The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an order to the Village Pantry LLC, owner of a gas station located at 1307 W. Third St. in Bloomington, Indiana, to assess the full extent of an underground fuel leak.
The leak, which was discovered in early November, caused thousands of gallons of gasoline to spill into the local sanitary and storm sewer systems.
IN: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has ordered a Bloomington gas station to assess the extent of a fuel leak that sent thousands of gallons of fuel into sanitary and storm sewers in early November.#fuel #leak #hazardhttps://t.co/U2xnFAiQKf pic.twitter.com/knD1UKAtZ3
— Midwest Consortium (@MidwestHazMat) December 1, 2022
Detection of the Fuel Leak
The leak was first identified on October 30, when employees from City of Bloomington Utilities noticed a strong hydrocarbon odor emanating from the sewage flowing into the Dillman Road Wastewater Treatment Plant.
After investigating the smell, city workers traced it back to the Village Pantry gas station. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that a substantial amount of gasoline had been released from the station’s storage tanks.
Fuel Leak Details and Immediate Action
According to reports from the gas station, approximately 8,000 gallons of gasoline were delivered to the location on the day prior to the discovery of the leak. After the release, only 660 gallons of fuel remained. The leak’s path and the extent of the contamination have raised concerns regarding the environmental impact on the area.
In response, IDEM ordered the station’s owner, Village Pantry LLC, to collect soil and groundwater samples from three separate boring locations. These samples must be evaluated to determine the extent to which the gasoline has migrated and potentially affected the surrounding environment. The sampling process must be completed by December 30.
IDEM’s Past Concerns and Violations
This incident follows a history of regulatory issues at the Village Pantry gas station. In July of the previous year, IDEM inspectors noted several violations at the station, including the improper installation of overfill prevention equipment and the failure to conduct required periodic tests on the equipment. These violations raised concerns about the station’s compliance with environmental safety standards.
Wider Environmental Concerns and Implications
The fuel leak highlights the risks posed by underground storage tanks and their potential to contaminate water and soil. Gasoline, a hazardous substance, can have severe environmental effects, especially if it spreads into the groundwater or sewage systems.
This incident has prompted concerns about the potential long-term impact on the local ecosystem and public health.
As a result of the investigation and the IDEM order, the Village Pantry gas station will likely be required to implement additional safety measures to prevent future fuel releases. The station will need to ensure proper installation and maintenance of all equipment to comply with environmental regulations and reduce the risk of spills. These actions are crucial for safeguarding the local environment and public safety.
The IDEM’s swift response to the gasoline spill at the Bloomington Village Pantry gas station is essential for assessing the damage and preventing further environmental harm. While the immediate leak has been addressed, the long-term monitoring and cleanup of the affected area will be necessary to ensure the recovery of the local environment.
