Sheetz Fined $8,500 for Gas Spill

ALTOONA, Pa. -- The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) fined convenience-store operator Sheetz Inc., based here, $8,500 for a gasoline spill that occurred at its College Township, Pa. store in March 2006, StateCollege.com reported.

The spill caused soil, groundwater and surface water contamination, DEP Regional Director Robert Yowell told the Web site. "Sheetz lost an undetermined amount of gasoline when an underground line serving one pump leaked," he said. "The company properly notified DEP and took appropriate remediation activities, but the gasoline caused environmental harm that violated the state's Clean Streams Law and Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act."

At the time of the spill, Sheetz's emergency contractors placed petroleum recovery booms and pads in nearby Spring Creek and constructed an interceptor trench along its east bank, the report stated. The contractors also excavated and removed gasoline-contaminated soil adjacent to the creek and used a vacuum truck to remove gasoline from the interceptor trench and an observation well. To date, about 200 gallons of gasoline have been recovered.

In addition, the gas from the location's four underground storage tanks was removed to pressure test the tanks and ensure there were no leaks. All four tanks passed the test, the Web site stated.

Sheetz then began operating a permanent remediation system that involves pumping contaminated groundwater from 10 wells, treating it with carbon filtration units and then discharging the treated water to the University Area Joint Authority's sewer system, according to the report.

The $8,500 fine was paid to the state's Storage Tank Fund.
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