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EPA CITES THREE FEDERAL FACILITIES FOR UNDERGROUND FUEL TANK VIOLATIONS

Release Date: 11/21/2000
Contact Information: Norwood Scott, U.S. EPA, (415) 744-2081, email: [email protected]

     SAN FRANCISCO  The US Environmental Protection Agency, working jointly with Hawaii Department of Health staff, cited Hickam Air Force Base, Barbers Point Naval Air Station, and the Honolulu Main Post Office for violating federal underground storage tank regulations.

     Hickam Air Force Base's Building 1037 was cited $1,250 for failing to have release detection on a bulk fuel line and inadequate maintenance of their release detection system. The Touch N' Go Mini Mart at Barbers Point Naval Air Station was cited $900 for failing to comply with overfill prevention requirements, while the US Postal Service's main office in Honolulu was cited $1,050 for failing to have release detection and adequate corrosion protection on one of their tank systems and for inadequate maintenance of their release detection system.

     "Leak prevention is critical for underground fuel storage tanks since a hole the size of a pin can release 400 gallons of fuel in a year's time, enough to foul millions of gallons of fresh water," said Norwood Scott EPA underground storage tank inspector. "Given the reliance on groundwater resources in Hawaii, the protection of underground water sources is vital."

     EPA frequently conducts unannounced tank inspections. Owners and operators who receive a citation are required to take corrective action, submit requested documentation, and pay the settlement amount within 30 days. If they do not pay the settlement amount and come into compliance within this time, they are subject to formal enforcement action that carries penalties of up to $11,000 per violation per tank per day in addition to the added cleanup costs for leaking tanks.

     More information on EPA's underground storage tank program can be obtained at: www.epa.gov/OUST/.