Illinois EPA Refers Buchanan Energy (S), LLC 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 Buchanan Energy (S), LLC, owner and operator of an ExxonMobil gas station, for releasing gasoline into the sanitary sewer system in Lisle, Illinois.  The Agency is seeking an order requiring the company to immediately control the gasoline release from the site and remediation of any contamination resulting from the release.

Buchanan Energy (S), LLC operates Bucky’s Express, an ExxonMobil gas station located in DuPage County.  The facility is located at 1917 Ogden Avenue, Lisle, IL.

On June 24, 2014, a report of a gasoline release was reported to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.  Additionally, a representative from Buchanan also reported the release, which had been located under the dispenser island, resulting in discharge to the sanitary sewer.  Leaks of this nature are regulated under the Illinois EPA’s Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) program.

An environmental contractor has been on site since June 24, 2014, working to pump and remove fuel/water mixture from the sanitary sewer and dispenser sump.  The storm sewer system was flushed with 6,000 gallons of water and 20,000 gallons of water was pushed through the sanitary system, reducing noticeable vapors. 

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 have been on site since the initial reports were received and will continue to monitor the situation.