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Court Approves Settlement of Oil Spill Prevention Suit Against Richland Company

Release Date: 10/22/1999
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

RICHLAND, Pa. - Carlos R. Leffler, Inc. of Richland will pay a $435,000 penalty and spend an additional $110,000 to enhance 15 acres of undeveloped property in Juniata County, Pa. according to an Oct. 20 federal court settlement of an oil spill prevention case.

The federal government sued the company for violating the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, an amendment to the Clean Water Act designed to prevent water pollution from oil spills. The suit was one of the first in the country enforcing the requirement that facilities prepare for "worst case" oil spills.

The complaint against Leffler, filed by the U.S. Attorneys Office on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alleged that the company failed to prepare timely facility response plans or perform required personnel training for seven facilities in Pennsylvania: the Tuckerton Terminal in Reading; the Williamsport Bulk Plant, and oil terminals in Richland, Macungie, Sinking Spring, New Holland, and New Kingstown.

The complaint also alleged that the company failed to prepare spill prevention plans for underground fuel storage tanks at five C.R.’s Friendly Market locations in Annville, Harrisburg, Steelton, Columbia and Fleetwood.

Along with the $435,000 penalty, Leffler is required to enhance about 15 acres of wetlands and uplands on company-owned property in Walker Township, Juniata County, Pa.. The improvements include a parking area, trail, planting and bird habitats. This property will then be donated to the non-profit Central Pennsylvania Conservancy.