Md. Seeks $100,000 Fine For Pilot Fuel Tank Leaks

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of the Environment is seeking a $100,000 fine from truck stop operator Pilot Flying J for alleged water pollution from leaky underground fuel tanks near Hagerstown.

The Knoxville, Tenn.-based company said Friday it disagrees with the allegations and hopes to reach a settlement.

The state agency says the problems at a Pilot travel center on Greencastle Pike stem from leaky storage tanks that were improperly installed in 1999.

The complaint lists 12 leaks and spills from 2008 to 2011 that allegedly resulted in potential or actual water pollution. The agency says Pilot failed to report 11 spills, including one involving about 30 gallons of diesel fuel.

The recommended fine is the highest allowed by state law for a single administrative action.

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