Iowa 80, the self-proclaimed “World’s Largest Truckstop,” features numerous eateries, a truck repair garage, a laundromat, a movie theater, a pet wash, a chiropractor, and even a trucking museum.
What it and sister truck stop Joplin 44 in Missouri lacked, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, was a proper plan for dealing with a potential fuel spill.
As a result, Iowa 80 Group Inc. has agreed to pay a total punishment of $390,784 to remedy alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, the EPA announced on Monday.
According to a proposed consent order, the Iowa 80 Truckstop on Interstate 80 in Walcott near Davenport and Joplin 44 in southwest Missouri did not adequately develop and implement spill prevention and control plans as required by the Clean Water Act for facilities that store 1,320 gallons or more of oil products in above-ground storage tanks.
According to the EPA, both truck stops have above-ground storage capacity for more than 1 million gallons of diesel fuel, gasoline, lubricants, and oil. The FDA intends to punish Iowa 80 Group $204,142 for violations at the Iowa facility and $186,642 at the Missouri location.
The EPA said a spill in Iowa might endanger Mud Creek, which eventually flows into the Cedar and Mississippi rivers. In Missouri, a leak might poison Rock Branch Creek, Spring River, and, eventually, the Grand River, commonly known as the lower Neosho River.
The EPA discovered the alleged infractions during inspections of truck stops in 2023.
“This settlement demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to protecting our nation’s waterways and leveling the playing field for businesses that follow the law,” David Cozad, EPA Region 7 enforcement and compliance assurance division director, said in a statement.
According to the EPA, the truck stops have amended their plans, inspected their interior and external tanks, and completed any necessary repairs. The agreements are subject to a 30-day public comment process.
The consent agreements are available for public study and comment on Iowa 80 and Joplin 44.