Yakima fuel distributor violated oil spill prevention and response safety rules

EPA Press Release:

Yakima fuel distributor violated oil spill prevention and response safety rules

Contact:  Suzanne Skadowski, EPA Public Affairs, 206-295-4829, skadowski.suzanne@epa.gov

  

(Seattle – August 20, 2013)    Wondrack Distributing, Inc. violated federal oil spill prevention and response rules at its Yakima, Washington fuel distribution facility, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 EPA found multiple violations of Clean Water Act spill prevention rules and spill response requirements at the facility.

“Companies that store large amounts of fuel must be prepared to prevent and respond to fuel spills to protect people’s health and the environment," said Jeff KenKnight, manager of EPA Region 10 wastewater permits compliance unit. “Companies must have comprehensive oil spill prevention and response plans in place and available to facility staff so they will be prepared if a spill occurs." 

Facilities with the potential for oil spills, and more than 1,320 gallons of aboveground fuel storage capacity, must prevent discharges to waterways by using  a detailed Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan.

EPA inspectors at the Wondrack facility noted that a spill prevention plan had not been fully implemented, nor was it adequate for the facility, and evidence of procedures, inspection, and training were not available, nor was a complete copy of the plan.  EPA inspectors also found that secondary fuel containment on site had breaches from unknown piping and cracks in the walls.  

Implementing a detailed spill prevention plan tailored to the facility is an important step in preventing a fuel or oil release and being prepared if a release occurs.  A spill at the Wondrack facility could harm the Yakima River. The company agreed to pay a $27,522 penalty in its settlement with the EPA.