Ecology finds Chevron station owner liable of gasoline release

WALLA WALLA – The Washington State Department of Ecology sent a letter to the city of Walla Walla Monday that it has notified Stillwater Holdings LLC, owners of the Chevron station, 7 E. Rose St., finding that entity liable for the release of hazardous substances (gasoline) at the site.

Ecology’s letter, which was addressed to Walla Walla City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain, states the agency notified Stillwater Holdings on Jan. 18 and that the gas station owner now has 30 calendar days from official notification to respond to Ecology’s proposed finding of liability.

In response to the release of gasoline, which forced the evacuation of the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center on Sept. 14, Ecology said it intends to develop a work plan with Stillwater Holdings which includes expedited action to address some of the most contaminated areas of the site as soon as possible. Ecology said it will also prepare a draft cleanup action plan for the remaining, longer-term cleanup and it will oversee the completion of the remediation at the site.

Meanwhile, State Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla) met with Ecology last week to see about the agency providing financial assistance for the continued cleanup. He said Ecology is working on a plan that would help refund the cleanup.

According to Ecology, consultants with Stillwater Holdings are working with the city to decommission all three underground storage tanks and replace them with new ones. During decommissioning, contaminated soil will also be removed. Tank removal planning will continue through March, and the work is scheduled to begin in April.

Photo via Ecology showing testing of lines and tanks at Stillwater Holdings Chevron

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Elkhorn Media Group

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