What is the required retention period for a station's records?

The required retention period for a station's records is typically 18 months because this duration aligns with regulatory standards that ensure adequate monitoring of operations, compliance verification, and record keeping for safety and emissions. Maintaining records for this span helps stations adequately document their adherence to operational guidelines and environmental regulations, thereby supporting accountability and transparency in their practices. Additionally, this timeframe allows for thorough verification of data in the event of an audit or inspection, ensuring that any discrepancies can be resolved within a reasonable period. Retaining records beyond 18 months may be unnecessary for standard regulatory purposes, while a shorter period could hinder effective compliance monitoring.