NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Federal prosecutors announced a settlement on Thursday with Genesis Petroleum, a company associated with 29 gas stations in New York and New Jersey, after the Environmental Protection Agency found the company was violating conservation laws designed to prevent gas leaks.
Genesis failed to adhere to safety measures for underground gasoline storage tanks at 13 gas stations that can stop leaks or detect them in time to prevent the pollution of water, soil and air.
The full list of non-compliant gas stations is:
-2664 Route 112, Medford, New York
-87 North Country Road, Miller Place, New York
-616 Route 110 Amityville, New York
-6077 Jericho Turnpike, Commack New York
-131 West Merrick Road, Freeport, New York
-199 East Sunrise Highway, Freeport, New York
-465 Nassau Road, Roosevelt, New York
-261 East Merrick Road, Freeport, New York
-8012 Tonnelle Avenue, North Bergen, New Jersey
-100 Plaza Drive, Suite 100, Secaucus, New Jersey
-90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 510, East Meadow, New York
-607 Station Road, Bellport, New York
-507 Bayway Avenue, Elizabeth, New Jersey
Across Genesis’ tanks, the EPA found failures to install spill prevention equipment, overfill equipment and leak detection mechanisms.
At least three of the stations failed to report suspected leaks, according to prosecutors.
“Genesis Petroleum flagrantly disregarded measures required by law that are designed to protect the health and safety of the communities in which it operates its gas stations,” said Breon Peace, one of the attorneys who prosecuted Genesis. “ Leaks from underground storage tanks can contaminate drinking water supplies, pollute surrounding soil and surface waters as well as groundwater, and impact indoor airspaces.”
Twelve of the 13 gas stations out of compliance were located in low-income areas and communities of color, according to the Department of Justice.
A 2018 study found that people of color and people living below the poverty line are more likely to suffer from the adverse health impacts of pollution in America.
As part of the settlement, the defendant must pay a civil penalty of $250,000, upgrade its storage tanks and comply with EPA regulations.
The settlement was reached via a consent judgment, which means that, if a district court approves the judgement following public comment, continued compliance will be monitored and legally enforceable.
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