Golden Gate Petroleum Fined $3 Million for Environmental Violations

By Bay City News

A Martinez-based petroleum distributor that was found in violation of numerous environmental laws has been ordered to pay $3 million, a
coalition of district attorneys announced today.

A Contra Costa County judge ordered Golden Gate Petroleum Corp. to pay $3 million for civil penalties and costs, according to the Santa  Clara County District Attorney's Office.

A civil enforcement lawsuit was filed in November 2007 alleging that the company used underground storage tank systems to store hazardous materials and hazardous substances such as gasoline and diesel fuel.

Among the violations alleged in the suit were tampering with sensors by improperly raising them, failing to adequately train employees in
responding to hazard materials releases or spills, and failing to maintain various records required under state law.

Golden Gate Petroleum will be required to comply with California law at their facilities to reduce the possibility of a release or spill of a hazardous substance into the environment.

In addition to its Martinez headquarters, Golden Gate Petroleum has 25 facilities in Northern California and Nevada, including in the cities
of Hayward, San Jose, Richmond, Salinas and Brentwood.

The company sells a number of products including bulk lubricants, diesel, race gas, propane, fuel oil, gasoline, and biodiesel.

The settlement was announced by Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, along with 14 other California district attorneys and state Attorney General Kamala Harris.

A call to Golden Gate Petroleum seeking comment was not immediately returned.