PA DEP Fines Pittsburgh Companies for Asphalt Tank Violations in Four Counties
MEADVILLE, Pa., July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection has signed a consent order and agreement with Russell Standard and Hammaker East LTD, both of Pittsburgh, for violations of the Storage Tank Act and associated regulations.
The agreement requires the companies to pay a $20,000 civil penalty for removing and installing storage tanks without the proper state-certified oversight and failing to obtain permits for tanks at asphalt plants in Adams Township, Butler County; Le Boeuf Township, Erie County; Greene Township, Franklin County; and Springfield Township, Mercer County.
"The asphalt emulsions stored in these 26 tanks, which range in size from 6,000 to 158,000 gallons, are a regulated substance under the Storage Tank Act. The tanks should have been permitted accordingly," DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. "Certified installers must also be used for removing and installing tanks like these, and it is apparent that also did not occur."
Asphalt emulsions are blends of asphalt, solvents, water and other agents and are used as sealants and binding agents in road paving.
Russell Standard and Hammaker East must hire an independent, third-party, certified inspector to examine the tanks; register all tanks with DEP; and apply for any outstanding permits. The civil penalty will be paid to the state's Storage Tank Fund, which is used to permit, inspect and enforce the regulations on storage tanks around the state.
Installation and removal of storage tanks must be done by state-certified installers to ensure the process is done safely. Aboveground storage tanks with capacities greater than 21,000 gallons must be permitted by DEP.
Russell Standard manufactures asphalt at its Mars Plant in Adams Township, Butler County; the Wheelertown Road Plant in Le Boeuf Township, Erie County; and the Mercer Plant in Springfield Township, Mercer County. It is a limited partner of Hammaker East, which manufactures asphalt at its Chambersburg Plant in Greene Township, Franklin County.
For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us or call 814-332-6945.
Media contact: Kevin Sunday, 717-787-1323
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
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