Through Agency investigation, it was discovered that Wesco, Inc. had several violations of the Vermont Underground Storage Tank Rules. These included a lack of release detection records, failure to conduct release detection, and failure to investigate and report a suspected release from one of its tanks after failed leak detection tests and a water alarm. It was also discovered that a release of hazardous material had occurred from one of the tanks in violation of Hazardous Waste Management Regulations and State law. The violations came to light as a result of an Agency inspection conducted during the removal of one of the three tanks. Following its removal, the company removed the other two tanks. The facility is no longer being used for gasoline dispensing and sales. The facility is currently being monitored as a hazardous site due to previous hazardous material releases in 1989 and 1998 and management of the facility is continuing.

After the Agency’s investigation was completed, Wesco, Inc. was notified of the violations and agreed to settle the matter. The settlement was reduced to an Assurance of Discontinuance and was so ordered by the Environmental Court. In it, Wesco, Inc. agreed to comply with the directives and requests for information from Agency personnel regarding management of the facility. It was also agreed that the company will pay a civil penalty of $25,000 to the State of Vermont for the violations.

Involved Program: Underground Storage Tank Program, Waste Management Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

For Further Information please contact:
Attorney John Zaikowski at 802-241-3820 or email to john.zaikowski@state.vt.us