ALTOONA, Pa. -- As reported yesterday in CSP Daily News, Sheetz Inc. has settled alleged violations arising from reporting and paperwork compliance on the testing of underground storage tanks between 2000 and 2001. In the past, there have been discrepancies in the interpretation of the testing procedures required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the results of the tests.
We have been working closely with the EPA so that we clearly understand their interpretation of the regulations and that we follow them. Both Sheetz and the EPA [image-nocss] see protection of the environment and the safety of the local communities as a top priority, said Mike Cortez, Sheetz vice president and general counsel.
Following notification of reporting violations at two Virginia stores in 2000 and 2001, Sheetz volunteered to self-audit all of its stores and to promptly correct any noncompliance and report any issues to the EPA. Sheetz stores are now in full compliance with EPA reporting guidelines.
Extensive data and physical testing detected not a single leak at underground storage tanks at any one of the company's 309 current locations, said Cortez. It should be noted that the violations were reporting violationsnot fuel tank leaks. Importantly, there has been no harm to the environment.
Additionally, Sheetz has agreed to undertake supplemental projects, which go well beyond existing environmental regulations to better protect the local environment. These projects were undertaken in connection with the settlement of an enforcement action taken by the EPA for alleged violations of the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA).
The EPA has praised Sheetz for its good faith in complying with reporting procedures and cooperating with the EPA.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.