Town of Onondaga, N.Y. — A Central New York gas station on Friday was issued two notices of state violations following multiple reports of cars breaking down after getting fuel.
Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard reported Friday at least 16 drivers confirmed their vehicles broke down after getting gas at the station.
The violations were issued after a state Department of Environmental Conservation spill response team discovered a leak on Wednesday while inspecting the B&K Food Mart’s underground fuel storage tanks and pipes, according to a state DEC spokesperson.
The gas station at 5084 Velasko Rd. was cited for a leaking vapor recovery valve, which was repaired after it was found, the spokesperson said in an email Friday.
The second violation was related to the station’s improper recording of tank inventory, the spokesperson said. All necessary records were present, but not summarized in way where trends could be easily observed, she said. Station management was subsequently given a daily fuel inventory form for reporting the data, she said.
Sixteen people reported car break downs to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard after buying regular fuel at the gas station, formerly known as Murphy’s. Based on social media posts by others, the number of people who had car troubles after gassing up could be higher.
Each of the drivers said repairs have totaled hundreds of dollars to as much as $1,300.
The owner of the gas station has not responded to Syracuse.com’s requests for information made in person and by phone.
The relentless rainfall that plagued Central New York this month and the faulty tank equipment may have caused the problems. The leaky valve on the tank may have allowed water into the gas.
Most drivers reported mechanics telling them they had water in their gas tanks. In one case, the driver reported the tank was half filled with water.
The problems involving watery gas at B&K appeared to start about two weeks ago, based on drivers interviewed by Syracuse.com and social media posts.
The state DEC will review the gas station’s next 30 days of tank inventory data to ensure it is being done properly, the DEC spokesperson said. The state will also continue its oversight of the station to ensure its compliance, she said.
Syracuse.com staff writer Samantha House contributed to this report.
Staff writer James McClendon covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach him at 914-204-2815 or jmcclendon@syracuse.com.