• EPA regulations call for the labeling of diesel transfer pumps that dispense ULSD.gas pump image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  The Environmental Protection Agency's "clean diesel program" aims to reduce air pollution caused by newer diesel vehicles. One aspect of this program is a requirement to use ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) for diesel vehicles of the model year 2007 or later. To make this program a success, the EPA has some regulations for retailers to label their diesel transfer pumps as dispensing ULSD.
  
  

Labeling Requirements

• EPA regulations forbid retailers from selling ULSD from pumps that are not labeled properly or are unlabeled. This is necessary because diesel vehicles from the year 2007 or later require diesel fuel that has lower sulfur limits than found in low sulfur diesel (LSD). If these vehicles are dispensed LSD, it could permanently damage the vehicle's emission control equipment. Thus, labeling the dispensing diesel transfer pump helps ensure that these cars get the right fuel.
  
  

Conspicuous Placement

• The labeling on the diesel transfer pump should be conspicuous. Its color should contrast with the pump color, and its printing must be of a minimum size.
  
  

Transfer Documents

• In order to facilitate these labeling requirements, the EPA requires that transfer documents identify the type of fuel being transferred at points of transfer of the diesel fuel. For instance, this regulation applies to transfers from a terminal to a truck distributor and fuel transfers from a truck distributor to a retailer.
  
  

Compliance

• The EPA will take action when it finds any non-compliance with the diesel transfer pump labeling regulations. The EPA could impose a monetary penalty for each day of violation of this regulation. In addition, a retailer will have to forfeit any extra money he makes as a result of noncompliance with this labeling regulation. The EPA also sends warning letters to operators of retail gas stations that have violated the diesel pump labeling regulations.