Through the Agency’s investigation, it was discovered that leak detection documentation was either unavailable or not maintained at seven facilities. At one facility the inspector observed deficiencies in the secondary containment serving the facility’s four tanks. Subsequent tests revealed two of the four tanks had failed and were taken out of service. While no releases occurred, the failure to properly document release detection and maintain secondary containment increased the risk of harmful hazardous material being released to the environment.

The matter came to light as a result of routine Agency inspections by the Waste Management Division. After the inspections were completed the company was notified of the violations and agreed to settle the matter. The company addressed the containment issues for the remaining two tanks, and has implemented an annual inspection program for all UST containment and leak detection equipment. It is also in the process of implementing and installing a remote electronic leak detection system for tanks owned in Vermont.

The settlement was reduced to an Assurance of Discontinuance and was so ordered by the Environmental Court. In it, Champlain Oil Company, Inc. agreed to submit a plan addressing the implementation of the remote electronic leak detection system, and maintain documentation of facility inspections and leak detection records. It was also agreed that it will pay a civil penalty of $20,000 to the State of Vermont for the violations and/or fund a Supplemental Environmental Project.

Involved Program: Waste Management Division, Underground Storage Tank Program
For Further Information please contact:
Attorney John Zaikowski at 802-241-3820 or email to john.zaikowski@state.vt.us