Fuel Standard (Petrol) Amendment Determination 2002 (No. 1)
I, DAVID ALISTAIR KEMP, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, make this Determination under section 21 of the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000.
Dated 15 October 2002
DAVID KEMP
Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Contents
1 Name of Determination
2 Commencement
3 Amendment of Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001
Schedule 1 Amendments commencing on gazettal
Schedule 2 Amendment commencing on 16 October 2002
1 Name of Determination
This Determination is the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Amendment Determination 2002 (No. 1).
2 Commencement
This Determination commences as follows:
(a) on gazettal — sections 1 to 3 and Schedule 1;
(b) on 16 October 2002 — Schedule 2.
3 Amendment of Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001
Schedules 1 and 2 amend the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001.
Schedule 1 Amendments commencing on gazettal
(section 3)
Do not delete: Schedule Part Placeholder
[1] After section 2
insert
2A Definitions
In this Determination:
CAS no., for a substance, means the Chemicals Abstracts Service Registry number for the substance.
LRP means lead replacement grade of petrol.
petrol does not include avgas supplied for use in aircraft.
pool average, for olefin or aromatic content of a grade of petrol, means the average amount of olefins or aromatics in all batches of petrol of that grade manufactured in Australia or imported by a supplier in each 6 months starting on 1 January 2002.
PULP means premium unleaded grade of petrol.
ULP means unleaded grade of petrol.
[2] Subsection 3 (3)
substitute
(3) Petrol must have a minimum research octane number as follows:
(a) for ULP — of 91.0;
(b) for PULP — of 95.0;
(c) for LRP — of 96.0.
[3] Subsection 3 (6)
omit
[4] Section 4
omit
testing method mentioned
insert
testing method, as in force on 1 January 2002, mentioned
Schedule 2 Amendment commencing on 16 October 2002
(section 3)
[1] After section 4
insert
5 Operability standards for petrol
(1) To allow the more effective operation of engines, petrol of a grade mentioned in an item of the following table must, in relation to the parameter mentioned in that item, comply with the specification for that parameter mentioned in that item.
(2) For subsection (1), a parameter of petrol of a grade mentioned in an item of the table complies with the specification for that item only if that is the result after the petrol has been tested, in relation to that parameter, using the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method of testing, as in force on 16 October 2002, mentioned in that item.
Item | Grade of petrol | Parameter | Specification | Referee test method |
1 | PULP | MON | 85.0 minimum | ASTM D2700 |
2 | ULP | MON | 81.0 minimum | ASTM D2700 |
3 | LRP | MON | 82.0 minimum | ASTM D2700 |
4 | All grades | Copper corrosion (3 hrs @ 50°C) | Class 1 maximum | ASTM D130 |
5 | All grades | Existent gum (washed) | 50 mg/l maximum | ASTM D381 |
6 | All grades | Induction period | 360 minutes minimum | ASTM D525 |
Overview
The Fuel Standard (Petrol) Amendment Determination 2002 (No. 1) was made by David Alistair Kemp, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, under section 21 of the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000. This legislation was introduced to amend the existing petrol standards set by the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001, addressing issues such as the need to update the standards to reflect technological advancements and improve the performance and environmental impact of petrol. The determination was made to ensure that petrol sold in Australia meets certain quality benchmarks, which include octane ratings and other operational standards. The determination came into effect in two stages, with certain provisions taking effect immediately upon gazettal and others on 16 October 2002.
The primary objective of the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Amendment Determination 2002 (No. 1) is to refine and enhance the quality and operability standards of petrol available in the Australian market. By specifying the minimum research octane numbers for different grades of petrol and setting operability standards, the determination aims to ensure that petrol products are efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible. This amendment helps to maintain the balance between the quality of fuel available to consumers and the need to reduce the environmental footprint of petrol usage.
Scope and Application
The Fuel Standard (Petrol) Amendment Determination 2002 (No. 1) applies to petrol supplied in Australia, specifically regulating the fuel standards for unleaded and lead replacement petrol grades. It is applicable to all petrol suppliers and consumers within the country, aiming to ensure the quality and performance of petrol. The Determination also sets out specific chemical and operational standards that petrol must meet, excluding aviation fuel. The amendments in this Determination are made under the authority of the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 and include modifications to the testing methods and operational standards for petrol. The Determination has both immediate and deferred commencement dates, with certain sections taking effect upon gazette and others on 16 October 2002. The application of this legislation can be further extended or refined through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional specifications or procedural details.
Key Provisions
The Fuel Standard (Petrol) Amendment Determination 2002 (No. 1) modifies the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001, introducing new definitions and setting forth minimum research octane numbers for different grades of petrol. Section 2A introduces definitions pertinent to the determination, such as the Chemicals Abstracts Service Registry number (CAS no.), and specific petrol grades like lead replacement grade (LRP), premium unleaded grade (PULP), and unleaded grade (ULP). The minimum research octane numbers for these petrol grades are outlined in section 3(3), stipulating 91.0 for ULP, 95.0 for PULP, and 96.0 for LRP.
The obligations imposed by this legislation primarily concern petrol suppliers and manufacturers, requiring them to adhere to the specified research octane numbers and pool average for olefin and aromatic content in their petrol batches. Additionally, suppliers must ensure that their petrol complies with the operability standards set out in section 5, which include parameters such as MON (Motor Octane Number), Copper corrosion, Existent gum, and Induction period. These parameters must be tested using the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods specified in the determination.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Amendment Determination 2002 (No. 1) can result in significant consequences. While specific offences, penalties, and consequences are not detailed in the provided text, the determination likely imposes civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance. In general, breaches of fuel quality standards can lead to fines, corrective actions, and potentially more severe legal consequences, depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific regulatory framework governing fuel quality standards in Australia.