Faulty fuel pumps and the threat of fires and messes have prompted Little Rock fire officials to launch an effort to inspect every gas pump in the city.
Chief Fire Marshal Joseph Gray said that Operation Pump Check, which begins today, will take investigators under his command to inspect every pump in the 325 gas stations and convenience stores in Little Rock.
Gray said the initiative, one he expects could take a month or two to complete, was prompted by a rash of complaints from Little Rock residents about faulty fuel pumps with frayed lines and leaks that spilled onto businesses' lots.
Although he didn't specify how many complaints were received, or where they were directed, he said a fire marshal went out last week to check on the addresses, confirming several instances of deteriorated pumps leaking fuel or diesel.
"We're trying to get ahead of the curve here," Gray said. "We've responded to a couple of fires at [gas] pumps. We've had several [hazardous material] spills, so we're going to go out ... take a look ... get ahead of the curve."
Gray said that fire marshals have inspected fuel pumps in the past but never in a concerted effort and never at this scale.
His investigators' efforts, which he said won't interfere with their day-to-day operations, will enhance inspection responsibilities already handled by the state.
Roger Fisher, a supervisor with the Bureau of Standards -- tasked with coordinating the inspection, calibration and regulation of about 34,000 gas pumps across the state -- said the constant monitoring is taxing on his staff.
With only 12 certified inspectors -- who check on a wide variety of things, including gas quality, pump calibration, advertising and safety standards like leaky nozzles or frayed hoses -- Fisher's office relies on nearly 40 registered service companies across Arkansas to help with the workload.
The Little Rock Fire Department is now another helpful party looking for health and public safety risks associated with leaking gas pumps, Fisher said.
"There's 34,000 gas pumps in the state, which is a bunch," Fisher said. "When I'm talking about compliance testing ... we need help," he said.
Unlike Fisher's inspectors, or those working with private companies, fire marshals will not be ensuring a gallon equals a gallon and that the fuel quality is up to snuff.
It's just about faulty pumps, Gray said.
"We don't want a spark or ash to hit the ground, and the next thing you know you've got something bigger than what you'd ever want to have," Gray said. "We'll shut that pump down until they can get someone out to fix it. We won't close the station, but we will close that pump."
When asked what parts of the city have the worst gas pumps, Gray said he couldn't pinpoint an area, but he said that the bulk of complaints are lodged against "mom and pop" operations, instead of larger chains.
Gray said that if there are repeat problems from specific locations, his investigators have the power to fine business owners, but he doubts that will be an issue.
According to Fisher, there won't be too many problems.
His organization, along with reports from service companies, show that the "rejection rate," which can be for any problem with a pump -- including calibration and fuel quality -- is extremely low, or about one out of every 100 pumps checked.
Steve Ferren, an official with the Arkansas Oil Marketers Association, said he wasn't aware of further oversight or inspections and didn't fully understand why firefighters in Little Rock were involving themselves in an already regulated industry.
"When you go buy a gallon, you know you're getting one [because of the state's Bureau of Standards] and as far as spills and leaks and stuff, [Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality] checks that stuff. We already meet state fire codes," Ferren said. "We have monthly inspections [by federal law] ... Again, I'm not sure the function the Little Rock Fire Department has here."
Metro on 07/21/2014