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Fuel delivery companies settle clean air violations at Idaho gas stations

Release Date: 09/26/2012
Contact Information: Suzanne Skadowski, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-6689, [email protected]; Don Dossett, EPA Inspection and Enforcement, 206-553-1783, [email protected]

Gas stations install new controls to prevent release of harmful vapors

(Seattle—Sept. 26, 2012) Two gasoline delivery companies will pay penalties to resolve violations of the federal Clean Air Act at gas stations in Idaho, according to a consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The gas stations have also installed new vapor controls that prevent harmful vapors from being released.

“Gas tank trucks and gas stations must both comply with EPA’s hazardous air pollutant regulations when the tank trucks are delivering gasoline to the stations,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement at EPA’s Seattle office. “Gas trucks and gas stations must have the required vapor controls to prevent harmful vapors from being released.”

At least 10 tons of volatile organic compounds were released at the Nez Perce Express and over 5 tons of volatile organic compounds were released at the TP Gas Station because they did not have vapor recovery systems. Gasoline vapors lead to the formation of ground level ozone, an air pollutant that can trigger health problems including aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis.

The Nez Perce Express and the TP Gas Station and Convenience Store, both tribally owned, did not have required vapor recovery systems in place for gasoline delivery. EPA issued Compliance Plans to both Tribes, who installed new vapor recovery systems that prevent release of harmful vapors.

CityServiceValcon, LLC, and Thomas West Fuels, Lubricants & Chemicals, LLC, violated the Clean Air Act’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for gas stations. The companies failed to comply with required management practices when they unloaded gasoline into storage tanks at the Nez Perce Express near Lewiston, and the TP Gas Station and Convenience Store at the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, between January 2011 and January 2012. 

CityServiceValcon, LLC, agreed to pay a $48,000 penalty, and Thomas West Fuels, Lubricants & Chemicals, LLC, agreed to pay a $45,600 penalty.

Learn more about EPA’s efforts to cut emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants