STATE OF INDIANA

)

SS:

BEFORE THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF

 

)

 

 

COUNTY OF MARION

)

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

 

COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT

)

 

OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT,

 

)

 

 

 

)

 

Complainant,

 

)

 

 

 

)

 

 

v.

 

)

Case No. 2022-28733-U

 

 

)

 

nEY OIL COMPANY INC., c & y oIL

 

)

 

COMPANY INC, tfs INVESTMENTS, INC,

 

)

 

 

 

)

 

Respondents.

 

)

 

 

AGREED ORDER

 

Complainant and Respondents desire to settle and compromise this action without hearing or adjudication of any issue of fact or law, and consent to the entry of the following Findings of Fact and Order. Pursuant to Indiana Code (“IC”) 13-30-3-3, entry into the terms of this Agreed Order does not constitute an admission of any violation contained herein. Respondents’ entry into this Agreed Order shall not constitute a waiver of any defense, legal or equitable, which Respondents may have in any future administrative or judicial proceeding, except a proceeding to enforce this order.

 

I.  FINDINGS OF FACT

 

1.            Complainant is the Commissioner (“Complainant”) of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (“IDEM”), a department of the State of Indiana created by Indiana Code (“IC”) 13-13-1-1.

 

2.            Respondents are Ney Oil Company Inc., C & Y Oil Company Inc, and TFS Investments, Inc (“Respondents”), which own/operate the facility with Facility ID No. 6296, located at 2040 N 200 W in Angola, Steuben County, Indiana (“Site”).

 

3.         Respondents own and operate two 10,000-gallon internally lined steel regular unleaded (“RUL”) gasoline USTs possibly installed in 1983, one 12,000-gallon fiberglass premium unleaded gasoline (“PUL”) UST installed March 1988, and one 2,000-gallon fiberglass racing fuel (“REC”) UST installed March 1988. The piping is fiberglass, single walled, and pressurized except for the 2,000-gallon UST which is European Suction.

 

4.         IDEM has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

 

5.            Pursuant to IC 13-30-3-3, IDEM issued a Notice of Violation (“NOV”) via Certified Mail and email to:

 

Dennis Knott, President of

Ney Oil Company Inc., UST Owner

P. O. Box 82

201 N. Main

Payne, Ohio 45880

 

Latiealle Wheat, Registered Agent for

Ney Oil Company Inc.

107 W. Maumee Street

Angola, Indiana 46703

kasey@wheatlawoffice.com

 

Dennis Knott, President of

C & Y Oil Company Inc, UST Operator

P. O. Box 82

201 N. Main

Payne, Ohio 45880

cyoil@metalink.net

 

Larry Coomer, Registered Agent for

C & Y Oil Company Inc

9408 Waterside Court

New Haven, Indiana 46774

 

Randall Blank, President and Registered Agent for

TFS Investments, Inc, Property Owner

3450 Bayview Road

Angola, Indiana 46703

Blank_r@msn.com

 

Randall Blank, President and Registered Agent for

TFS Investments, Inc, Property Owner

3861 Bayview Road

Angola, Indiana 46703

Blank_r@msn.com

 

6.            During an investigation including an inspection on March 2, 2022 conducted by a representative of IDEM, the following violations were found:

 

a.         Pursuant to 40 Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) 280.34, owners and operators of UST systems must cooperate fully with inspections, monitoring and testing conducted by the implementing agency, as well as requests for document submission, testing, and monitoring by the owner or operator pursuant to section 9005 of Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended.

 

            As noted during the inspection, Respondents failed to submit the documentation requested by IDEM’s February 8, 2022 letter as required.

 

b.         Pursuant to 329 Indiana Administrative Code (“IAC”) 9-2-2(b), the owner of a UST system, UST, or tank shall submit a notification form to register the UST system, UST, or tank to the department within thirty (30) days of becoming the owner of, or bringing into use, the UST system, UST, or tank.  Bringing a tank or UST system “into use” means the tank or UST system contains or has contained a regulated substance and has not been closed under 329 IAC 9-6.

 

As noted during the inspection, Respondents failed to submit a notification form within 30 days of becoming the owner of, or bringing into use, the UST system, UST, or tank.

 

Documenation of updated notification form submitted February 6, 2023.

 

c.         Pursuant to to 40 CFR 280.20(b), the piping that routinely contains regulated substances and is in contact with the ground must be properly designed, constructed, and protected from corrosion in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory as specified within the regulation.

 

            As noted during the inspection, Respondents failed to ensure the piping or metal components in contact with the ground were properly designed, constructed, and protected from corrosion in accordance with an authorized code of practice.

