Rocklin ARCO Station Included in State Hazardous Waste Lawsuit Against BP

A gas station in Rocklin accumulated too much hazardous waste, didn't label it and didn't seal containers of waste properly, a lawsuit filed by California's attorney general says.

The lawsuit, filed Friday by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris, accuses BP West Coast Products, BP Products of North America and Atlantic Richfield Company of failing to maintain or inspect underground gasoline storage tanks at more than 780 stations around California.

“Safe storage of gasoline is not only common sense, it is essential to protecting the integrity of California’s groundwater resources,” a press release quoted Harris as saying. “California’s hazardous waste laws safeguard public health and this lawsuit ensures proper maintenance of the tanks that store fuel beneath California’s communities.”

The local ARCO station mentioned in the lawsuit is located at 4500 Rocklin Rd., and the violations are alleged to have happened various times between 2007 and 2011.

That station is also accused of failing to maintain an underground leak detector, which resulted in a failed leak test. It also "failed to monitor and remove water and fuel accumulated in an under-dispenser container," according to the lawsuit.

Harris' lawsuit also alleges violations at a USA Gasoline station at 13435 Bowman Road, Auburn.

The lawsuit follows an investigation that found violations at BP-owned stations in 37 counties around the state, according to the press release.

"The complaint alleges that the defendants tampered with or disabled leak detection devices, and failed to test secondary containment systems, conduct monthly inspections, train employees in proper protocol, and maintain operational alarm systems, among other violations," the release states. "The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants improperly handled and disposed of hazardous wastes and materials associated with the underground storage tanks at retail gas stations throughout the state."

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties from BP, but doesn't list a specific dollar amount.

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