05/07/2022
“To our valued customers of Spencer Express Fuels, Pacific St. in Spencer: A few weeks ago, some of our customers began experiencing performance issues just after buying regular unleaded fuel at our Spencer Express Fuels facility. We immediately shut down the system in order to determine what had occurred. A fresh load of fuel had just been delivered, so we began to suspect that the integrity of the fuel had somehow become compromised. Since all of our fuel comes from the Junction City fuel terminal, I contacted terminal representatives regarding the issue. They had no other contamination inquiries, and verified that their fuel quality and specifications were not an issue. The State of Wisconsin Bureau of Petroleum Inspection was immediately notified, and coordinated with a local petroleum equipment company to completely inspect the system and fuel, and get to the bottom of the problem. The State inspector performed an analysis of the fuel and determined that there was some “phase separation” within the fuel, caused by a relatively small amount of water that had somehow found its way into the very large 20,000 gallon tank. Since gasoline is lighter than water, a small amount of water would typically sink to the bottom of the tank. Since the submersible pump is set almost six inches off the bottom of the tank, the small amount of water shouldn’t have been pumped into a vehicle. The problem was created when a fresh load of gasoline was dropped into the tank, which churned up the small amount of water on the bottom, and brought it into the body of the fuel. Anyone who dispensed fuel into their vehicles shortly after the load was delivered, received the compromised fuel, causing their vehicles to run roughly. We’re working with our insurance company, and will very shortly be contacting every customer impacted to make full reimbursement for any costs incurred.
The system, including all tanks, lines, meters, etc., had just been inspected and State-approved for operation, so this situation was a surprise to everyone. The tank was thoroughly inspected and pressure-tested to determine where the breach occurred. The cause of the breach was quickly determined to be the result of a damaged gasket on a v***r reclamation connection, which created a permeation, allowing the small amount of water to leak into the tank. The gasket and all fittings were immediately replaced. The tank was then completely pumped of its contents and cleaned, including replacement of all filters, purging of all lines, nozzles, and meters, and the pumping of fresh fuel into all lines, meters, and nozzles. The system has been completely cleaned, brand new, fresh fuel has been delivered, and the State has re-inspected the system and given it a clean bill of health.
In the nearly century-long existence of The Baltus Oil Company, we had never experienced a fuel integrity issue such as what occurred in Spencer. While a relatively small quantity of vehicles was impacted, the inconvenience to our customers was very much heartfelt by myself and our staff. We will do whatever’s necessary to take care of any costs incurred by those who were impacted, and have taken further actions to ensure that this situation never occurs again. Our Spencer location is once again open for business, and you can be assured that the fuel is of the best quality that you have come to expect from us.
Thank you so much for your trust and understanding these past few weeks, and we look forward to continuing to build on your faith in us, and be worthy of your future patronage.
John Baltus
President