My gas station has a leak! what do I do?

If you discover a hazardous material or fuel leak at your gas station, it’s important to follow proper emergency response and reporting procedures:

1. Ensure Safety – Clear any unsafe areas and remove sources of ignition if leaking substance is flammable.
2. Stop the Leak Source – If possible to safely do so, shut off valves, plug holes, set containers upright to stop further spreading of leak.
3. Call 911 – For larger spills or leaks, contact your local fire department/HAZMAT emergency responders for assistance containment and addressing safety threats.
4. Contact Regulators – Regulatory agencies like state environmental protection offices and local city officials should be informed promptly of leaks to review response and plan remediation.
5. Consult Cleanup Professionals – Licensed environmental consultants, remediation contractors, and engineers are best equipped to assess contamination, install recovery wells or barriers, filter ventilation systems, lawfully remove and dispose of contaminated soil, pave over affected areas, and more.
6. Repair Damage – Ensure the root causes of the leak are fully repaired with containment measures, new piping, protective barriers, integrity testing, leak detection systems or other solutions before resuming station operations.
7. Document all Actions & Comply with Guidelines – Keep thorough records throughout response. Follow regulations like UST rules for permanent closure of damaged tanks if necessary.

Responding quickly and transparently while engaging all needed expertise and authorities is crucial for effectively addressing emergency leaks and preventing fines, liability issues or business disruption.