Sec. 03.03.05.14. Color Coding for Bulk Storage Facilities

A. A facility in this State required to register under the Motor Fuel and Lubricants law and used to store motor fuel in fixed bulk storage tanks shall implement the American Petroleum Institute (API) recommended system of color coding equipment which is set out as follows:

(1) Gasoline-unleaded:

(a) Highest grade (octane)-red circle with white cross,

(b) Mid-grade (octane)-blue circle with white cross,

(c) Lowest grade (octane)-white circle with black cross;

(2) Vapor recovery-orange circle;

(3) Diesel fuel (low sulfur)-yellow hexagon;

(4) Diesel fuel (high sulfur)-yellow hexagon with blue stripe;

(5) No. 1 fuel oil (low sulfur)-purple hexagon with yellow stripe;

(6) No. 1 fuel oil (high sulfur)-purple hexagon with yellow and blue stripes;

(7) No. 2 fuel oil (low sulfur)-green hexagon;

(8) No. 2 fuel oil (high sulfur)-green hexagon with blue stripe;

(9) Kerosene (1-K low sulfur)-brown hexagon;

(10) Kerosene (2-K high sulfur)-brown hexagon with blue stripe;

(11) Monitoring or test pipes-white circle with black triangle and the words, "Monitoring Pipe-DO NOT FILL".

B. Methods of Coloring.

(1) Facilities Except Bulk Plants, Terminals, and Distribution Points.

(a) The required color scheme shall be applied to all fillbox (manhole) covers and shall extend at least 3 inches beyond the fillbox cover to prevent mismatching of fillboxes with the appropriate cover.

(b) If a fillbox cover is required to have a stripe, cross, or triangle as part of the color scheme, the stripe, cross, or triangle shall extend beyond the fillbox cover.

(c) If the bulk storage tank is an above-ground tank, the required color coding shall be affixed to the tank close to the fill and to the draw-off point and be at least 8 inches in overall diameter.

(d) Other methods of identification such as tagging fillbox adapters, rims, or the use of plastic inserts inside the fillbox rim may be used in addition to the required coloring, but not as a substitute, for underground storage tanks.

(2) Bulk Plants, Terminals, and Distribution Points.

(a) The required color scheme shall be prominently placed on all rack-loading and vapor recovery equipment, as close as possible to the point of product or vapor transfer.

(b) Storage tanks may be labeled using the appropriate color scheme when operating conditions permit.

(3) Required color coding shall be maintained clean and clearly legible at all times.

C. Posting of Color Codes.

(1) A facility required to use the color coding system in this regulation shall post a sign or signs in a prominent location on the premises indicating the color scheme.

(2) Signs at retail service stations, when required, shall conform to and include the information mandated by the Maryland Department of the Environment under COMAR 26.10.01.13.

D. Product Transfer-Prohibition. Motor fuel may not be transferred from a shipping facility or delivered to a receiving facility in this State unless the:

(1) Shipping and receiving facilities are in compliance with this regulation; and

(2) Petroleum transporter is in compliance with COMAR 03.03.03.15.