GRAVETTE — How a leak of gasoline from Shop and Go Service Station infiltrated a Gravette sewer line is still being investigated, it was learned Monday.

The lead at an overhead storage tank area occurred last Monday afternoon but it was not until the afternoon on Tuesday the infiltration problem was discovered.

Following the discovery, the station was shut down and precautionary steps were taken to secure the area and surrounding businesses and residences.

At one time Tuesday night Main Street and a residential block north and east of the station were cordoned off until it was determined, after the sewer line was flushed, that any potential danger had been removed.

After the leak was discovered last Monday, gasoline from that tank was immediately transferred to another tank and residual gas that collected in a containment area of the tank was removed.

It was not until the next day the problem of gas in the sewer line was discovered. The liquid apparently infiltrated the surrounding soil in the area and thus into the line. Just how and where that occurred is still being determined. Some excavation at the site has been done and further excavation is expected this week.

A spokesperson for the station, who asked not to be identified, said, “We’ve been told the city is safe and we’re just waiting for information from the state environmental agency which will determine what additional steps must be taken.

“We are so thankful for all the resources of the agencies involved and also for the continued support of the people of Gravette during this time.”

David Smith, Gravette fire chief, reported to the Gravette City Council last Thursday the actions of the city and supportive agencies, both county and state. Smith’s Report

Smith told the Council that at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, he met with Benton County Department of EmergencyServices Director Matt Garrity. He said at that time about 2,000 gallons of unleaded gas were missing. (Later this was revised to about 1,600 gallons). Junior Hartley, Director of Public Works, reported there was a strong odor of gasoline in the system around Marvin’s Grocery Store.

At that time Mid-American Environmental Solutions, a private firm from Carthage, MO, was retained by the station owners to further clean up the spill.

After meeting with Hazmat officials, Smith ordered that Main Street be shut down and occupants of the area between First and Second Avenue NE be evacuated.

Hazmat team members and city officials continued to monitor levels of vapors and at approximately 8 p.m. the fire department personnel flushed the sewer system with a mixture of F500 foam and 3,000 gallons of water to encapsulate and degrade hydrocarbons remaining. This was followed by a second 3,000 gallon flush of water. Monitoring continued and at approximately 10 p.m., after consultation with Hazmat members, Smith determined Main Street could be reopened.

Arkansas Gas personnel were on the scene to relight any pilot lights that had been extinguished, Smith reported.

Up to Date Report

Since that time, monitoring of the sewer lines has continued and testing and excavation around the tank storage area has occurred. That is expected to continue until the problem is completely solved.

Main Street reopened for business WednesdayS and remains open and nearby residents report gasoline odors are negligible or nonexistent.

The Shop and Go Station remains open to sell its products other than gasoline and that will be its status until service is permitted by state agencies. “We’re jusst waiting,” the spokesperson said

He added, “The understanding and cooperation of the public is deeply appreciated.”

News, Pages 1 on 01/20/2010