Montpelier, Vt. – The Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that Rowley Fuels, Inc., a fuel delivery service in Milton, was fined $6,750 for releasing hazardous materials and discharging to waters of the State without a permit.

DEC’s Waste Management and Prevention Division oversees the use, treatment, and handling of hazardous materials and performs emergency response if there is a spill. If more than two gallons of hazardous material are released into the environment, it must be reported immediately to determine if a spill impacts or threatens sensitive receptors, such as surface waters, and ensures the cleanup is performed to State standards. Additionally, a permit is required for the discharge of any waste, substance, or material to waters of the State.

“Fuel spills are harmful to public health and the environment, which requires that fuel dealers use care and avoid spills,” says Misty Sinsigalli, DEC Commissioner. “If a spill does occur, DEC assesses the environmental impact of the spill, oversees the cleanup, and enforces the environmental laws and regulations triggered by the release of hazardous material to the environment.”

In December 2024, at Rowley Fuels, Inc.’s storage facility, petroleum product overflowed from a fuel delivery truck while conducting fuel transfer operations. Approximately eight to ten gallons of fuel oil were released onto the ground. The release flowed downgradient from the truck, eventually entering nearby storm drains that discharged to the Lamoille River.

When DEC staff responded to Rowley Fuels, Inc.’s facility the same day as the release, they observed clean-up efforts being performed by the company. The next day, DEC staff observed petroleum sheen and odor along the bank of the Lamoille River. Rowley Fuels, Inc. did not have a permit to discharge to the river.

To resolve the violations, Rowley Fuels, Inc. agreed to a penalty of $6,750 for the violations. This agreement was incorporated into a Final Judicial Order of the Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division.

Learn more about visit DEC’s Waste Management and Prevention Division online, including spill management.

###

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. To file a discrimination complaint, for questions, free language services, or requests for reasonable accommodations, please contact ANR’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator at ANR.CivilRights@vermont.gov or visit ANR’s online Notice of Nondiscrimination.