Illinois EPA Refers Jaspreet Petroleum, Inc. to Attorney General for Enforcement

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General’s office against Jaspreet Petroleum, Inc. for releasing gasoline into the sanitary sewer system in Calumet City, Illinois. The Agency is seeking an order requiring the company to immediately control the gasoline release from the site, discover the source of the release and remediate contamination resulting from the release.

 

Jaspreet Petroleum, Inc. is the owner/operator of Quick-Stop Mobil located in Cook County. The facility is located at 264 Torrence Avenue, Calumet City.

 

On July 2, 2014, a local resident reported gasoline odors being emitted from a sanitary sewer in Calumet City. Illinois EPA staff investigated the area, including the nearest gas station to the odors. Strong gasoline odors were detected at the Torrence Avenue station, where sanitary sewers showed elevated readings for volatile organic compounds. Further investigation identified gasoline product present in multiple sanitary sewers.

 

A contractor has been on site since July 3, 2014, working to pump and remove fuel/water mixture from the sanitary sewer. Through their investigation, corroded lines and fittings were revealed as well as significant loss of product. In addition to removing product from the sanitary sewers, absorbent booms were placed at several locations in the sewers. Remaining product was removed from the Mobil station on July 3, and the facility was shut down and remains out of service.

 

In the referral, the Agency cited violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, in which the facility caused, threatened or allowed the discharge of contaminants so as to cause or tend to cause water pollution and deposited contaminants upon the land creating a water pollution hazard. Illinois EPA asks the Attorney General to obtain immediate injunctive relief. Agency representatives will continue to monitor the situation.