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EPA cites Tunstall Fuel Company for not taking oil spill prevention safeguards

Release Date: 05/20/2009
Contact Information: Roy Seneca seneca.roy@epa.gov, 215-814-5567

(PHILADELPHIA May 20, 2009) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking a $39,930 penalty from the Tunstall Fuel Company for violating oil spill prevention and response requirements at the company’s oil storage facility in Boswell, Somerset County, Pa.

Under the Clean Water Act, all owners and operators of fuel facilities (including storage tanks, pipelines, and transfer stations) are required to develop and implement a spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan to minimize the risk of spills. According to an EPA complaint, the company failed to prepare such a plan. The complaint involves violations of precautionary safeguards. EPA does not allege a spill or other hazardous discharge.

The Boswell facility, located at 8700 Somerset Pike, has a total capacity of 50,000 gallons, and is located about one-tenth of a mile from North Branch Creek.

The alleged violation was discovered during EPA inspections. The company has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violation and proposed penalty. For more information about EPA’s emergency response requirements, visit https://www.epa.gov/emergencies/programs.htm