Which release is treated as de minimis, and so does not violate the venting prohibition?

Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol · EPA 608 Core. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Phaseout dates and the venting prohibitions at servicing, at disposal and for substitutes.

The question

Which release is treated as de minimis, and so does not violate the venting prohibition?

• AVenting a nearly empty system that holds less than one pound
• BA small loss while connecting hoses during proper recoveryCorrect answer
• CReleasing refrigerant that is too dirty to recycle
• DPurging a recovery cylinder that was overfilled

Why “A small loss while connecting hoses during proper recovery” is correct

Under 40 CFR 82.154(a)(2), de minimis releases are those that happen during good-faith recovery while the required practices are followed and certified equipment is used, such as a small loss when hoses are connected. Deliberate venting of any amount is not de minimis.

Source: 40 CFR 82.154(a)(2)

Why the other answers are wrong

• Venting a nearly empty system that holds less than one pound — Knowingly venting a small charge is still a violation.
• Releasing refrigerant that is too dirty to recycle — Dirty refrigerant must be recovered for reclamation or destruction, not vented.
• Purging a recovery cylinder that was overfilled — Releasing recovered refrigerant is a violation under 82.154(a)(3).

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Core practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.