Petrol Vapour Emissions

If your company deals with liquid and gas fuels, such as petrol stations, then you will need to obtain a petroleum vapour emissions (PVE) certificate.

• View the register of companies with PVE certificates (updated January 2026)

In order to obtain the certificate, please go through the following steps:

Step 1

• Print the approved list of PVE assessors (PDF, 220KB)

Step 2

Contact one of the approved assessors who will provide you with a report stating that the requirements of the regulations regarding petroleum has been fulfilled.

Step 3

Send your report, along with a fee of €63.50 to the following address:

Environment Section
Cavan County Council
17 Farnham Street
Cavan Town
County Cavan
Ireland

Alternatively submissions can be made electronically to environ@cavancoco.ie

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, draft, postal order, or credit / debit card for submissions made in person at the Customer Services Desk, 2nd Floor, Johnston Central Library, The Farnham Centre, Farnham Street, Cavan  or sent by post to Cavan County Council, Courthouse, Cavan, H12 R6V2. If you are making an online submission, payment is made by electronic means (credit/debit card) by phoning: 049 4378661 or 049 4378662

If you have any questions or queries regarding your application for a certificate, then please get in touch using the details at the bottom of the page.

Understanding Stage II Petrol Vapour Emissions Regulations

Petrol vapours are a significant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—gases that easily evaporate into the atmosphere and contribute to smog formation, ozone pollution, and negative health effects. To address these emissions, the European Union introduced Stage II Petrol Vapour Recovery (PVR II) requirements, which apply to petrol stations during the refuelling of vehicles.

What Are Stage II Petrol Vapour Emissions Regulations?

Stage II regulations focus specifically on vapours released when customers refuel their vehicles. Normally, as petrol flows into the vehicle’s tank, it pushes out vapours that escape into the air. Stage II systems prevent this by:

• Using specially designed vapour-recovery nozzles
• Drawing displaced vapours back through the hose
• Returning those vapours into the underground storage tank
• Preventing VOCs from entering the atmosphere

This system forms the second part of the EU’s broader vapour-control framework, complementing Stage I, which regulates petrol vapours displaced when refilling bulk storage tanks.

Why Are These Regulations Important?

1. Protection of Public Health

Petrol vapours contain harmful compounds such as benzene and toluene. Reducing exposure helps lower risks related to respiratory irritation, headaches, and long-term health impacts.

2. Environmental Benefits

VOCs react in sunlight to form ground-level ozone and smog.

Stage II recovery systems help to:

• Reduce local air pollution
• Improve air quality
• Limit contributions to climate-linked atmospheric warming

3. Compliance With EU Standards

Stage II vapour recovery was introduced under the EU’s clean-air policy framework to ensure consistent environmental protection standards across Member States. Service stations must maintain systems that meet defined performance standards to remain compliant.

Which Petrol Stations Must Comply?

New Petrol Stations

Newly constructed service stations, or stations licenced after 1st January 2012, are required to install Stage II systems if their petrol throughput exceeds 500,000 litres annually. This threshold drops to 100,000 litres annually if the service station is located under living or working quarters.

Existing Stations

Existing stations are required to install Stage II technology:

· When undergoing major refurbishment if they have met the criteria above

Or

· If they exceed an annual throughput threshold of 3,000,000 litres annually

How Stage II Systems Work in Practice

A Stage II system includes:

1. Vapour-Recovery Nozzles

These nozzles have integrated channels that capture petrol vapour as fuel flows into the vehicle’s tank.

2. Vapour-Tight Hoses

The hoses transport vapours safely back to the underground tank without leakage.

3. Integration With Stage I Systems

Once vapours are stored in underground tanks, Stage I systems ensure vapours are captured again during fuel deliveries to the station, completing the emissions-control cycle.

Testing, Inspection, and Operator Responsibilities

To remain compliant, station operators must:

• Undergo formal assessment by an independent approved assessor
• Submit the assessors report and completed application form to Cavan County Council together with the fee of €63.50

On receipt of the correct documentation above a certificate of compliance will then be issued to the Service station operator. Once issued, the certificate remains valid for three years from the date of the assessment. The system must be retested and recertified before the existing certificate expires.

Application forms can be downloaded by clicking this link: PVE Stage II Certificate application form

Conclusion

Stage II Petrol Vapour Emissions Regulations are a critical component of modern environmental protection policy. By capturing harmful vapours during the refuelling process, petrol stations play an important role in improving air quality, reducing health risks, and supporting cleaner, more sustainable communities.

Useful contacts

Environmental Management

• Email: environ@cavancoco.ie
• Phone: 049 4378486