FOUNTAIN VALLEY : City to Replace 2 Tanks Posing Hazard

Two underground fuel tanks at the city’s police and fire stations previously determined to be environmental hazards were ordered replaced by the City Council this week.

The diesel tanks, which store a 14-day fuel supply for the city’s emergency generators as required by the state, will cost almost $50,000 to replace. The new tanks will be financed with city redevelopment project funds, which come from property taxes.

The Police Department tank, installed in 1985, failed safety inspections by the county Health Care Agency on three occasions in the last four months. A pipe connecting the tank to the station was discovered leaking in May. The pipe was believed to have cracked during earthquakes in recent years.

Fire Chief Richard E. Jorgensen reminded the council that the state could fine the city up to $5,000 a day if the tanks are not repaired or replaced.

“Right now the tanks are potentially in violation of state law,” Jorgensen told the council Tuesday night. He added that the fire station fuel tank, installed 23 years ago, is “not in violation right now but fuel has been found to be contaminated” thereby reflecting possible leaks.

“There is a possibility of contaminated soil,” Jorgensen said, “but that can’t be determined until the tanks are removed.”

The costs to replace the tanks do not include contaminated soil removal. The amount of soil contaminated by leaks will be determined after the tanks are removed within the next 30 days, according to the city manager’s report.

The new above-ground tanks, which will include a 6-inch-thick concrete casing, will store 500 gallons each and are expected to be in place by November, Jorgensen said.