MUSTO BILL WOULD PREVENT REPEAT OF CURRENT GAS SPILL SITUATION
HARRISBURG, April 26, 2001 -- Senate Bill 696, which would implement specific reporting requirements in the case of an underground storage tank leak, unanimously passed the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee yesterday, announced state Sen. Raphael J. Musto, the bill's prime sponsor.
Musto (D-Luzerne) said the bill was created in response to an underground storage tank leak which the Department of Environmental Protection (then known as the Department of Environmental Resources) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began to investigate in 1993 but did not report to the public until 1996.
"I think it's totally unfair for any governmental agencies not to notify people in an affected area when the agency knows the health and safety of the people may be at risk," said Musto, Democratic chairman of the committee. "We have a hazardous situation on our hands that must be addressed as soon as possible."
"Underground gas tanks were leaking to such a degree that the soil was contaminated," Musto added. "Our concern is that the gasoline is now in the aquifer and traveling underground."
To prevent a similar situation in the future, Musto said, Senate Bill 696 would amend the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act to require specific notification at specific times in the case of a reportable release from an underground storage tank. In addition to other requirements, the bill specifically states that DEP and the municipality must notify via certified mail all residents living within 1/4 mile radius of the release site, Musto noted.
"The possibility exists for this bill to receive consideration in the Senate next week and I hope my colleagues will unanimously support it," said Musto, who has been widely recognized for his environmental preservation and conservation efforts. "My goal is to prevent anyone from having to suffer through a situation like this in the future."
For more information contact Mike Cotter @ 570-654-1483 or mcotter@dem.pasen.gov