Cumberland Farms Faces Prosecution Over Gas Leak

HUDSON FALLS, N.Y. – Cumberland Farms Inc. could soon face criminal prosecution stemming from a gas leak here on Dec. 27, 2011.

Washington County prosecutors expect to begin criminal proceedings in the coming weeks, the Glens Falls Post-Star reported. The county is seeking further financial compensation for the incident when a car hit a gas pump and caused 1,200 gallons of fuel to leak, run into a storm drain, flow downhill and allegedly ignite in Fort Edward, N.Y.

Several explosions occurred in the village of Fort Edward, damaging streets, homes and pipes. At least one person was hurt in the incident.

Washington County claims that the store was not equipped with an emergency shutoff button for the gas pumps, which is required by law.

In 2012, Cumberland Farms paid $330,000 toward repair costs. However, Fort Edward officials and Washington County officials have estimated that an additional $600,000 to $700,000 in damages was caused.

Although a court date is expected, Cumberland Farms has discussed a potential settlement with the village of Fort Edward and the Washington County Sewer District. However, no deal has been reached yet.

“We’ve been going back and forth with some proposals,” Matt Fuller, attorney for the sewer district, told the news outlet. “We’ve been having some good discussions and hopefully we will get it resolved.”

Cumberland Farms did not return the newspaper's phone calls seeking comment.

Framingham, Mass.-based Cumberland Farms Inc. operates more than 600 convenience stores in several states.