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Howard University Settles Violations of Fuel Storage Tank Regulations

Release Date: 10/11/2005
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – Howard University in Washington, D.C., has settled alleged violations of federal regulations designed to prevent fuel leaks from underground storage tanks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. In a consent agreement with EPA, Howard University has agreed to pay a $59,589 penalty and to comply with applicable underground storage tank regulations.

EPA cited Howard University for violating various underground storage tanks safeguards, including monthly monitoring and other required methods to detect underground leaks, spill and overflow protection, annual testing, and adequate financial assurance for cleanups. The violations involved a 3,000 gallon diesel fuel underground storage tanks and 6,000 gasoline underground storage tank at the university’s service center, a 12,000 gallon diesel fuel underground storage tank at the Cancer Research Center, a 250 gallon diesel fuel tank at the Divinity School, and a 550 gallon gasoline underground storage tank at the School of Law.

The settlement announced today reflects the university’s cooperation with EPA and good faith efforts to resolve the cited violations.

With millions of gallons of gasoline, oil, and other petroleum products stored in underground storage tank throughout the United States, leaking tanks are a major source of soil and groundwater contamination. EPA and state underground storage tank regulations are designed to reduce the risk of underground leaks, and thus avoid the costs of major cleanups. For more information on EPA’s Underground Storage Tank program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/swerunderground storage tanks1/.

As part of the settlement, Howard University neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations.