World
EPA fines Iowa 80 Truckstop, ‘World’s Largest,’ for failing to properly plan for fuel spill
Truck spins out on highway in Missouri narrowly missing cars
A semi-truck spun out on slick roads brought on by a major winter storm impacting the Midwest and East Coast.
Iowa 80, the self-proclaimed “World’s Largest Truckstop,” has several restaurants, a truck repair garage, a laundromat, a movie theater, a pet wash service, a chiropractor and even a museum of trucking.
What it and sister truck stop Joplin 44 in Missouri didn’t have, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was an adequate plan for addressing a potential fuel spill.
As a result, owner Iowa 80 Group Inc. has agreed to pay a combined $390,784 fine to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, the EPA announced Monday.
A proposed consent order says the Iowa 80 Truckstop, on Interstate 80 in Walcott near Davenport, and Joplin 44 in southwest Missouri failed to adequately develop and implement plans that would prevent and control spills as required by the Clean Water Act for facilities that store 1,320 gallons or greater of oil products in above-ground storage tanks.
The truck stops both have above-ground storage of more than 1 million gallons of diesel fuel, gasoline, lubricants and oil, according to the EPA. The agency plans to fine Iowa 80 Group $204,142 for violations at the Iowa business and $186,642 at the Missouri operation.
The EPA said a spill in Iowa could threaten Mud Creek, which eventually flows to the Cedar and Mississippi rivers. And in Missouri, a spill could contaminate Rock Branch Creek, Spring River and eventually, the Grand River, also known as the lower section of the Neosho River.
The EPA found the alleged violations during inspections of the truck stops in 2023.
“This settlement represents the federal government’s commitment to protecting our nation’s waterways and creating a level playing field for businesses who are complying with the law,” David Cozad, EPA Region 7 enforcement and compliance assurance division director, said in a statement.
The EPA said the truck stops have revised plans, conducted internal and external tank inspections, and completed the necessary repairs. The settlements are subject to a 30-day public comment period.
The consent agreements are available online for public review and comment at Iowa 80 and Joplin 44.
Donnelle Eller covers agriculture, the environment and energy for the Register. Reach her at deller@registermedia.com or 515-284-8457.
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