Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has settled a case dealing with leaky underground fuel tanks. The state will be getting $35 million to clean up the sites now owned by Premcor Refining Group, Inc.
“We entered into this settlement with the group because Premcor is the entity that is liable under state law for the releases at these sites. So, you know, we're just trying to reach a settlement if that's sound and enforceable and it's in the best interest of the public,” said Ryan Jarvi, spokesperson for the Attorney General’s office.
The Attorney General was representing the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in an effort to clean up 79 sites of former discount gas stations in many counties of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
“And this $35 million is going to go a long way to helping the state work, to making sure these the risks associated with these historic gasoline and diesel releases from the tanks are remediated effectively,” said Scott Dean, spokesperson for EGLE.
The service stations were part of a discount chain which closed many of the stations.
“People would recognize the former gas stations as former Clark branded gas stations there throughout the counties and in the Lower Peninsula,” Dean said.
Premcor will make payments over the next year to clean up the leaking fuel tanks.
In a statement, EGLE's director noted the settlement is important when state resources are scarce.
