Fairfax County settles underground storage tank violations with EPA | WPN World People News

Fairfax County, Va. has agreed to pay a $64,450 penalty for underground storage tank violations at 15 county locations where facilities stored gasoline, diesel fuel or motor oil. The settlement addresses compliance with environmental regulations that help protect communities and the environment from exposure to oil or potentially harmful chemicals.

At the facilities, the county did not test the equipment that was being used to detect leaks from pressurized underground lines that were connected to the storage tanks. In addition, at two facilities, the county failed to annually test its tank lines for tightness. None of the violations included any type of release or leak from the tanks or pipes. The county has corrected all violations.

With millions of gallons of petroleum products and hazardous substances stored in underground storage tanks throughout the country, leaking tanks are a major source of soil and groundwater contamination. EPA and state regulations are designed to reduce the risk of underground leaks and to promptly detect and properly address leaks thus minimizing environmental harm and avoiding the costs of major cleanups.

The settlement penalty reflects the county’s cooperation with EPA in correcting the violations.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency