United Refining is facing penalties from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Associated Press reported the government agency is seeking more than $42,000 from the company over the operation of six gasoline stations in western New York. According to EPA claims, underground gas storage tanks weren't properly maintained.
Complaints revolve around the company's Kwik Fill stations in Dunkirk, Westfield, Jamestown, Fredonia and Rochester, N.Y.
At issue, the AP said, is record-keeping and maintenance of storage tanks. However, the company did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
A CSP Daily News report put the number of underground storage tanks at 17. The company allegedly failed to:
upgrade piping at one service station
keep adequate records of corrosion protection at one service station
keep adequate records of release detection monitoring at three service stations.
For each day a violation exists, law authorizes the EPA to seek between $11,000 and $16,000 per tank.
"When underground tanks are not properly maintained, ground water can be contaminated, putting people's health and the environment at risk," Judith Enck, EPA regional administrator, said. "Gas station owners have a legal obligation to maintain underground tanks so pollution does not damage the community."
United Refining did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.