Pumping gas into a car

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the RFG Survey Association?

We are an independent not-for-profit trade association. Our members and program participants (refiners, producers, importers, blenders) participate in a consortium of companies who have chosen an industry compliance option to meet their regulatory compliance requirements.

Why are you sampling?

EPA and some State Agencies have approved regulations and RFGSA survey plans to allow refiners, producers, importers and blenders to meet their required fuel compliance obligations through the Association’s fuel compliance programs. The Association programs are in addition to any other Federal and State sampling programs.

Are the Association programs approved by EPA or State Environmental Agencies?

Yes.  All RFGSA programs have been approved and authorized by their respective environmental authorities.

Does the RFGSA or its contractors work for EPA or State?

No.  We are not employed or affiliated with the EPA or any State environmental agency. We are an independent organization that the Industry has chosen to meet Federal or State environmental requirements for fuels compliance.

How did you pick my station? You recently sampled my location, why are you back?

The motor fuels compliance regulations for which the RFGSA supplies services, have a number of specific requirements. Locations are chosen based on an EPA approved statistical survey designs and, in some cases, specified with certainty. The primary factors that influence the facility selection and frequency are the program requirements, volumes and overall market representation.

What identification should the sampler provide before sampling my location?

The independent contractor (IC) should present letters from; (1) the RFG Survey Association; and (2) the respective governmental agency (EPA/State) requesting your participation in the sampling programs (Gasoline/Diesel, AZ). In addition, he/she will have the Field Origin Report (FOR), which identifies station/facility/product(s) to be sampled and the name of the IC sampling the site. You may request to see the IC driver’s license to verify his/her identity.

Will the RFGSA pay for the retail fuel sample(s)?

Yes.  The contractor will request a receipt showing location address, product and quantity purchased.

I am an unbranded retail outlet, who authorized you to sample my location?

Under most survey plans approved by the Federal or State Environmental agencies, whether or not you and/or your supplier participates directly in the RFGSA programs does not impact your selection for sampling under the National Fuel Survey Program. The survey plans require a representative sample of all the fuel sold in a specific area. All locations in the specific sampling area are eligible for sampling based on regulations and the survey plan methodology.