Sec.14-327d-11. Weights and measures sampling procedure for motor fuel octane and oxygenated levels

(a) Containers and Seals

Departmental inspectors shall use uncontaminated one-gallon steel containers, soldered on the outside to prevent contamination of the sample to obtain octane samples. Each container shall have an uncontaminated metal security seal. Departmental inspectors shall use uncontaminated one-pint aluminum containers, soldered on the outside to prevent contamination of the sample to obtain oxygenate samples. Each container shall have an uncontaminated plastic security seal. Each container shall have an official State of Connecticut sticker containing a sample number.

(b) Collection of Samples

All samples shall be drawn from the dispenser nozzle. For octane testing the inspector shall draw 0.8 gallons. For oxygenate testing the inspector shall draw 0.09 gallons. When drawing samples from blend dispensers or any dispenser with multiple products available from a single shared nozzle the inspector shall flush 0.5 gallons through the dispenser before drawing the sample. After obtaining the samples the inspector shall fill out a report form provided by the department. The inspector shall have the person in charge of the station at the time of the inspection sign a copy of the report. The inspector shall give the person in charge of the station at the time of the inspection a copy of the signed report. After each sample is taken the inspector shall place the container in a locked plastic cooler that is kept in the inspector's vehicle.

(c) Transportation and Storage of Samples

At the end of the day the inspector shall deliver the samples to the testing laboratory and shall obtain a receipt from the laboratory showing the date brought to the laboratory, the condition of each sample and the sample number. In lieu of bringing the samples to the testing laboratory the inspector may bring the samples back to the department where the samples shall be logged in and stored in a suitable locked area for future pick-up by the laboratory.

(d) Custody of Stored Samples

When picking up the samples from the department the laboratory shall give the departmental employee making the transfer a receipt showing the date picked up by the laboratory, the condition of each sample and the sample number. The laboratory shall provide to the department on a monthly basis a report showing the chain of custody for each sample from pick up to testing by the laboratory.

(e) Laboratory Reports

If the sample fails to pass the minimum standards or levels a retest shall be made. The laboratory shall notify the department of the results of each test for each sample in writing. The department may require the laboratory to send by facsimile transmittal the results when a sample fails both tests. The sample shall fail the test if the octane level is 0.7 octane less than the posted figure for the product being tested.

(Effective December 6, 1995)