What is the minimum height for the discharge point of a vent pipe from an underground gasoline tank?

The correct answer regarding the minimum height for the discharge point of a vent pipe from an underground gasoline tank is 12 feet. This specification is crucial in ensuring safety and minimizing risks associated with vapor release from the storage tank.

Vent pipes serve to allow vapors to escape the tank during the filling process and to maintain pressure within the tank while simultaneously preventing backpressure that could lead to hazardous situations. The minimum height requirement of 12 feet for the discharge point helps to mitigate the likelihood of the vented gasoline vapors igniting due to close proximity to sources of ignition, such as open flames or electrical equipment. Additionally, such elevation overcomes environmental factors that might lead to the accumulation of vapors in low-lying areas around the facility.

Ensuring that the vent pipe is installed at this height also aids in the dispersion of vapors into the atmosphere, thereby reducing the risks of inhalation exposure to employees working in the vicinity. Adhering to this standard is a crucial aspect of regulatory compliance related to environmental safety and public health in the context of underground storage tank operations.