Casey’s tanks
didn’t leak, state says
Staff writer
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment disagrees with a general contractor removing gas at Casey’s General Store. The tanks, KDHE says, were not leaking.
Jill Bronaugh communications director for KDHE, said they conducted a limited investigation in June.
“While we are still in the process of reviewing the report from the investigation, there appears to be no evidence of a significant release of petroleum at the facility,” she wrote.
Max Willhaus, general superintendent of Zernco Inc., the general contractor of the project, told the Record last week one of two tanks being removed was leaking, and the fuel had to be pumped out of that tank.
The tanks were removed by a licensed contractor, Morris Excavating with oversight by Knightly Environmental, as required by KDHE, Bronaugh said.
“We will receive and review a report on the removal once it is completed by Knightly Environmental and determine if additional environmental investigation is necessary,” she said.
Casey’s is removing the tanks and their pumps and replacing them with a split tank for unleaded regular and premium fuel. The tanks, KDHE says, were not leaking. The station will be closed for about another four weeks.