In an effort to settle what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) called “alleged violations”, SEPTA paid a penalty of $116,843 to the federal agency.

In a press release issued Wednesday, the EPA said the transportation authority did not comply with safeguards at some of their underground storage tanks used at five SEPTA bus garages.

Callowhill Bus Garage, 59th & Callowhill Streets;

Comly Garage, Penn & Comly Streets;

Frankford Bus Garage, 5235 Penn Street;

Midvale Bus Garage, 4301 Wissahickon Avenue

Southern Bus Garage, 20th & Johnson Streets.

The safeguards should be in place to prevent, detect and control leaks of hazardous substances such as motor oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, transmission fluid and anti-freeze.

Nine violations were found after the EPA performed inspections and follow-ups at the facilities. Failure to conduct proper pipeline testing and improper leak detectors were some of the violations cited by the EPA.

The leaking of underground tanks are considered to be a major factor when it comes to soil and groundwater contamination. It is important to note, that the EPA inspectors did not identify any leaks at the facilities.

The transportation authority issued the following statement:

“SEPTA has worked cooperatively with the EPA to resolve this matter. As was noted by EPA inspectors, there were no leaks identified, and SEPTA’s underground storage tanks do not present any risk to public health or safety. Moving forward, SEPTA will work proactively to insure the integrity of its underground storage tanks and prevent recurrence of these types of issues.”

The EPA said that the penalty issued “reflects SEPTA’s cooperation with EPA in correcting the alleged non-compliance and resolving this matter.”