 

d.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 280.21(b)(1)(ii) and 329 IAC 9-1-1(d)(6), within 10 years after lining, and every 5 years thereafter, the lined tank is internally inspected and found to be structurally sound with the lining still performing in accordance with original design specifications. If the internal lining is no longer performing in accordance with original design specifications and cannot be repaired in accordance with a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory, then the lined tank must be permanently closed in accordance with 329 IAC 9-6.

 

            As noted during the inspection, Respondents failed to inspect the internal tank liner as required for the two 10,000-gallon USTs.

 

            Documenation of liner inspection results dated June 2020 submitted December 19, 2022.

 

e.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 280.43(d), equipment for automatic tank gauging that tests for the loss of product and conducts inventory control must meet the following requirements:

(1)       The automatic product level monitor test can detect a 0.2 gallon per hour leak rate from any portion of the tank that routinely contains product;

(2)       The automatic tank gauging equipment must meet the inventory control (or other test of equivalent performance) requirements of § 280.43(a); and

(3)       The test must be performed with the system operating in one of the following modes:

(i)         In-tank static testing conducted at least once every 30 days; or

(ii)        Continuous in-tank leak detection operating on an uninterrupted basis or operating within a process that allows the system to gather incremental measurements to determine the leak status of the tank at least once every 30 days.

 

As noted during the inspection, incorrect tank volumes were programmed in the automatic tank gauge (“ATG”) and Respondent did not have the necessary tank charts in order to determine the correct volumes.

 

f.          Pursuant to 40 CFR 280.20(c)(1)(ii), to prevent spilling and overfilling associated with product transfer to the UST system, owners and operators must use the following spill and overfill prevention equipment:

(ii)        Overfill prevention equipment that will:

(A)       Automatically shut off flow into the tank when the tank is no more than 95 percent full; or

(B)       Alert the transfer operator when the tank is no more than 90 percent full by restricting the flow into the tank or triggering a high-level alarm; or

(C)       Restrict flow 30 minutes prior to overfilling, alert the transfer operator with a high-level alarm one minute before overfilling, or automatically shut off flow into the tank so that none of the fittings located on top of the tank are exposed to product due to overfilling.

 

As noted during the inspection, the overfill prevention test result on the diesel tank failed due to the cage of the ball float valve being broken.

 

g.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 280.40(a)(3)(i) and 329 IAC 9-1-1(d)(10), owners and operators of UST systems must provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection that beginning on June 28, 2021, is operated and maintained, and electronic and mechanical components are tested for proper operation, in accordance with one of the following: manufacturer's instructions; a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or requirements determined by the implementing agency to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the two options listed in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section. A test of the proper operation must be performed at least annually and, at a minimum, as applicable to the facility, cover the following components and criteria: automatic tank gauge and other controllers: test alarm; verify system configuration; test battery backup.

 

As noted during the inspection, Respondents failed to perform an annual proper operation test (components and criteria) of the automatic tank gauge and other controllers as specified.

 

h.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 280.40(a)(3)(ii) and 329 IAC 9-1-1(d)(10), owners and operators of UST systems must provide a method, or combination of methods, of release detection beginning on June 28, 2021, is operated and maintained, and electronic and mechanical components are tested for proper operation, in accordance with one of the following: manufacturer's instructions; a code of practice developed by a nationally recognized association or independent testing laboratory; or requirements determined by the implementing agency to be no less protective of human health and the environment than the two options listed in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section. A test of the proper operation must be performed at least annually and, at a minimum, as applicable to the facility, cover the following components and criteria: probes and sensors: inspect for residual buildup; ensure floats move freely; ensure shaft is not damaged; ensure cables are free of kinks and breaks; test alarm operability and communication with controller.

 

            As noted during the inspection, Respondents failed to perform an annual proper operation test (components and criteria) of the probes as specified.

 

i.          Pursuant to 40 CFR 280.36(a)(1)(i) and 329 IAC 9-1-1(d)(10), as incorporated, to properly operate and maintain UST systems, not later than June 28, 2021, owners and operators must conduct a walkthrough inspection every 30 days that, at a minimum, checks spill prevention equipment and release detection equipment (Exception: spill prevention equipment at UST systems receiving deliveries at intervals greater than every 30 days may be checked prior to each delivery).

 

As noted during the inspection, walkthrough inspections from July 2021 to present were not available.

 

Walkthrough inspections submitted February 10, 2023.

 

j.          Pursuant to 40 CFR 280.245, owners and operators of underground storage tank systems must maintain a list of designated Class A, Class B, and Class C operators and maintain records verifying that training and retraining, as applicable, have been completed, in accordance with § 280.34.

 

As noted during the inspection, Respondents failed to maintain a list of designated Class A, Class B, and Class C operators and maintain records verifying that training and retraining has been completed.

 

7.         Orders of the Commissioner are subject to administrative review by the Office of Environmental Adjudication under IC 4-21.5; however, in recognition of the settlement reached, Respondents acknowledge notice of this right and waive any right to administrative and judicial review of this Agreed Order.

