Gas Stations In Newark, Elizabeth, N. Bergen Sued Over Fuel Tanks

The U.S. government is suing companies that control several gas stations in New York and New Jersey for allegedly violating regulations governing the maintenance of underground fuel tanks, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced last week.

Three New Jersey gas stations are among several in the region where the government says underground tanks were not properly maintained or monitored for leaks.
Photo Credit: *File*

Paul Milo

06/10/2019 4:14 p.m.

The government contends that Genesis Petroleum and 20 other associated companies failed to adequately manage a total of 38 underground tanks where fuel is stored. Fuel leaking from the tanks could contaminate groundwater, causing serious environmental damage, the government said. None of the violations cited in the lawsuit posed an immediate threat to drinking water, the government also said.

The gas stations where violations allegedly occurred include one located at 66-80 Bloomfield Ave. in Newark; another at 8012 Tonnelle Ave. in North Bergen; and a third at 507 Bayway Ave. in Elizabeth.

Between 2012 and 2016, the companies failed to install spill prevention equipment, failed to check for possible leaks and failed to provide records of tank monitoring as required by law, according to the lawsuit. The companies face fines of $16,000 per tank for each day the tanks were in violation.

Inspectors said they saw at least one corroded tank and that some tanks that had been closed had not been secured. The owners also failed to cooperate in inspections, the government said.

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