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EPA Settles Clean Air Act Cases Against Six D.C. Gas Stations

Release Date: 05/23/2012
Contact Information: Donna heron 215-813-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (May 23, 2012) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that six gas stations in the District of Columbia have settled alleged violations of Clean Air Act regulations designed to limit volatile organic compounds (VOC) and air toxic emissions from gas stations’ tanks and pumps.

“Today’s enforcement actions are part of EPA’s commitment to cut harmful air emissions, improve air quality and protect the public health of District residents,” said EPA’s Regional Administrator, Shawn M. Garvin. "It's important for gas stations throughout the country to capture their VOCs and air toxic emissions - - it saves money and helps curb summertime
bad ozone days."

Following EPA inspections in November 2011, the stations were cited for violating the Clean Air Act regulations (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from Gasoline Dispensing Facilities) that require gas stations to install and maintain anti-pollution devices, called vapor recovery control systems, for their underground tanks and gasoline dispensing pumps and to minimize and clean up spills.

These recovery systems are the first line of defense in preventing drivers from breathing in harmful gas emissions while filling up their tanks. They also reduce ozone producing air emissions when fuel trucks refill the stations’ underground storage tanks. Properly installed and operating gas station pollution controls recycle the gas vapors back into the tank, cutting harmful emissions of volatile organic compounds, benzene and air toxics. In addition to drivers and gas station employees, the recovery systems also protect residents of near-by communities because in urban areas such as the District, local gas stations are often situated close to neighborhoods and pedestrians.

Vapor recovery systems are designed to collect 90 percent of gasoline vapors during refueling and stop millions of gallons of gasoline each year from being released into the air. By reducing harmful emissions, we help lower public health risks for cancer and respiratory ailments such as asthma.

In settlement agreements with EPA, the gas stations have agreed to pay a total of $8,800 in civil penalties, with individual station penalties ranging from $1,400 to $2,100. As part of the agreements, the stations did not admit liability for the alleged violations, but have stated that they are now in compliance with the applicable vapor recovery control requirements.

EPA will continue to monitor and inspect gas stations to ensure compliance with the Hazardous Air Pollutant Emission Standards for gas stations.

List of facilities:
Samad Corporation, 3820 Minnesota Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20019
Anacostia Realty, LLC, 1925 Bladensburg Road, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Anacostia Realty, LLC, 4100 Hunt Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019
DAG Realty, LLC, 2230 New York Ave., NE Washington, DC 20002
Shirlington Petroleum Realty, LLC, 2210 Bladensburg Road, NE, Washington DC 20018
Springfield Petroleum Realty, 3830 Minnesota Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20019