Illinois EPA Refers Shri Balaji Inc. (BarringtonMobil) 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 Shri Balaji Inc. for releasing gasoline into the sanitary sewer system in Barrington, Illinois. The Agency is seeking an order requiring the company to immediately control the gasoline release from the site and remediate contamination resulting from the release.

Shri Balaji Inc. is the owner/operator of BarringtonMobil located in Lake County. The facility is located at 504 East Main, Barrington.

On January 25, 2016, a local resident reported smelling fuel vapors in her basement. Barrington Public Works confirmed the problem and suspected it may be from a nearby station. The Barrington Fire Department also discovered gasoline in the sanitary sewer adjacent to the gasoline sump manhole. Illinois EPA representatives were dispatched to the site, where the investigation also revealed gasoline product in the gasoline sump.

A leaking valve and cracked tubing were revealed in the sump once the sump and sanitary sewer were pumped dry. The defective parts were replaced on January 26; however, additional complaints were received on January 26. Illinois EPA representatives have been on site daily and several environmental consultants were on site January 26 to plug the sewer line, install an interceptor trench, pump the sump and sewer of any liquids and pump gasoline/water mixture from the trench. The station has been shut down indefinitely while the investigation continues. Neighboring homes are being checked by the Barrington Fire Department and Illinois EPA for the presence of vapors and air monitoring is being conducted as entry into residences is available.

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.