Well, I apologize for what I thought was a gas attendant dumping waste oil in the Station diesel tanks. I approached the manager today, and he said the attendant did say he was doing just that when I asked him. He was screwing around. The manager gave me a tour of the station and showed me that the waste oil collection tank is located right in the middle of the other fuel fill caps, and the diesel fill tank is set apart from the rest on the side of the building. He assured me they move a lot of diesel each week, and he buys the best available.
Sorry for getting anyone excited, but it looked awfully suspicious and the waste area had the discoloring that diesel might have.
I'm glad it is not going on.

 

Even if he wasnt doing it, im sure it helps business to be telling people that you are pouring waste oil in the diesel tanks . You didnt know he was kidding until you asked the manager. how many people are going to ask the manager if hes really doing it?

 

Why would they store waste oil underground? I've never seen a service station store waste oil in a very EXPENSIVE underground tank. Most stations around here use a 500 gallon metal tank above ground, sitting on the ground, that must be surrounded by a leak containment system. All underground storage tanks in the US now need to be fiberglass and they are not cheap. To use it for waste oil is just plain bad business.

I'm not buying his story yet, or any fuel from Patterson, NY. I may be wrong, but my gut tells be something just aint right here. If I were you I would call the authorities and tell them what you saw and let them do tests and figure it out. This is way to serious for you to play cop and figure out on your own. If they have done nothing wrong then they have nothing to hide. Improper disposal of hazardous waste is a felony.

Just one guy's opinion.

There is no need for you to appoligize. You called them on it and did your part to check it out. You should be commended for keeping your eyes open. You were aware and recognized (what just may have been) a potentially dangerous and illegal practice. Way to go!

 

All waste oil tanks that I remember were in ground.It wasnt until signs/test for leakage to they go above ground.Last 10/15 years etc.They must still have a good functioning in ground tank.

 

The station I utilize to dispose of my waste oil here on Long Island is in the ground. In fact they just recently replaced all their tanks including the one for waste oil.