The owner of several gasoline and convenience stores located in Maryland, Duncan Petroleum Corp, Dover MD, has settled alleged violations of regulations to detect and prevent fuel leaks from underground storage tanks, according to information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In a consent agreement with EPA, Duncan Petroleum Corp, which operates locations in Maryland and Delaware, agreed to pay a $65,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of federal and state regulations at Duncan's Super Soda Centers located in Federalsburg, Easton, Preston, Cambridge, and Chestertown, Maryland, EPA said.
The company failed to properly monitor its gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene tanks for leaks; failed to properly maintain and operate leak control equipment; failed to comply with corrosion-prevention safeguards; and failed to investigate, confirm, and report suspected leaks to the Maryland Department of the Environment, according to EPA information.
In addition to the $65,000 penalty, the settlement requires Duncan Petroleum to undertake extensive measures to repair and upgrade the systems it utilizes to prevent and detect fuel leaks, including equipment testing, corrosion prevention safeguards, and leak detection monitoring, EPA said.