E.P.A. Takes Action Against Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Violations in Monmouth County, Middlesex Co. and Paterson, New Jersey

(New York, N.Y.) In separate agreements with the E.P.A., Monmouth and Middlesex counties in New Jersey have settled alleged violations of federal laws regarding the proper maintenance and operation of underground petroleum storage tank systems. When not properly maintained, underground storage tanks can leak petroleum and other hazardous substances, threatening soil and water quality.

"Owners of underground storage tanks have a responsibility to follow rules that prevent petroleum from polluting our environment," said E.P.A. Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. "When these tanks are not properly maintained, people and the environment are at risk."

Under a legal arrangement with the EPA, Monmouth Co. will spend an estimated $275,000 to install a 20,000 gallon above-ground tank to replace 3 underground tanks at its reclamation center in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. E.P.A. inspections and a subsequent investigation revealed several alleged violations at the Tinton Falls location and at 2 other Co. facilities. The E.P.A. cited Monmouth Co. for failing to keep adequate records of release detection for pressurized piping, and failing to conduct monthly monitoring of an underground storage tank. The Co. has recently come into compliance with these requirements.

Monmouth Co. will also pay a $3,660 penalty for past violations, a penalty that was reduced due to the money the Co. will expend to build the new tank.

Under a legal arrangement with the EPA, Middlesex Co. will pay a $51,100 penalty under their arrangement with the EPA. The agency's inspections and a subsequent investigation revealed several alleged violations at the county's 4 underground storage tank facilities. The E.P.A. cited Middlesex Co. for: failing to keep adequate records of release detection monitoring; failing to keep adequate records of release detection for pressurized piping; and failing to perform yearly tests of automatic line leak detector systems. As part of its arrangement with the EPA, Middlesex Co. has installed electronic release detection monitoring equipment to ensure compliance at all of its underground storage tank facilities.

Earlier this year, the E.P.A. reached an arrangement with the City of Paterson to settle alleged violations involving underground storage tanks at 3 locations throughout the city. Under the terms of that agreement, Paterson paid an $11,480 fine and agreed to operate its underground tanks in full compliance with the law.

For more information on underground storage tanks, visit http://www.epa.gov/region02/ust/.

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