Are there Sites in So. Lake Tahoe Which Have Been Contaminated by Leaking Underground Storage Tanks?
Yes, along Hwy 50 there are several areas where past underground tank releases have been identified during the upgrading of facilities, i.e., an inspection and testing of the old tanks and soil within the excavation have revealed past releases. When a gasoline leak has been detected, the Department orders the removal of the contaminated soil and an immediate site investigation to determine possible off site contaminant migration and if groundwater is impacted. Confirmed groundwater contamination cases are referred to the lead agency for action–the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Lahontan will order on and off site monitoring wells to determine the lateral and vertical extent of contamination. Based on those findings, remediation of the contamination will be required.
