MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that his office has obtained a judgment against Bulk Petroleum Corp., requiring it to pay $51,470.75 in forfeitures, court costs, and surcharges for violations of state environmental laws that regulate the maintenance of underground storage tanks, handling or use of flammable or combustible liquids and proper abandonment of unused tanks.
The laws are designed to protect the waters of the state from harm due to contamination from such liquids. The three tanks at issue in the case are located at an out-of-service gas station in Milwaukee.
Bulk Petroleum's principal office is in Mequon and its registered agent is Mr. Darshan S. Dhaliwal.
According to the complaint, state regulators inspected the site on Jan. 16, 2009, and May 25, 2010. Bulk Petroleum has not had a valid operation permit for any of the tanks located at the site since at least Jan. 16, 2009. Furthermore, Bulk Petroleum failed to operate and maintain its corrosion protection systems and satisfy the state's financial responsibility requirements.
On Jan. 16, 2009, state regulators issued Bulk Petroleum a state order requiring it to obtain an operation permit for each tank. On May 25, 2010, state regulators ordered Bulk Petroleum either to obtain an operation permit or permanently close each tank, which requires removing the tank from the ground and testing for soil contamination.
Bulk Petroleum did not comply with either state order.
In addition to the monetary judgment, Bulk Petroleum is required either to obtain an operation permit for each tank or permanently close each tank at the site. If Bulk Petroleum fails to comply with that requirement, then the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is authorized to enter the site, contract to remove any tank not in compliance, and place a lien on the property for the cost of permanently closing the tank.
Click here to view the Default Judgment, Order for Default Judgment and Summons and Complaint.
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