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The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality last week fined an investment company for petroleum and water violations at its gas station and convenience store in Orange County.
On Thursday, the commission fined Zio Investments, LLC $16,920 for 11 public drinking water and petroleum storage violations at LCM Mart, located at 8270 Texas 87 North in Orange.
The agency investigated the violations Feb. 9-11, 2021 and May 5, 2021. The company received notice of enforcement on April 12 and May 28, 2021.
One of the violations was the failure to begin maintenance and housekeeping practices "to ensure the good working condition and general appearance" of the facilities and equipment, according to the agency's documents.
"The poor maintenance and housekeeping refers to the rust noted on the well casing, gooseneck vent and pressure tank," the agency said. "Rust is a concern because it can lead to structural failure if not addressed."
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The pressure tank is used to regulate the pressure of the water which is being produced, according to the commission. Even when the well pump is not running, the pressure tank helps maintain pressure on the water.
"Specifically, the pressure tank was rusted," the documents state. "At the well, the well casing was rusted, there was discarded furniture on the sealing block, and there was overgrown vegetation surrounding the well. Additionally, the treatment plant and hypochlorination solution container were surrounded by scrap wood, pipes and hoses."
According to the agency, a sealing block is concrete slab that is poured around the top of the well that prevents surface water intrusion into the well.
"The sealing block must be at least six inches thick and extend at least 3 feet in all directions from the well casing," the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said. "The sealing block must also be sloped to ensure surface water runs away from the well."
In addition, the company only had a pressure tank with a 120 gallon capacity, however the minimum pressure tank capacity is 220 gallons making it a 45% deficiency.
"Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules require a minimum pressure of 35 pound-force per square inch during normal operations and a minimum of 20 pound-force per square inch at all times, such as during emergencies. Maintaining pressure on the water system ensures that if a leak occurs potential contaminants are not sucked in to the system," the agency said.
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According to the documents, the company also "failed to obtain sanitary control easements covering land within 150 feet of the facility's well."
The agency also gave the company a list of corrective actions and technical requirements to complete in addition to the fines. Most of the actions are to correct the violations.
Zio Investments, LLC is one of 52 regulated entities who received fines totaling to $398,811.
The next Texas Commission on Environmental Quality commissioners meeting is Wedne
Courtney Pedersen is the Environmental and Governmental Policy Reporter for The Beaumont Enterprise.