District fined for storage tank violation

West Valley School District has agreed to pay a $210 penalty for violations of the Montana Underground Storage Tank Act.

The district was cited for failure to conduct a timely compliance inspection in addition to performing a line tightness test — or other appropriate monthly monitoring method — on lines under suction, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

The underground storage tank in question contained oil for heating a couple of classrooms according to West Valley Superintendent Cal Ketchum. Ketchum said the district is looking to remove the old underground storage tank and switch to electricity.

During a line tightness test, a line is pressurized to reveal any leaks. By not performing the test, the district may not know if a line develops a leak, which could  contaminate soil and water, according to Shasta Steinweden of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality Enforcement Division.

 Leaks can be slow or fast.

“There is also a possibility of contaminants reaching the water supply, which is the main reason for underground storage tank inspections,” Steinweden said.

Underground storage tank compliance inspection are required every three years Steinweden said.

In addition to paying the $210 penalty, the district had the tank re-inspected and the suction line tested.

This is the first penalty for the school district, Steinweden said.

For more information visit www.deq.mt.gov.