High DC Gas Prices
There is a seasonal changeover with gasoline additives that is hitting us really hard right now. The problem is with MTBE, which is a fuel additive in the cold months. It’s also a pretty dangerous chemical that leaches into the groundwater. It’s very unpleasant stuff. The gist of the CNN article says that the changeover from MTBE to ethanol additives requires that refinery tanks be scrubbed before putting the ethanol fuel in.
Ok, so my question is, what about the tanks at gas stations? Or is it just a refinery issues during the chemical processing?
My pop had a station that we lost when PA changed over their state EPA rules for gas station tanks. Around the late 1980’s-early 1990’s there was a new requirement for double-hull gas tanks to prevent leaks at your neighborhood station. I look upon that law as a good thing for the environment, even if it did cost us a gas station. With crisis comes opportunity and my dad got a better station as a result of the closing. Did you know that state EPA’s do groundwater checks around gas stations? There is a testing spot across a 4-lane street from our station.
If you’re wondering what I’m doing about the high price of gas, I have to confess, nothing. I am switching over to a 4/10 work schedule for a few weeks. On my 3 day weekend, I go home to care for my family. So I’ll end up driving an extra 300 miles in a week. But on balance there are certain things which truly are priceless.
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