What is MTBE? briefly describes the product and outlines its blending characteristics, then provides a link to technical information on MTBE’s chemical properties.

MTBE in gasoline begins by describing the development and composition of gasoline, before providing links to a technical article on gasoline. It then explains the uses and benefits of fuel oxygenates, briefly describes their chemical characteristics. The reasons why MTBE is widely used – i.e. its technical and air quality benefits – are covered here, as is the extent of MTBE use, both global and European.

The subsection on MTBE and human health describes the numerous studies on MTBE carried out over 30 years, then provides links to health hazard and risk evaluations and reviews published by recognised research entities, scientific and regulatory bodies. It summarises the findings of leading research agencies on the carcinogenicity and other health effects of MTBE, and includes links to detailed reports by two research organisations, IARC and ECETOC. The subsection ends with a reference to the EU Risk Assessment on MTBE.

MTBE and the environment briefly describes how MTBE is emitted to the atmosphere and what impact it has there. It then explains in more detail the behaviour of MTBE in soil and groundwater. Since this has been the subject of extensive studies, there is a link here to a comprehensive technical document. This section also refers to the EU Risk Assessment.

Section 2 of the MTBE Resource Guide offers practical advice and guidance to those who require specialised information about MTBE and gasoline handling, emergency response and remediation techniques.

Preventing contamination is the highest priority, as explained in a brief introduction. Key checkpoints and considerations are followed by links to detailed best practice guidelines on the handling of gasoline and gasoline blended with MTBE. Most of these guidelines also apply to neat MTBE, apart from a few exceptions, which are described here, together with links to an MSDS and Product Safety Bulletin for MTBE.

The emergency response subsection gives quick access to essential information, including the EU emergency call number, the relevant MSDS and Product Safety Bulletin, links to a First Aid website and basic instructions on what to do in the event of an accidental release of gasoline and/or MTBE.

Remediation is the longest and most detailed subsection of the Guide, providing access to a considerable body of industry knowledge and expertise. It begins by explaining the need for a thorough site investigation, and the importance of working closely with the authorities, then describes detailed site investigation guidelines issued by the Institute of Petroleum.

After touching on the complex issues arising from a contamination incident, the Guide recommends using an experienced environmental consultant, and outlines some essential qualifications before offering more detailed advice on consultant selection. There are also links to three major websites that include help in finding consultants.

The concept of risk-based corrective action is explained and links provided to two comprehensive site assessment studies published by the API and CONCAWE.

The causes of MTBE contamination, the extent of natural degradation and the need for remediation are discussed, followed by a list of key principles to remember when carrying out remediation work. The Guide then outlines the major clean-up technologies available for soil, groundwater and drinking water remediation, together with links to very detailed technical advice.