DNR refers Scott County service station owners to attorney general for alleged underground gas tank violations

Two Scott County service stations may be penalized for allegedly failing to comply with Missouri's underground storage tank law, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Cases against Kiefer's Service Station, 699 N. Main St. in Chaffee, and Bob's Sinclair at 201 Cape St. in Scott City have been referred to the Missouri attorney general's office.

DNR spokesman Larry Archer said the businesses have not submitted required documentation showing the tanks have been inspected and tested.

Missouri law authorizes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for underground storage tank violations. The fines are paid to a county school fund.

Donnie Kiefer, owner of Kiefer's Service Station, said he has sent in all information requested of him from the DNR. Kiefer is Scott County's 2nd District commissioner.

Five pieces of correspondence had been sent to Kiefer since March 2008 concerning his underground storage tanks, Archer said. As of Aug. 6, the required information had not been received by the DNR.

"We always make several attempts to contact owners before turning things over to the attorney general's office," Archer said.

Bob's Sinclair, which Archer said is no longer selling fuel, is on property owned by Alvie Baker and leased to Bob Hensley. Hensley could not be reached for comment. Baker said he had received notices from the DNR, but wasn't sure whether he was the responsible party. The tanks at the Bob's Sinclair site were pumped dry when the station closed about five years ago, Baker said.

"I can't imagine they are doing any harm other than sitting in the ground," he said. Baker said he had the tanks inspected two years ago.

DNR policy requires underground storage tanks that have not been properly maintained for more than one year to be permanently closed.

The businesses also face civil fines to be paid to the Scott County school fund.

There have not been reports of fuel leaking from the tanks at these businesses, Archer said, adding that routine maintenance and inspection helps prevent fuel leaks from occurring.

"Even if it is a small leak underground, it could go on for some time before it's ever discovered," Archer said. "During that time it could do damage to environment in that area or get into ground water."

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

699 N. Main St., Chaffee, MO

201 Cape St. in Scott City, MO