Circle K data do not support release of 86,000 gallons of fuel; ADEQ is requiring further investigation and resolution of discrepancies  

PHOENIX (July 26, 2024) – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today that investigation documents and data received from Circle K (Facility 0-009194) do not support Circle K’s reported release of an estimated 86,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline from its Underground Storage Tank (UST) located at at 1910 N State Route 89, Chino Valley, AZ 86323. ADEQ’s review of Circle K’s investigation determined no current threat to drinking water sources in the area and ADEQ is requiring Circle K to conduct ongoing groundwater monitoring. 

“Protecting public health and the environment is ADEQ’s mission and we are committed to holding Circle K accountable for investigating and remediating this release,” said ADEQ Waste Programs Division Director Julie Riemenschneider. “Currently Circle K’s data has not indicated any threat to drinking water in this area.” 

Circle K Stores Inc. has identified contamination in the soil immediately below the fueling area at the facility and has implemented an ongoing cleanup, known as “soil vapor extraction,” to address this soil contamination and ADEQ is overseeing this cleanup work.

ADEQ senior engineering and principal geologist staff conducted a thorough review of all UST operations and environmental investigation information provided by Circle K to date. Based on ADEQ’s review and discrepancies identified between Circle K’s reported release volume, source and cause information, and operational and environmental data, the information does not support a release of 86,000 gallons of fuel. ADEQ is requiring Circle K to further investigate, document, and/or revise its release explanation to reconcile these discrepancies within ADEQ’s July 18, 2024 Letter to Circle K | View Letter > 

Regardless of the volume of fuel released, Arizona UST regulations require Circle K Stores Inc. to fully investigate the impacts of contamination on both soil and groundwater and conduct all necessary cleanup work to ensure there are no current or future threats to public health or the environment. ADEQ will continue to ensure that Circle K Stores Inc. completes the release investigation and cleanup response in a timely manner and in compliance with all regulations.

Background

In January 2024, Circle K Stores Inc. reported the release of an estimated 86,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline from its UST system located at 1910 N State Route 89, Chino Valley, AZ 86323. In a follow-up report, Circle K stated that the release occurred over a period of approximately 18 days and was due to the failure of a component of the submersible turbine pump (STP), which pulls fuel from the UST and distributes it to the gas pumps for sale. 

On July 3, 2024, Circle K Stores Inc. submitted documentation to ADEQ that included all available soil and groundwater sample data collected in mid-June. The regional aquifer in this area is approximately 200 feet below ground surface. Samples were collected from both groundwater monitoring wells and seven private wells in the immediate vicinity of the facility. Test results from these wells did not identify impacts from the fuel release on the regional aquifer or threats to drinking water wells in the area surrounding the facility.

See ADEQ Press Release 3/1/2024: Circle K Reports 86,000 Gallon Fuel Release in the Town of Chino Valley — Initial private well tests in the area show no impacts; Environmental investigation underway | Read More >

Contact

ADEQ Public Information Officer
Ph: 480-670-0568 (cell) 
Email >