In January 2024, Circle K Stores Inc. reported the release of an estimated 86,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline from its 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. (7/25 & 26/24 Press Releases 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 t receive bi-monthly updates.
PRESS RELEASES:
Click to view the Town Council Study Session at which ADEQ and Circle K representatives detailed the analysis, monitoring, testing, reporting and mitigation efforts. The comprehensive presentations and interaction with Council throughout the meeting will give you insight into the event and answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the incident. Below are links the presentations from the meeting 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.
QUESTION OR COMMENT FORM Do you have questions or concerns you would like addressed by Circle K or ADEQ not answered at the Council Study Session above? Kindly print and fill out the form via the link, then submit in person to Town Hall or by email to PublicInformation@chinoaz.net
Agency Contact Information
- Circle K Customer Care Phone: 833-685-7318
- Circle K Media Contact: Chris Barnes | Email: communication@circlek.com
- ADEQ Public Information Officer Ph: 602-540-8072 (cell); Email: pio@azdeq.gov