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EPA CITES TWO GUAM FACILITIES FOR FUEL TANK VIOLATIONS

Release Date: 10/16/2000
Contact Information: Leo Kay, U.S. EPA, (415) 744-2201, Norwood Scott, U.S. EPA, (415) 744-2081

     SAN FRANCISCO  The US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Quality have cited Inland Builders Corporation and Winchell's Tamuning for violating federal underground storage tank regulations.

      Inland Builders in Hagatna was fined $900 for failing to notify the state of suspected releases and inadequate monitoring to determine if a release occurred.  Winchell's in Tamuning was fined $1,750 for missing a 1998 deadline for upgrading tanks, failing to upgrade or close a substandard tank and for not having storage tank insurance.

      "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 on Guam, the protection of underground water sources is vital."

      A December 1998 federal deadline required all regulated underground storage tanks to have spill and overfill equipment, corrosion protection, and release detection methods to prevent releases.

     EPA frequently conducts unannounced tank inspections. Owners and operators of substandard tanks can face penalties of up to $11,000 a day per violation in addition to cleanup costs for leaking tanks.

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