PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-662 WAC, Weights and measures -- National Handbooks, the department is considering adopting standards for entrained water in motor fuels.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 19.112 and 34.05 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Water entrained in gasoline-alcohol blend motor fuels poses serious problems for engines. Entrained water in motor fuels means water that is suspended within the motor fuel. Different types of motor fuels react differently to contact with water. Gasoline-alcohol blends absorb more water than conventional gasoline and the water becomes suspended throughout the fuel. With conventional gasoline the water normally remains in the bottom of fuel storage tanks. In order to respond to higher entrained water levels in gasoline-alcohol blends, the department may adopt standards that motor fuels must meet for levels of entrained water.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Department staff will discuss any proposed amendments with affected stakeholders. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail mtoohey@agr.wa.gov; or Kirk Robinson, Weights and Measures Program Manager, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1856, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail krobinson@agr.wa.gov.
May 4, 2009
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director