A Welcome Sight

An underground gas tank from the infamous PCH Arco station was hauled away recently, much to the relief of neighboring residents eager to see the station gone and the pollution beneath it cleaned up.

Workers began tearing down the Arco station at 5th Street and PCH this month. Multiple gas tank leaks spanning decades spilled gasoline into the soil, and tests found that the spill was off-gassing’ benzene, a known carcinogen, into people’s homes. Three homes were evacuated and treated last year to stem the flow of hazardous gases into the homes. The residents were able to return home, but the gas station’s closure and cleanup plan were , pending approval from the Coastal Commission. Once the contamination is cleaned, a new gas station will replace the old Arco, said city offiicials.