COSTCO WHOLESALE CANADA LTD - Approval for variance from the Liquid Fuels Handling Code

Costco is requesting three variances for the following sites:

• 3525 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville – 2027 Construction
• 6620 Catherine Street, East Windsor – 2026 Construction
• 351 Lyons Court, Wasaga Beach – 2026 Construction
• Mayfield & Creditview Road, Caledon – 2027 Construction
• Golf Links Road & Central Avenue, Thunder Bay – 2027 Construction

Please note items numbered 1,2 and 3, respectively, correspond to the numbered items under each subheading.

Liquid Fuels Handling Code (LFHC) Requirements that Would Not be Met:

1. 6.1.2.2. At a self-serve facility, no more than 12 dispensing positions shall be simultaneously activated/supervised by one self-serve attendant.

    

2. 6.1.4.2. The authorization holder shall ensure, on an annual basis, that card/key users are provided with detailed training on the requirements of this Code, including safe operating and emergency procedures. The authorization holder shall maintain a record of the training.

3. 5.4.1. Dispensing equipment at a cardlock/keylock shall be installed to stop automatically after dispensing 200L of Class I product and after dispensing 1000L of Class II product.

Why the Code Would Not be Met

1. Due to customer demand at Costco facilities, having only 12 fuel dispensing positions would cause long lines that may spill over onto roadways. The additional positions will provide improved traffic circulation. 

2. There is no need to train customers since the site will have attendants to direct traffic and provide general assistance to customers.

3. The attendants will assist customers and can address spills and other emergencies immediately. 

Equivalent Safety Measures

• The site will have two roaming attendants when more than 18 fuel dispensing positions are activated to direct traffic and provide general assistance to customers as well as during fuel deliveries. The attendants will directly monitor the dispensing operations without distraction (at a typical cardlock, there are no attendants). In addition, there is closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring of all fueling positions.

• The attendants can address spills and other emergencies immediately (at a typical cardlock, there are no attendants).

• In addition to the attendants, there are five (5) Emergency Stop Devices around the site that will shut off the fuel supply when necessary. The site also has an oil/water separator to collect any spilled fuel. 

TSSA has granted similar variances for other Costco sites. The other sites have been operating without incident for several years now.