Community Corner

Sprague Settles with State on Oil Spill

Sprague to pay $30,000 in civil penalties and repay NH $11,615 for 2011 leak into Piscataqua River in Newington.

A Rockingham County Superior Court judge has approved a settlement between Sprague and the state of New Hampshire for a 2011 leak of 168 gallons of oil into the Piscataqua River in Newington.

Under the agreement, Sprague Operating Resources will pay $30,000 in civil penalties and $11,615 to the state for response costs.

New Hampshire Attorney General Michael Delaney and state Environmental Services Commissioner Thomas Burack announced the settlement March 15.

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The state had argued that Sprague failed to comply with several state rules regarding inspection and maintenance of above-ground petroleum storage tank systems, according to the AG. The leak was partly due to corrosion on a section of half-inch steel expansion relief piping, Delaney said.

The leak of No. 6 fuel oil at the River Road terminal was discovered in a pipeline above the river bank during the late evening hours of June 16, 2011.

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The spill was largely contained and cleaned up due to prompt action that night by Sprague employees and state and federal authorities, according to Delaney.

Per the settlement, Sprague is also to replace and upgrade and coat most of the No. 6 fuel oil pipeline at the River Road terminal to prevent possible future leaks.


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