Top Environmental Violations at Gas Stations—and How to Avoid Them

Owning or managing a fueling site comes with a unique set of environmental responsibilities. From underground storage tanks (USTs) to spill containment and cathodic protection, there’s a lot to stay on top of—and missing just one requirement can cost you thousands.

At Adelphi Environmental, we work with gas station owners and fuel operators every day to stay ahead of compliance issues. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common violations we see in the field—and how you can avoid them before regulators show up.

1. Missing or Incomplete Monthly Inspections

The Violation:

UST systems with secondary containment are required by the EPA to undergo monthly visual inspections. Many operators either skip them or fail to document them properly.

Why It Happens:

• Lack of time or staff

• Unfamiliarity with requirements

• Missing inspection logs

How to Avoid It:

Adelphi’s Monthly Compliance Program ensures inspections are conducted on time, documented clearly, and stored digitally—ready for any audit.

2. Broken or Corroded Spill Buckets

The Violation:

Spill buckets must be liquid-tight and in good condition. Cracks, standing water, or corrosion are immediate red flags for inspectors.

Why It Happens:

• Exposure to weather

• Fuel overflows or neglect

• Aging equipment

How to Avoid It:

We inspect all access points monthly and recommend repairs or replacements before they become violations.

3. Failed Cathodic Protection Testing

The Violation:

Steel tanks require cathodic protection and testing every 3 years (or more often in some states). Failed or overdue tests are serious EPA violations.

Why It Happens:

• System not monitored or labeled correctly

• Anode depletion not noticed in time

• Testing intervals not tracked

How to Avoid It:

Adelphi performs certified cathodic protection testing and tracks your system’s test schedule so you're never out of compliance.

4. Water in Fuel Tanks

The Violation:

Water contamination isn’t just a mechanical issue—it’s a compliance risk that can affect leak detection systems and cause corrosion.

Why It Happens:

• Damaged seals or spill containment

• Condensation buildup

• Poor tank maintenance

How to Avoid It:

Our water removal and fuel polishing services restore your fuel quality and prevent compliance failures tied to fuel integrity.

5. Missing Documentation or Test Records

The Violation:

During a compliance inspection, you’re expected to produce clear, dated records for all maintenance, inspections, and system tests.

Why It Happens:

• Paper logs get lost

• Vendors don’t provide proper documentation

• Records aren’t kept in an accessible location

How to Avoid It:

Adelphi provides digital reporting for all services—including timestamped inspections, photos, and test results—so you’re always prepared.

Don’t Let a Simple Oversight Become a Major Violation

Environmental compliance is about more than avoiding fines—it’s about protecting your investment, your community, and your ability to operate without disruption.

Adelphi Environmental makes it easy to stay in good standing with comprehensive programs that handle the testing, inspections, and documentation for you.

Protect Your Site Before Inspectors Arrive

Not sure if you’re in the clear? Let us perform a compliance risk checkup and give you a straightforward action plan.

Schedule a free consultation with Adelphi Environmental to ensure your site is operating with confidence and full compliance.