 

II.  ORDER

 

1.            This Agreed Order shall be effective (“Effective Date”) when it is approved by Complainant or Complainant’s delegate and has been received by Respondents. This Agreed Order shall have no force or effect until the Effective Date.

 

2.            Respondents shall comply with the rules listed in the findings of fact above.

 

3.            Effective Immediately, Respondents shall comply with 40 CFR 280.34. Specifically, Respondents shall cooperate fully with inspections, monitoring and testing conducted by the implementing agency, as well as requests for document submission, testing, and monitoring by the owner or operator pursuant to section 9005 of Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended to IDEM.

 

4.            Within fifteen (15) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall comply with 329 IAC 9-2-2(b). Specifically, Respondents shall fill out the most recent version of the appropriate state form with required attachments and submit to IDEM via email to USTRegistration@idem.IN.gov and jpisula@idem.IN.gov. Include a Facility ID # in the subject line and pdf file name of the email, so documents can be processed accordingly.

 

5.            Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall comply with 40 CFR 280.20(b). Specifically, Respondents shall contract with an appropriately certified contractor and corrosion expert to determine if piping or metal components in contact with the ground are substandard and perform any necessary repairs authorized under 40 CFR 280.33.

 

6.            Within fifteen (15) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall provide documentation of the assessment and any repairs performed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph to the IDEM case manager at the address specified below.

 

7.            If the piping and metal components addressed in Paragraph [ ] above are substandard and cannot be repaired pursuant to 40 CFR 280.33, within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondent[s] shall notify IDEM of the intent to remove or replace the affected components in accordance with 329 IAC 9-6 and applicable installation requirements.

 

8.            Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall comply with 40 CFR 280.43(d). Specifically, Respondents shall have a contractor with appropriate certification by the Indiana Office of the State Fire Marshall inspect, reprogram, repair or otherwise correct the deficiencies of the automatic tank gauging system.

 

9.            Within fifteen (15) days of reprogramming the ATG, Respondents shall have all USTs tightness tested and submit documentation to IDEM.

 

10.         Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall comply with 40 CFR 280.20(c)(1)(ii). Specifically, Respondents shall contract with an appropriately certified contractor to install or replace absent or substandard overfill prevention equipment after consulting IDEM Fact Sheet “Coincident Use of Overfill Prevention Devices in Underground Storage Tanks”, available at: https://www.in.gov/idem/files/factsheet_olq_ust_overfill-prevention.pdf.

 

11.         Within fifteen (15) days of the inspection of the BFV if the BFV is unable to be repaired, Respondents shall replace with automatic shutoff device and submit documentation to IDEM.

 

12.         Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall comply with 40 CFR 280.40(a)(3)(i). Specifically, Respondents shall have all components of the automatic tank gauge or other controllers tested for proper operation by a contractor with appropriate certification.

 

13.         Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall comply with 40 CFR 280.40(a)(3)(ii). Speifically, Respondents shall have all components of the automatic tank gauging or other probes and sensors tested for proper operation by a contractor with appropriate certification.

 

14.         Within forty-five (45) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall submit documentation of work performed pursuant to the immediately preceding two paragraphs to the IDEM case manager at the address specified below.

 

15.         Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondents shall comply with 40 CFR 280.245. Specifically, Respondents shall submit to the IDEM case manager at the address specified below a list of those employees designated to be Class A, Class B and Class C operators and training/retraining records with all necessary information included.

 

16.         All submittals required by this Agreed Order, unless Respondents are notified otherwise in writing by IDEM, shall be sent to:

 

Jodi Pisula, Enforcement Case Manager

Office of Land Quality

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

100 North Senate Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

 

17.         Pursuant to IC 13-30-4-1, Respondents are assessed and agrees to pay a civil penalty of Twenty-One Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Dollars ($21,520.00). Said penalty amount shall be due and payable in ten (10) monthly installments of Two Thousand One Hundred Fifty-Two Dollars ($2,152.00). Respondent shall pay the first installment by the due date printed on the Invoice that will be attached to the adopted Agreed Order. Respondents shall pay by the due date printed on subsequent invoices in accordance with the agreed upon payment plan.

 

Civil and stipulated penalties are payable to the “Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund” by:

 

            Mail:

Civil penalties are payable by check to the “Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund.” Checks shall include the Case Number of this action and shall be mailed to:

 

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

Accounts Receivable

IGCN, Room 1340

100 North Senate Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46204

 

Online:

Accounts Receivable is accepting payments online by e-Check, Master Card, Visa or Discover. Please visit www.IN.gov/IDEM. Under Online Services, click Online Payment options and follow the prompts. A processing fee of $1 plus 1.99% will be charged for credit card payments.  A processing fee of $1.00 will be charged for eCheck payments.

