Cleanup continues of city gasoline leak

VW independent staff

After finding the gasoline leak at Tyler’s Short Stop on Sunday, workers have installed protective measures to make sure no more gasoline leaks into storm and sanitary sewers, according to Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy.

McCoy provided an update Wednesday afternoon on the gasoline leak at the Short Stop on East Main Street, noting that environmental vacuum trucks from Kentucky and Fort Wayne, Indiana, have been syphoning fuel from the area around the Short Stop, while absorbent booms and pads are also soaking up gasoline in Town Creek.

Initially it was thought that much of the fuel was underground on the Short Stop lot, but it now appears that gasoline may also have leaked into the soil underneath Main Street in front of the business. Additional drilling and soil tests are currently being conducted to see how extensive the spill is, while McCoy said it still appears that more than 1,000 gallons could have leaked into the ground before Saturday’s rain finally pushed it out into the sewer.

The Short Stop remains closed at this time so workers can work safely in the lot, and also so patrons do not come onto the property smoking cigarettes and create a fire hazard. When conditions are determined to be completely safe, the store will reopen, although the gasoline pumps are likely to be shut down for some time.

McCoy said agencies involved in the cleanup and investigation include the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office, Ohio BUSTR (the state underground storage tank authority), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Van Wert County EMA, Van Wert fire and police departments, Van Wert Wastewater Department, and members of Mayor Jerry Mazur’s administration.

McCoy further advised that he has met with a representative of the Short Stop’s insurance company about recovering costs incurred by the city.