Life after gas stations – watch out for vapor intrusion

Abandoned gas station in Illinois. Photo by Dual Freq

Thousands of U.S. gas stations have been abandoned in the past 20 years, often remaining vacant and boarded up.

Apart from being an eyesore, these closed-up gas stations can also become a health and environmental hazard, leaking petroleum into the soil and water supplies underneath.

According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, more than one quarter of the 200,000 nationwide gas stations have closed since 1991.

Higher oil costs and stiff competition from big-box retailers have pushed smaller stations out of business.

And while many of these abandoned stations sit on desirable land close to busy streets and communities, it is no wonder that so many remain boarded and locked up.

Converting former gas stations into a thriving new business opportunity may be challenging, if the ground has been contaminated. Cleanup costs are high and state and federal assistance is limited.

The contaminated soil can lead to vapor intrusion on new construction and in nearby buildings, elevating cleanup costs even further.

Small lot sizes and people’s persisting  perceptions are other big challenges, developers say.

Still, others see the potential and turn old gas stations into electric charging pump stations, office space or modern coffee shops.

Source: New York Times

Air cleaners for petroleum chemicals and more

Activated carbon is a safe and effective filter
for gases, chemicals and odors.

Vapor intrusion is a big concern when it comes to old gas stations, and exposure to these types of chemicals and fumes has been linked to health problems.

As a market leader offering air cleaners for industrial and commercial applications, Electrocorp’s portable air cleaners with activated carbon and HEPA can remove petroleum chemicals, volatile organic compounds, odors, fumes, particles, dust and biological contaminants from the indoor air.

Electrocorp works with individual clients, environmental consultants and government buyers to provide the most efficient and affordable air cleaners to these types of sites.

Contact Electrocorp for more information. For residential air purifiers, please contact AllerAir Industries Inc.