The paper authors present evidence that ongoing leaks from operation of an underground storage tank system were the source of increasing MTBE concentrations at a Mid-Atlantic service station.

Responsibility

MTBE’s presence in groundwater has been documented at many operating service station sites in the Mid-Atlantic region. Significant increases in dissolved-phase MTBE concentrations at operating stations present a challenge for consultants and responsible parties when ownership has changed but regulatory responsibility remains with the previous owner.

Justification

In order to prove the case, tightness testing was recommended to regulators as an interim action prior to making a final decision on assignment of responsibility for corrective actions.  Data analysis and tightness test results could be used as justification for transferring responsibility for dissolved MTBE to the current service station operator.