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Bogus Basin Ski Resort Faces Proposed $7,200 Penalty for Leaking Oil Storage Tank

Release Date: 5/18/2001
Contact Information: Greg Weigel
weigel.greg@epamail.epa.gov
208-378-5773

May 18, 2001 - - - - - - - - - 01-014


As part of an ongoing effort to protect Idaho’s water quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a $7,200 administrative penalty against the Bogus Basin Ski Resort, Inc., for discharge of heating oil to Bogus Creek, a tributary to Schaeffer Creek and the Payette River. The oil leak was discovered in early December, 2000 and immediately addressed by the resort, but not before the oil reached and contaminated the nearby waterway.

The 2,600 acre recreational ski complex, located 16 miles north of Boise, maintained a 5,000 gallon heating oil tank for use at the resort. At some point in early December, heating oil from the underground storage tank leaked into a culvert that is an outlet for an underground drainage system. The leaking oil passed through the drainage system and into the adjoining waters of Bogus Creek. Up to 1,500 gallon of oil leaked from the underground storage tank, and an estimated 10 gallons per minute of oil/water may have been discharged from the culvert drainage system into Bogus Creek.

According to Jim Werntz, Idaho State Director for EPA in Boise, while the Resort was undoubtedly the source of the leaked oil, their response was immediate and aggressive.

“Bogus Basin made a mistake by not paying attention to their fuel handling,” said Werntz. “But once they realized there was a problem, they wasted no time in making sure the job was done right and in a timely manner. We wish everyone responded to environmental accidents in such a speedy, responsible manner.”

The Resort has the right to file an “Answer” to the Complaint, requesting a hearing on any material fact contained in this Complaint or on the appropriateness of the proposed penalty.