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EPA settles with Seaside Service Station in American Samoa over underground storage tank violations

Release Date: 01/09/2007
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, [email protected]

(01/09/07) HONOLULU - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently settled with Seaside Service Station for a fine of $10,400 over alleged federal underground storage tank violations at its facility in Malaloa Village, American Samoa.

The EPA alleges that Seaside Service Station failed to meet federal requirements by not conducting line tightness tests or using a monthly leak detection method on its petroleum piping, and by not adequately monitoring the underground tanks for leaks. The company’s facility includes five underground tanks, two of which are already temporarily closed, with unleaded and diesel fuel stored in its three operating tanks.

“We expect tank owners to properly maintain their tanks to prevent them from leaking,” said Jeff Scott, director for the EPA Pacific Southwest Region’s Waste Division. “Taking this action will help ensure American Samoa's fresh water supply and coral reefs are not damaged by negligence.”

As part of the settlement agreement, the EPA is requiring Seaside Service Station to conduct a site assessment to determine if a release of petroleum product has occurred underground.

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 and protect underground water sources.

The EPA frequently conducts unannounced tank inspections. More information on the EPA’s underground storage tank program can be obtained at: https://www.epa.gov/OUST/.

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