EPA works with California to clean up USTs on abandoned properties

As part of a continued effort to clean up abandoned underground storage tanks (USTs) in California, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently removed approximately 4,400 gallons of fuel from three USTs at a foreclosed former gas station in Fresno.

The latest fuel removal is part of ongoing work carried out in partnership between the EPA and the California State Water Resources Control Board, which have identified more than 340 abandoned sites where they have removed or closed more than 174 storage tanks.

“Underground storage tanks pose a threat to groundwater and local communities,” EPA Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Jared Blumenfeld said. “This initiative is a great example of how collaboration with local partners can make a difference in our neighborhoods.”

After removing fuel at the Fresno site, the EPA sealed the tanks with a concrete plug to prevent leaks and illegal waste disposal. The agencies are in the process of taking on similar clean-up activities at eight more sites in Fresno and Kern County, all of which is expected to cost approximately $102,000, which the EPA is funding through grants to the water board. When clean-up activities are completed, the properties will be open to redevelopment, which has been prevented due to the high costs of addressing their contamination.