Inspections Expose Air Quality Violations

DEP found violations on 92 of the 226 tanker trucks inspected at the 5 facilities, and, of the 92 trucks cited, DEP found significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the form of vapors leaking from 29 trucks due to inadequate or faulty seals. Trucks found to have leaking components were not allowed to exit the facility, but had their cargo of gasoline off-loaded and were not allowed to re-load until the appropriate repairs were made.

DEP estimates that the leaking tanker trucks would have released approximately 232 tons of VOCs over a year’s time if the leaks had not been detected. VOCs are hydrocarbons - the main ingredients in gasoline and solvents, along with nitrogen oxides. Reducing hydrocarbons, by targeting VOCs and other sources, is seen as a way to prevent the production of excessive ground level ozone.