Pennsylvania Ag Connection - SEPTA Settles with EPA on Underground Storage Tank Violations

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SEPTA Settles with EPA on Underground Storage Tank Violations
Pennsylvania Ag Connection - 05/05/2016

The Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) has agreed to pay a $116,843 penalty to settle alleged violations of underground storage tank regulations at five bus garages in Philadelphia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The settlement addresses compliance with environmental regulations that help protect communities and the environment from exposure to oil or potentially harmful chemicals.

EPA cited the company for not complying with safeguards designed to prevent, detect, and control leaks of oil and other hazardous substances from underground storage tanks at the following Philadelphia locations: Callowhill Bus Garage, 59th & Callowhill Streets; Comly Garage, Penn & Comly Streets; Frankford Bus Garage, 5235 Penn Street; Midvale Bus Garage, 4301 Wissahickon Avenue; and Southern Bus Garage, 20th & Johnson Streets.

Based on EPA inspections and follow-up inquiries, EPA cited SEPTA for nine total violations at the facilities involving underground tanks that store gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, transmission fluid and anti-freeze solution. Some of the alleged violations included failure to conduct proper testing of pipe lines; improper leak detectors on two lines; and failure to conduct proper line tests over an extended period. EPA inspectors did not identify any leaks.

The penalty reflects SEPTA’s cooperation with EPA in correcting the alleged non-compliance and resolving this matter.

With millions of gallons of petroleum products and hazardous substances stored in underground storage tanks throughout the country, 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 to promptly detect and properly address leaks thus minimizing environmental harm and avoiding the costs of major cleanups.

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