Circle K Fuel Release

In January 2024, Circle K Stores Inc. reported the release of an estimated 86,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline from its Underground Storage Tank (UST) system located at 1910 N State Route 89, Chino Valley, AZ 86323. In a follow up report, Circle K stated that the release occurred over a period of approximately 18 days and was due to the failure of a component of the Submersible Turbine Pump (STP), which pulls fuel from the UST and distributes it to the gas pumps for sale. ADEQ is the agency of jurisdiction for reporting and cleanup oversight.

The Town remains in contact with representatives from both ADEQ and Circle K. As we are not the agency of jurisdiction, the information we receive is the same as both these parties have been sharing publicly through other venues. ADEQ's ongoing reviews of the Circle K Chino Valley fuel release investigation shows no current threat to drinking water sources in the area. As new information is available and shared with us, we will continue to share it with you here and on social media.

Important facts to this point:

To date NO AQUIFER CONTAMINATION has been detected. (Press Releases 7/25/24 & 7/26/24 below)
The nearest Town well is more than a mile away from the site.
Circle K is performing extensive weekly testing of drinking water wells in the immediate vicinity and environmental contractors have begun remediation efforts.
Four wells have been drilled in the immediate vicinity to monitor the aquifer.
Soil remediation is underway and will be monitored by ADEQ and we expect to receive bi-monthly updates.

ADEQ & Circle K Incident Briefings to Town Council

ADEQ and Circle K representatives presented before Town Council in May of 2024 and again in April of 2025. They detailed the analysis, monitoring, testing, reporting and mitigation efforts. The comprehensive presentations and interaction with Council throughout the meetings will give you insight and answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the incident. Below are links to the presentations from the meetings and a timeline of events provided by Circle K.

ADEQ 90-Day Fuel Release Reports

An Underground Storage Tank (UST) owner/operator is required to submit a report to ADEQ within 90 calendar days of receipt of an ADEQ notification letter. The 90-Day Report must contain the information referenced in A.A.C. R18-12-251(C) and (F). Based upon the type of suspected UST release, ADEQ may require the UST owner/operator to submit information such as tank tightness test results, product piping test results, soil sampling and laboratory analytical report information, tank repair documentation, etc.

Circle K Fuel Release

Important facts to this point:

ADEQ Reports

Press Releases

ADEQ & Circle K Incident Briefings to Town Council

ADEQ 90-Day Fuel Release Reports

Agency Contact Information

Private Well Sampling Report (Summary Tables)

Private Well Sampling Site Map

Drinking Water Sampling Reports

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