In spring 2005, a subcontractor working at the Pic N Run station, located near the entrance to Canyon de Chelly, punctured the underground fuel line leading to newly installed aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). In fall 2005, Pic N Run operators discovered the release to the environment from the fuel line, which resulted [image-nocss] in up to seven feet of free gasoline product in wells at the site.
"The accidental release that occurred at this facility demonstrates the critical need for careful management of gasoline. Human error can result in both environmental and financial impacts," said Jeff Scott, the EPA's Waste Division director for the Pacific Southwest region. "Working in coordination with the Navajo Nation EPA, we requiring that all the parties involved work cooperatively together to make certain the environment and public health are protected."
The order requires Pic N Run to take responsibility for the cleanup at the station, and it also requires the facility's leaseholders and Pic N Run's contractors to participate and cooperate with the EPA, the Navajo Nation EPA and Pic N Run in these efforts. Under the order, Pic N Run must assess the site, continue cleaning up the gasoline, and undertake corrective action at the EPA's direction.
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