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U.S. EPA CITES RESORT 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 CNMI Division of Environmental Quality have cited Pacific Island Club Resort for violations of federal underground storage tank regulations.

  The Pacific Island Club Resort, located in San Antonio, Saipan, was fined $700 for failing to install leak detectors, inadequate record keeping and failing to maintain their leak detection system.

  "Leak prevention is critical for underground fuel storage tanks because a pin sized hole 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 limited amount of fresh water in Saipan, the protection of underground water sources is vital."

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

  The EPA frequently conducts unannounced tank inspections.  Owners and operators of substandard tanks can face penalties of up to $11,000 per day per tank 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/.