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EPA PROPOSES FINES FOR HOOKSETT, LONDONDERRY COMPANIES

Release Date: 11/20/1997
Contact Information: Leo Kay, Press Office, (617) 918-4154

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to fine two companies in Hooksett and Lononderry, N.H. a combined $37,650 for failing to comply with oil spill regulations as required by the federal Clean Water Act.

The EPA is citing Spartan Consolidated, Inc. of Londonderry $23,650 for an oil spill that took place in March, and for failing to maintain an oil spill prevention plan. The EPA is also proposing a $14,000 fine for C&J Trucking -- the owner's other business in Hooksett -- for failing to maintain an oil spill prevention plan.

"Contingency plans often prevent spills before they happen, but they also can considerably lessen the damage they wreak when the unfortunate does occur," said John P. DeVillars, administrator of the EPA's New England office. "These actions should encourage others in the business to take all of the necessary precautions in making sure that their fuel storage areas are in order and proper contingency plans are at the ready."

EPA investigators discovered the violations at both facilities in March.

The EPA initially responded to an oil spill at Spartan that was caused by vandals. Investigators alleged the company failed to properly safeguard its oil tanks with secondary containment, and failed to maintain the required contingency plan. When investigators learned the owners also ran another company called C&J Trucking in Hooksett, they inspected that facility as well.

Spartan will remove its large fuel tank, which will eliminate the company's need to develop an oil spill plan for its facility. C&J Trucking will install a double-walled tank and will prepare a spill prevention plan.

Under the federal Clean Water Act, facilities storing fuel are required to maintain contingency plans that lay out a detailed cleanup plan should a spill occur. Among other things, contingency plans call for the construction of appropriate containment structures around the facility and the training of personnel in spill prevention.