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EPA Cites Sheetz, Inc. For Underground Fuel Tank Violations in Winchester, Va.

Release Date: 10/21/2004
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz, Inc., owner of two convenience and gas stores in Winchester, Va., for violating federal and state regulations designed to prevent fuel leaks from underground storage tanks.

The alleged violations involved seven underground storage tanks at two Sheetz stores in Winchester, Va., located at 2311 Valley Avenue [STORE 203] and 1683 Berryville Pike [STORE 207]. According to EPA=s complaint, the company:

      - failed to immediately investigate and report to Virginia officials, suspected fuel leaks in 2000 and 2001 from three 15,000-gallon gasoline and diesel fuel tanks at the Berryville Pike store;
      - failed to immediately investigate and report suspected fuel leaks in 2000 and 2001 from four 15,000-gallon gasoline and diesel fuel tanks at the Valley Avenue store; and
- failed to conduct required monthly leak-detection monitoring of the above-described Valley Avenue underground storage tanks for various months in 2001.

EPA seeks a $32,530 penalty for these alleged violations, and has ordered the company to immediately comply with applicable underground storage tank regulations.

The company has the right to contest the violations and the proposed penalty.

With millions of gallons of gasoline, oil, and other petroleum products stored in underground storage tanks throughout the U.S., leaking tanks are a major source of soil and groundwater contamination. EPA and state regulations are designed to reduce the risk of underground leaks, and thus avoid the costs of major cleanups. For more information on EPA=s underground storage tank program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/swerust1/.

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