Yakima fuel distributor violated oil spill prevention and response safety rules

(Seattle - August 20, 2013) Wondrack Distributing, Incorporated violated federal oil spill prevention and response rules at its Yakima, Washington fuel distribution facility, according to a settlement with the E.P.A..

E.P.A. found multiple violations of Clean Water Act spill prevention rules and spill response requirements at the facility.

"Companies that store large amounts of fuel must be prepared to prevent and respond to fuel spills to protect people's health and the environment," said Jeff KenKnight, manager of E.P.A. Region ten wastewater permits compliance unit. "Companies must have comprehensive oil spill prevention and response projects in place and accessible to facility staff so they will be prepared if a spill occurs."

Facilities with the potential for oil spills, and in excess of 1,320 gallons of aboveground fuel storage capacity, must prevent discharges to waterways by using a detailed Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan.

E.P.A. inspectors at the Wondrack facility noted that a spill prevention project had not been fully implemented, nor was it adequate for the facility, and evidence of procedures, inspection, and training were not available, nor was a complete copy of the plan. E.P.A. inspectors also found that secondary fuel containment on location had breaches from unknown piping and cracks in the walls.

Implementing a detailed spill prevention project tailored to the facility is an important step in preventing a fuel or oil release and being prepared if a release occurs. A spill at the Wondrack facility could harm the Yakima River. The company agreed to pay a $27,522 penalty in its settlement with the EPA.

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures rules: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/spcc/index.htm

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