Control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations, Stage 1

The modified proposal accepts eleven of the twenty-five amendments adopted by the European Parliament. The main modifications made to the initial proposal are as follows: - regarding the loss of oil resulting from loading and storage at each storage installation at terminals, Member States may maintain more stringent measures throughout their territory or in geographical areas with a view to the protection of human health or the environment. The same applies to losses of oil resulting from the loading and unloading of mobile containers at terminals; - the provisions of the Directive concerning the filling of storage installations at service stations: .no longer apply to existing service stations located in places where urban speed limits are applicable; .do not apply to service stations with a throughput of less than 100 m3/year; .Member States may grant a derogation for service stations with a throughput of between 100 and 500 m3/year where the latter are located in a geographical area where vapour emissions are unlikely to create environmental or health problems; - every three years, Member States shall inform the Commission of the details of the areas in which national measures apply (nature and timetable of such measures); - finally, the specifications for bottom loading and vapour collection for road tankers are defined in Annex IV of the Directive. However, the Commission rejected Parliament's amendments proposing that: - maritime shipping should be included within the scope of application of the Directive; - the public should have greater access to the meetings and deliberations of the advisory committee; - the date for the first reports by the Member States should be brought forward; - the presentation of the Commission's report should be tied to its obligation to submit proposals to modify the Directive. �