Troubles Grow for Station with Bad Gas
Last week we touched on a station in Camden that prepped poorly for the influx of rain, which infiltrated their tanks and created havoc with motorists and regulators.
As a follow-up, we recently learned that the station owner now faces $25,000 in fines for selling “adulterated fuel” to the public, the number of affected cars has risen to 39 vehicles, and that the station’s water detection system was not working properly.
You can read more about it by clicking HERE.
There are all kinds of takeaway lessons to learn from this situation; and a stark warning to our members on what NOT to do.
And yet, this sad situation isn’t over yet, and there is likely more negative news coming for the owner.
As if the bad publicity, extraordinary out-of-pocket costs for fixing 39 cars, costly tank remediation, and extended business shut down were not enough, it should be noted that the $25,000 fine is from Weights & Measures alone. Meaning, further fines and penalties are likely to be forthcoming from other government regulators; not the least of which is the Department of Environmental Protection and local civil authorities.
The fact that it's gotten news coverage only makes things worse--not just in terms of lost customers, but because it creates pressure on the government to be seen as acting, and acting harshly.
Everyone reading this should be thinking this through as it relates to our own location, preparedness, and internal procedures. We've also heard of another location in Morris County who had the same problem because of the same storm, though it hasn't been in the news (yet).
What would you do in this situation? What should you being doing now to avoid something like this happening at your shop? As always you can talk to Nick@njgca.org or Joe@njgca.org 732-256-9646
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