The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined Reinard A. Pollmann of Florence $1,641 for failing to properly operate and maintain the underground storage tanks at his facility at 2118 Winchester Ave (Highway 101) in Reedsport. DEQ requires that underground storage tanks made of steel and an anti-corrosion system be inspected and tested by a licensed service provider every three years. Such regulations are in place to safeguard against leaks that can harm the environment and threaten human health. Pollmann’s four tanks—located at a temporarily closed gas station—were last inspected and tested in May 2013. He purchased the facility in June 2016 but has yet to have the tanks tested or inspected. Of the civil penalty, $391 represents the economic benefit Pollmann gained by not inspecting and testing the tanks’ anti-corrosion system. DEQ is requiring Pollmann to have a licensed service provider inspect and test the system and to submit the results to DEQ within 60 days. Pollmann has until Jan. 22 to appeal the penalty.
