State seeks to hold Gurek Inc. accountable for putting public health and the environment at significant risk
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) today announced it is taking additional actions to protect drinking water for the residents of Elgin after a significant petroleum leak at the local Cenex station. Since March 2022, the MPCA has investigated and continues to clean up an extensive petroleum leak that spilled up to 10,000 gallons of gasoline, entered the city water supply lines, and required the removal of 3,127 tons of soil. The agency also recovered more than 4,500 gallons of gasoline at the site.
Two fuel pipes with holes — one the size of a dime — were leaking more than three gallons of gasoline per hour and observation wells had approximately 2.5 feet of gasoline floating on top of the water. Gasoline entered the city’s storm sewer system that leads to a nearby trout stream. State agencies do not believe any fish were killed during this leak.
The MPCA continues to work with Elgin city officials and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to address the contamination and ensure the public’s safety, but additional concerns and significant cleanup efforts remain. As soon as the contamination was confirmed at levels above health standards in drinking water, impacted residents were provided with bottled water and/or water filtration.
Unfortunately, the gasoline plume, a large concentration of gasoline within groundwater, remains unstable and the public’s health and safety are an ongoing concern. As seasonal groundwater levels change, the plume can move or expand continuing to put groundwater and surface water at risk.
The plume can also generate vapor intrusion, where chemical vapors from the gasoline migrate from groundwater through the soil into basements and foundations. The MPCA continues monthly vapor monitoring in the storm and sanitary sewer systems. Vapor concerns have not been identified at this time. Residents should immediately report any vapor concerns to the local fire department.
In addition, the City of Elgin’s water lines near the area have been compromised and will require repair which is anticipated in late 2023. Drinking water sampling continues following the guidance provided by MDH. An injection well with a compressor was installed to help prevent vapor and contaminated groundwater from entering the stormwater system and absorbent resources were placed at the outfall of the stormwater system to protect nearby surface waters.
The MPCA is also seeking to hold Gurek, Inc., the owner and operator of the Cenex station, accountable for its actions that put public health and the environment at risk. The agency filed a complaint in Olmsted County District Court that alleges Gurek, Inc. knowingly bypassed safety equipment for 41 days that would have prevented a leak. The complaint orders Gurek, Inc. to reimburse the State of Minnesota for the costs of investigations, emergency response, and corrective actions as well as pay a penalty for underground storage tank violations.
A copy of the court filing is available on the MPCA website.
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