MassDEP Penalizes Exxon/Mobil $5,016 for Violations at Tyngsboro Station
Vapor recovery equipment not properly maintained; lack of record-keeping cited

The Massachusetts Department of Environment (MassDEP) penalized the Exxon/Mobil Oil Corporation $5,016 for continued violations involving gasoline vapor recovery equipment at the gasoline station it owns and operates in Tyngsboro at 95-97 Westford Road.  

MassDEP inspected the facility, which includes a car wash and convenience store on November 28, 2007 and found vapor-recovery equipment was not properly working and maintenance records were not being kept. Two weeks later, MassDEP issued the Arlington, Virginia-based petroleum giant a notice of noncompliance regarding these violations, and outlined the steps it needed to take.

A subsequent inspection, by MassDEP on January 17, 2008, however, found continued violations including failure to replace damaged equipment, continued inadequate weekly inspections, lack of signage on damaged equipment, and lack of onsite records and training certification.

"Exxon/Mobil has a responsibility to operate its Tyngsboro facility in compliance, particularly on matters of environmental concern to the people most directly affected by its failure to correct these violations," said Richard Chalpin, director of MassDEPs Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington.

In addition to the penalty, Exxon/Mobil has now agreed that within 30 days it will have faulty or broken vapor-recovery equipment repaired or replaced; it will perform and document all weekly inspections; and will maintain all required records on site.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

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