 

The Case Number is required to complete the process.

 

Phone:

You may also call us at 317-234-3099 and follow the instructions for Master Card, Visa or Discover payments. A processing fee of $1 plus 1.99% will be charged for credit card payments.  A processing fee of $1.00 will be charged for eCheck payments.

 

The Case Number is required to complete the process.

 

18.         In the event the terms and conditions of the following paragraphs are violated, Complainant may assess, and Respondent shall pay a stipulated penalty in the following amount:

 

Paragraph

Penalty

Order paragraph #4

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #5

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #6

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #7

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #8

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #9

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #10

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #11

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #12

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #13

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #14

$100.00 per week

Order paragraph #15

$100.00 per week

 

19.         Stipulated penalties shall be due and payable no later than the thirtieth day after Respondents receive written notice that Complainant has determined a stipulated penalty is due; the thirtieth day being the “Due Date.” Complainant may notify Respondents at any time that a stipulated penalty is due. Failure to notify Respondents in writing in a timely manner of a stipulated penalty assessment shall not waive Complainant’s right to collect such stipulated penalty or preclude Complainant from seeking additional relief against Respondents for violation of this Agreed Order. Neither assessment nor payment of stipulated penalties shall preclude Complainant from seeking additional relief against Respondents for a violation of this Agreed Order; such additional relief includes any remedies or sanctions available pursuant to Indiana law, including, but not limited to, civil penalties pursuant to IC 13-30-4. Respondents are jointly and severally liable for all stipulated penalty assessments.

 

20.         In the event that the monies due to IDEM pursuant to this Agreed Order are not paid on or before their Due Date, Respondents shall pay an additional penalty of 10 percent, payable to the “Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Trust Fund” and shall be payable to IDEM in the manner specified in Paragraph 17, above.

 

21.         Signatories to this Agreed Order certify that they are fully authorized to execute this Agreed Order and legally bind the party they represent.

 

22.         This Agreed Order shall jointly and severally apply to and be binding upon Respondents and all successors and assigns. Respondents shall provide a copy of this Agreed Order, if in force, to any subsequent owners, successors, or assigns before ownership rights are transferred.

 

23.         No change in ownership, corporate, or partnership status of Respondents shall in any way alter the Respondents’ status or responsibilities under this Agreed Order.

 

24.         Respondents shall ensure that all contractors, firms, and other persons performing work under this Agreed Order comply with the terms of this Agreed Order.

 

25.         In the event that any terms of this Agreed Order are found to be invalid, the remaining terms shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed and enforced as if this Agreed Order did not contain the invalid terms.

 

26.         This Agreed Order is not and shall not be interpreted to be a permit or a modification of an existing permit. This Agreed Order, and IDEM’s review or approval of any submittal made by Respondents pursuant to this Agreed Order, shall not in any way relieve Respondents of the obligation to comply with the requirements of any applicable permits or any applicable Federal or State laws or regulations.

 

27.         Complainant does not, by its approval of this Agreed Order, warrant or aver in any manner that Respondents’ compliance with any aspect of this Agreed Order will result in compliance with the provisions of any permit, order, or any applicable Federal or State law or regulation. Additionally, IDEM or anyone acting on its behalf shall not be held liable for any costs or penalties Respondents may incur as a result of Respondents’ efforts to comply with this Agreed Order.

 

28.         Nothing in this Agreed Order shall prevent or limit IDEM’s rights to obtain penalties or injunctive relief under any applicable Federal or State law or regulation, except that IDEM may not, and hereby waives its right to seek additional civil penalties for the violations specified in the NOV.

 

29.         Nothing in this Agreed Order shall prevent IDEM or anyone acting on its behalf from communicating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) or any other agency or entity about any matters relating to this enforcement action. IDEM or anyone acting on its behalf shall not be held liable for any costs or penalties Respondents may incur as a result of such communications with the U.S. EPA or any other agency or entity.

 

30.         This Agreed Order shall remain in effect until IDEM issues a Resolution of Case letter to Respondents.

 

TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATION:

RESPONDENT: 

Department of Environmental Management

Ney Oil Company Inc.

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

By:

 

 

Jennifer Reno, Chief

Printed:

 

 

Land Enforcement Section

Title:

 

 

Compliance Branch

 

 

 

Office of Land Quality

 

 

Date:

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESPONDENT:

 

 

C & Y Oil Company

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Printed:

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESPONDENT:

 

 

TFS Investments, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Printed:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNSEL FOR RESPONDENTS:

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Printed:

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT THIS

 

DAY OF

 

, 20_____

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Commissioner:

 

 

Signed 2/17/2023

 

 

 

 

Peggy Dorsey

 

 

Assistant Commissioner

 

 

Office of Land Quality