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EPA Cites Three Universities for Lax Oil Tank Care - Agency Targeting Higher Education for Compliance

Release Date: 10/20/1999
Contact Information: Ruth Podems, (215) 814-5540

Ruth Podems, (215) 814-5540

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Lincoln University, the University of Virginia and Villanova University for failing to properly manage petroleum tanks on campus, in violation of federal environmental regulations.

"Careful management of petroleum tanks is vital to protecting our underground drinking water sources, as well as our rivers and streams," said Samantha Fairchild, director of EPA’s enforcement office for Region III.

EPA’s Region III office, so far, has inspected five universities in 1999 and has slated several more inspections throughout the mid-Atlantic region in 2000 to ensure compliance with all environmental regulations. These are summaries of recent EPA enforcement actions taken at three universities:

Lincoln University, Oxford, Pa. -- The EPA has filed two separate complaints proposing a total $52,117 penalty for oil tank management violations. The first complaint proposes a $27,840 penalty for improperly managing three on-campus underground tanks -- two 1,000-gallon gasoline tanks and a 250-gallon diesel tank used for fueling university vehicles.

EPA has given Lincoln 60 days to clean up contaminated soil allegedly discovered in 1998 when the three tanks were removed. University officials have also been ordered to determine the full extent and location of the contaminated soils and groundwater.

In addition, approximately 400 tons of contaminated soil was allegedly excavated and illegally stockpiled next to the removal site. This soil should have been disposed of at an appropriate treatment facility.

In a separate complaint, EPA proposed a $24,277 penalty against Lincoln University for failing to develop and keep on site an oil spill prevention plan for its fuel storage tanks. All facilities that have oil tanks on site over threshold capacities are required to have spill prevention plans according to the Oil Pollution Control Act. These plans are meant to protect nearby groundwater, rivers, streams and lakes from becoming contaminated.

Lincoln is located within a quarter mile of McDonald Run, which is a tributary to the west branch of Big Elk Creek, and within a quarter mile of a tributary to the east branch of Big Elk Creek.

Villanova University, Villanova, Pa. -- The EPA has proposed a $35,701 penalty for the university’s failure to develop and keep on site an oil spill prevention plan for its 5,000-gallon above-ground oil storage tank and underground storage tanks that hold a total of 150,000 gallons of oil. Villanova is located near Mill Creek which feeds into the Schuylkill River. EPA discovered Villanova’s violation during a July 1999 inspection.

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. -- The EPA has proposed a $29,989 penalty for the university’s failure to develop and keep on site an oil spill prevention plan for its 99,600-gallon above-ground oil tank. The tanks are located near storm drains that empty into the Rivanna River which feeds the James River. EPA discovered U.Va.’s violation during a September 1999 inspection.

The universities each have the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalties.

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