CBS2 Exclusive: Inspectors Visit NJ Gas Station After Complaints Of Watered Down Gas
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- County inspectors were back at a New Jersey gas station Monday that has been accused of selling watered down fuel
As CBS2's Matt Kozar reported, contractors checked the gauges at the Delta gas station on Route 23 in Jefferson Township a day after CBS2 exclusively reported about the problems at the pumps.
"All for a $20 fill-up. Cost me $1,700," said Dina DiGirolamo.
That's how much DiGirolamo has to pay to fix her car after she filled up Wednesday and got mostly water, not gasoline, Kozar reported.
Police said 10 drivers filed complaints after their cars stalled.
Inspectors with Morris County's Weights and Measures Division tested the gasoline on Monday and gave the OK to operate after the owner paid to clear the tanks of excess water.
"Through our investigation today we found out pretty much where the water is coming from," said County Superintendent Robert Alviene.
Inspectors said the problem was with a ventilation pipe for the gas tanks is located right next to a broken storm drain pipe. As the ice and snow melts off the roof and into the ground, it seeps into the gas tanks, Kozar reported.
Inspectors also believe a seal on one of those tanks might be broken.
"I did ask the service man here right now that doing this to shut down the one pump there because there's still water off that roof coming in," said Alviene.
CBS2 couldn't reach the owner of the gas station, but the station manager said the watered down gas was an accident that's never happened before.
"I was shocked you know, with what's going on," said manager Dimple Singh.
Singh said he will fix any broken valves and promised the insurance company would pay for any damage customers had to their cars, Kozar reported.
"I know it's not my fault either, but it's like you know my business so I have to," Singh said. "I pay everything. I'll take care for everybody."
Mechanics say water in your fuel tank can cost you about $1,000 to fix.