VENANGO CO., Pa. – PennDOT will have to shell out $26,066.00 to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after failing to properly monitor or test underground diesel storage tanks in Franklin and Washington County.

According to the Observer-Report, the settlement comes after alleged violations by PennDOT in relation to underground storage tank regulations. These regulations help protect the community and environment against oil exposure or potentially harmful chemicals.

According to the report, “PennDOT allegedly failed to conduct proper monitoring or testing of detectors on pipe lines for leaks and did not maintain proper monitoring records regarding the underground tanks.”

The EPA stated that none of the violations included leakage or any kind of release from the tanks or pipes.

PennDOT has been cooperative through the process, according to the report.

Affected sites include the PennDOT sheds at 1460 Pittsburgh Road in Franklin and at the intersection of Routes 40 and 88 in West Brownsville, Washington County.