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University of D.C. to Pay $5K for Lacking Oil Spill Plan, School Also to Teach Compliance, Test Nearby Stream

Release Date: 11/24/1998
Contact Information: Ruth Podems (215) 814-5540

Washington, D.C. - The University of the District of Columbia has agreed to pay a $5,000 penalty for violating federal oil spill prevention regulations at the school’s Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.

          EPA alleged that the university violated Clean Water Act regulations requiring owners of oil facilities to develop and use a spill prevention, control and countermeasure  (SPCC) plan.  With millions of gallons of oil in storage throughout the United States, spills pose a constant threat to land and water.  SPCC plans are designed to reduce these threats.

     In January 1997,  petroleum stored in underground storage tanks on university property spilled into the nearby Soap Stone Creek.  Under an order from the EPA, the university cleaned up the spill and voluntarily removed the underground storage tanks.

          In addition to the $5,000 penalty, the university committed in a November 13 consent agreement to complete two environmentally beneficial projects costing an estimated $25,000.  UDC will host a seminar for the regulated community on SPCC requirements.  The university will also monitor hydrocarbons in nearby Soap Stone Creek with state-of-the art testing procedures.


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