BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action against Schmitt Sales Inc. of Buffalo, N.Y., for improperly managing underground tanks used to store gasoline and other fuels at two of its facilities in the Buffalo area and eight other locations throughout the state of New York.
The EPA cited Schmitt Sales for failing to properly test and maintain records of corrosion protection, failing to install or operate overfill prevention devices, failing to properly close out of service tanks and failing to maintain records of leak detection monitoring.[image-nocss]
The gas stations owned or operated by Schmitt that are named in the complaint are Tubby's Corner Quick Stop in Angola; Schmitt's Robo Mart in Williamsville; Brooks Super Duper in Cattaraugus; Dutch Hollow Market in Avon; Echoes on the Lake in Hammond; Parkview Market in Mayville; Pine Valley Busy Mart in Pine Valley; T-Burg Foodline Inc. in Trumansburg; Cassadaga Supermarket in Cassadaga; and Ducky's in Friendship.
EPA's complaint alleged that the owner and/or operators failed to test the protection system that is designed to prevent corrosion, in 12 underground tanks; failed to provide adequate overfill prevention equipment for five underground tanks; failed to properly cap off and permanently close two underground tanks; and failed to maintain adequate records of leak detection monitoring in nine tanks.
EPA regulations require owners and operators to maintain underground storage tanks to avoid leaks into the environment. In addition, the regulations require owners and operators to clean up leaks to restore and protect ground water resources and provide a safe environment for those who live or work around these sites.
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