COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 07/22/2010
CONTACT:
Lynda Rebarchak, Department of Environmental Protection Southeast Regional Office
484-250-5820
DEP Orders Chester County Gas Station to Close
Several Businesses Adjacent to Coventry Mart Contaminated with Diesel Fuel
NORRISTOWN -- The Department of Environmental Protection today ordered Coventry Mart of 1453 S. Hanover St., North Coventry Township, to close until further notice, citing ongoing concerns over diesel fuel contaminating local water supplies.
"Problems with the underground diesel fuel tank at the facility have impacted three area businesses served by one common well," said Southeast Regional Director Joseph A. Feola. "The department has instructed the owners of the station to sample the private wells in the area and to supply clean water to any impacted properties."
DEP received a report during the early morning hours of July 21 that a neighboring business had a strong gasoline odor in its water supply. North Coventry officials initially responded and confirmed the diesel fuel's presence. DEP continues to work with the impacted property owners, the township and local fire department during this investigation.
Although Coventry Mart voluntarily took the diesel tank out of service, DEP issued an order requiring the facility to cease operations and empty all of its tanks. The order also directs Coventry Mart to immediately supply replacement water to the impacted parties, and sample private wells in the surrounding area.
This latest incident follows a March 10 report of a diesel fuel release from the facility. At that time, fuel had seeped into a storm water detention basin at the site and into a tributary of Pigeon Creek. Cleanup actions were taken and the product was contained.
On June 18, DEP received an interim cleanup report that was found to be incomplete. Several attempts were made to obtain additional information from the owner of the facility and the consultant.
For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Storage Tank.
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