A B717 Captain reported that Station Operations personnel notified him that his aircraft would leak fuel if quantity was increased above 24;000 pounds and so would not load the dispatch fuel of 24;500. Dispatch lowered the release fuel.

Narrative

While preparing to depart I noticed the FOB was less than the required dispatch ramp fuel load. FOB was 23.8 and required dispatch ramp fuel load was 24.5. I contacted Station Operations to upload the required ramp fuel of 24.5 and they replied the aircraft max fuel is 24.0. Again I requested the fuel be brought up to the required dispatch ramp fuel load of 24.5. Station Operations replied the 717 wings leak with fuel loads greater than 24.0; and they always stop fuel just short of 24.0. I questioned them if they have informed Maintenance of this observation and they did not reply. I asked if I should call Maintenance out and annotate their observation? Again there was no reply. I called Dispatch to inform them of the situation. The Dispatcher said that that Station Operations called earlier and informed him that they will not fuel higher than 24.0. The Dispatcher said the 23.8 was good for ramp fuel and the minimum fuel was now 23.3. I asked why I was not informed of this new fuel load earlier? No response.This flight was to a destination with poor weather and a distant alternate. If our Management is aware of the 717 wings leaking with fuel loads higher than 24.0; why is this not brought to the attention of the pilot group; Boeing; FAA? If our AOM states maximum fuel is 24.5; and we cannot fuel past 24.0; why is the AOM not changed to reflect this issue? I was not informed of this 'backdoor' decision between Station Operations and Dispatch; and feel uncomfortable with Station Operations dictating required fuel loads to Dispatch. These types of decisions can lead to a very unsafe situation or accident. We were just at min required fuel (23.3) taking the runway. We almost came back for more fuel. Ground the fleet if the wings leak. Fix the problem as observed by Station Operations. Investigate Station Operations on their wing leaking observation and inform proper authorities. Change the AOM to reflect the lower MAX fuel. If none of the above apply; then please inform the pilot group of the new procedure that this station has of determining required ramp fuel.