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Sam Penrod reporting People in Gunnison heard firsthand tonight the scope of last summer's leak of more than 19,000 gallons of gasoline from an underground tank. It's become not only an economic, but environmental disaster.
The meeting tonight was frustrating to residents because no one from Top Stop or Wind River petroleum showed up to this highly anticipated meeting to answer questions. We did learn more than 4,000 gallons of gasoline has been extracted from the ground. But six homes and several businesses remain evacuated and likely won't be safe to re-enter for weeks or even months.
Gunnison residents asked questions as an environmental contractor and state environmental officials gave a point by point update on the leak of nearly 20,000 gallons of gasoline from an underground tank.
Lori Nay, a member of the Gunnison city council, said, "We understand now that it is a long process, and it is going to take a lot of time and a lot of patience, but it needs to be done and it needs to be right, and the public needs to be involved."
The leak has been traced to cover an area through several city blocks, including nine homes.
Doug Hansen, with the Dept. of Environmental Quality, said, "The state remains committed to ensuring that this problem gets thoroughly investigated and the cleanup takes place in a manner that is protective of the folks here in Gunnison."
A state trust fund has already paid $600,000 toward the cleanup, but will max out at $1 million.
Peter Stirba, Gunnison city attorney, said, "One of the concerns that is coming up of course is the fact that soon the underground storage tank fund may be exhausted, and at least as far as the state's contribution to the cleanup efforts and at that point, it is going to be over to Wind River. And we hope that they will be responsible in their approach."
Some victims of the leak submitted claims to Top Stop more than a month ago and have had no response from Top Stop or its owner, Wind River Petroleum.
Lila Lee Christensen lost her business. She said, "They have an obligation to us. The people cleaning it up are doing their job. Top Stop needs to step up to the plate and take care of everybody."
The Gunnison city council has asked the city attorney to look into the possibility of litigation against Top Stop, to ensure the contamination is cleaned up and the victims get their losses covered.
