Fuel Marketers Tools - Installing New Equipment

If your existing equipment cannot be safely converted to handle E85, you must install a new fueling infrastructure for your E85 pump(s). This page provides a step-by-step guide to the installation process, but be sure to talk with your equipment provider(s) for more information about equipment specifics.

Hire A Contractor

In many cases, the fleet operation or fuel marketer wishing to alter its on site fueling system will hire the services of a project contractor. It is important to decide how much capacity the fuel site should have, and whether or not to allow for future growth.

Once the contractor is selected and the agreements are signed that company's plan for the site is set in motion. Equipment ordering, as well as scheduling excavation, concrete, and electrical work can be the biggest factors in determining how long a project will take to complete. Locations involving new concrete will require one to two weeks for proper curing before vehicles can be driven on them. Also, it is not unusual for storage tank and dispenser orders to be delayed at certain times of year and in certain areas of the country. Poor weather can also delay a project. An experienced contractor will be able to plan a reasonable project timeline.

*Information provided by the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Secure Permits and Adhere to State Requirements

The contractor is responsible for ensuring that all permits are secured for the project. A city or county permit, usually obtained through the building inspector's office, will be necessary for both fleet and retail fueling site projects. Projects using aboveground tanks will likely involve additional local fire marshal and state requirements. Some municipalities no longer allow aboveground fuel storage tanks. Underground storage tank requirements may require a different set of issues; however, their use must also meet all state guidelines and electrical codes. The contractor will register storage tanks with the state environmental agency that will, in turn, register new tanks with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If a petroleum fuel tank is converted to an E85 operation, the state environmental agency is notified of the change in status.

For more information about obtaining a permit for fuel tanks, please the State Fire Marshal regulations fact sheet.

Order Equipment and Prepare the Site

Once the storage tank and associated equipment are procured, excavation and other site preparations can begin. Projects involving underground storage tanks will need to have the fuel ordered and loaded at the time of backfilling. Typically, the fuel load must be 90% of the tank capacity in order to secure the tank in place. Aboveground tanks can be loaded with fuel at the discretion of the site operator.

For links to E85 fueling equipment distributors, please visit our Fueling Equipment section.

Install Equipment and Conduct Testing

Projects involving underground storage tanks will need to have the tank set into the hole and the fuel loaded into the tank at the time of backfilling. Typically, this practice involves loading the tank to 90% of capacity to ensure the tank does not shift during backfilling. Following the wiring and plumbing of the system, minor dirt work and concrete finishing is done. Typically, after a few days or when the dispenser can be delivered to the site, the dispenser is set on its concrete pedestal and undergoes wiring and plumbing to the system. Once the dispenser is set, the system can be tested for leakage (tightness test), proper working order, and dispensing accuracy. At about this time, the necessary labeling, decaling and signage are completed.

Decals and other E85 promotional materials are avaiable from the National Ethanol Vehicle Coaltion website.

*Information provided by the National Ethanol Vehicle Coaltion (NEVC) and the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Complete Inspection Process and Final Walk-Through

It is the contractor's responsibility to notify all involved including the client of developments - and to ensure the completed project passes standards and codes set by the city building inspector, state or local fire marshals and/or state electrical inspector.

A final walk-through is conducted between the contractor and client to ensure the completed project meets with expectations.

*Information provided by the U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

For more information or assistance on installing new E85 fueling infrastructure, please contact your equipment provider or Clean Fuels Ohio at (614) 292-5443 or at info@cleanfuelsohio.org. You may also wish to view some Sucess Stories about the installation process.

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