee contains the findings of a comprehensive literature review related to health effects of oxygenates in gasoline.
Handling and Use
- Emission Facts: Reformulated Gasoline (PDF) (4 pp, 12 K) 1999. EPA 420-F-99-040.
Prepared by EPA's Office of Mobile Sources, this report provides information on topics related to the use of reformulated gasoline, including its history, benefits, fuel economy impacts, and production cost. - Leak History of New and Upgraded UST Systems (PDF) (8 pp, 20 K) 1999.
Prepared by an advisory panel, this report presents the results of a review of existing data on UST contamination sites to determine if there is a leak history associated with UST systems meeting the 1998 federal and state standards. - Leak Prevention of Reformulated Fuels and Oxygenates: Sealing Solutions to Protect the Environment and Meet Regulatory Requirements (PDF) (15 pp, 867 K) 1993.
Prepared by DuPont Elastomers, this paper discusses issues related to oxygenates and leak prevention of reformulated fuels. - Oxygenate Compatibility and Permeability Report (UST Team 1 Report) (PDF) (18 pp, 61 K) 1999.
Prepared by UST Team 1, this report presents the results of a literature review and industry survey to explore the compatibility of oxygenates, including methanol, ethanol, MTBE, ETBE, TAME, and DIPE, with materials used in UST systems.- Attachment A - Compatibility and Permeability of Oxygenated Fuels to Materials in Underground Storage and Dispensing Equipment (PDF) (80 pp, 310 K)
- Attachment B - Oxygenate Compatibility/Permeability Survey (PDF) (4 pp, 17 K)
State Reports
California
- California Leaking Underground Fuel Tank (LUFT) Historical Case Analyses (PDF) (63 pp, 726 K) 1995.
Prepared by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), the goal of this study is to support the revision of California's leaking underground storage tank corrective action process. Analysis of case historical data, including information on fate and transport and impacts of releases, is presented. - Geotracker--Geographic Environmental Information Management System 2008.
Maintained by California's State Water Resources Control Board, GeoTracker is a geographic information system that provides online access to environmental data, including well, tank, and pipeline data from across California.
Multi-State
- Volatile Organic Compounds in the Nation's Ground Water and Drinking-Water Supply Wells 2006.
Published by the U.S. Geological Survey, this report presents the results of a national assessment of VOCs in ground water, with an emphasis on the occurrence of VOCs in aquifers that are used as an important supply of drinking water.
New York
- Characteristics of Gasoline Releases in the Water Table Aquifer of Long Island (PDF) (11 pp, 42 K) 1999.
Prepared by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation with input from EPA, this paper summarizes observations from four gasoline release cases in Long Island.
Fate and Transport
- Diving Plumes and Vertical Migration at Petroleum Release Sites (PDF) (4 pp, 60 K) Undated.
Published in L.U.S.T. Line, a technical newsletter for underground storage tank stakeholders, this article presents information on diving plumes at petroleum release sites. Geology, hydrology, land use, assessment, and a case study are discussed and a link is provided to a plume diving calculator.
Non-Electronic Resources
- Cowan, R.M., and K. Park. Biodegradation of the Gasoline Oxygenates MTBE, ETBE, TAME, TBA, and TAA by Aerobic Mixed Cultures. 1996. Proceedings of the 28th Mid Atlantic Industrial and Hazardous Waste Conference, Buffalo, New York, July 15-17, 1996. 523-530.
- Suidan, M.T., M. Esperanza, M. Zein, P. McCauley, R.C. Brenner, and A.D. Venosa. Kinetics of MTBE Biodegradation. Challenges in Biodegradation of Trace Organic Contaminants - Gasoline Oxygenates and Sex Hormones 2005. Water Environment Research 77(1): 4-11.