Idaho UST Compliance Rate Low
BOISE -- Only one-third of the underground fuel storage tanks inspected by the U. S. Environmental Protection agency last month across Idaho complied with regulations, according to KTVB.com.
In Idaho, 95 percent of the drinking water comes from the ground, the highest rate in the country, the EPA said, according to the report by KTVB.com.
The EPA visited 102 gas stations and convenience stores with underground tanks from Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls, in its first statewide inspection campaign. The agency inspected leak prevention and detection equipment, the report stated.
Only 34 percent of the tanks complied with regulations. The national average is about 60 percent.
EPA's tank coordinator Erik Sirs says there's more evidence of leaking tanks, including new containers, KTVB.com stated.
The agency has had to get involved in two excavation efforts in Salmon and Ashton, where gas leaks have contaminated ground and surface water.
Sirs says the EPA has spent $300,000 to date on the Ashton leak, according to the report.
In Idaho, 95 percent of the drinking water comes from the ground, the highest rate in the country, the EPA said, according to the report by KTVB.com.
The EPA visited 102 gas stations and convenience stores with underground tanks from Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls, in its first statewide inspection campaign. The agency inspected leak prevention and detection equipment, the report stated.
Only 34 percent of the tanks complied with regulations. The national average is about 60 percent.
EPA's tank coordinator Erik Sirs says there's more evidence of leaking tanks, including new containers, KTVB.com stated.
The agency has had to get involved in two excavation efforts in Salmon and Ashton, where gas leaks have contaminated ground and surface water.
Sirs says the EPA has spent $300,000 to date on the Ashton leak, according to the report.