According to Florida agriculture officials, inspectors issued four stop-sale orders after finding water-contaminated fuel during inspections prompted by flooding, adding another concern for residents already dealing with the disruption.
Drivers still have no public list of the stations subject to the orders.
Here's what to know
Florida agriculture officials told CBS12 News that the department received 10 contaminated-fuel complaints from Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
The department said nearly 20 inspectors checked 125 facilities in seven counties — Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Indian River, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie.
Officials said their ongoing work included gathering complaints and inspection reports.
According to the city, rainfall in West Palm Beach totaled 11.67 inches on Nov. 1-2 — more than triple its usual rainfall for the entire month, CBS12 News reported. The inspection effort came after several days of flooding.
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Floodwater does not have to reach a vehicle for contaminated gasoline to end up in its tank. Both Fort Pierce and Riviera Beach issued local emergency declarations.
More background
There was almost no delay between driver Amber Massie's gasoline purchase and the onset of her truck's problems, she told CBS12 News. She had refueled at Orange Avenue and Hartman Road in Fort Pierce.
Getting to work has meant relying on another driver, she said, while she faces repair costs running into thousands of dollars.
Worsening extreme weather disasters can strain finances while threatening public health and community safety.
Water can be pumped into a vehicle along with gasoline after floodwater gets into a station's fuel supply. That supply is generally stored underground, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and vents, loose fittings, or fill pipes can allow floodwater in.
A mechanic can determine the cause of symptoms that might — but do not necessarily — point to contaminated fuel. According to CBS12 News, AAA's list includes a lit check-engine light, stalling, weak acceleration, rough running or sputtering, and difficulty starting.
What can be done?
Standing water, closed pumps, and the removal and replacement of water-tainted fuel marked conditions at a gas station at North Haverhill and Roebuck roads in West Palm Beach.
An inspection remained pending after water was removed at a gas station at 7245 N. Military Trail in Riviera Beach, an employee said.
A safe place to stop and a call to a mechanic or roadside assistance are the next steps for drivers who notice their vehicles running poorly after refueling.
Ask the station operator how to file a claim, and retain diagnostic findings, towing receipts, and repair estimates. CBS12 News also advises keeping the fuel receipt and noting the pump number, fuel grade, purchase time, and station details.
To help inspectors examine storage tanks, Florida agriculture officials want consumers to report suspected fuel contamination or flooded stations. The complaint line is 800-435-7352 (1-800-HELP-FLA).
Where can I learn more?
Fuel contamination is just one way flooding can leave Florida drivers with costly problems. These stories cover rising gasoline and diesel prices, saltwater threats to vehicles, and flooding in Florida communities.
• Florida gasoline prices climbed above $4 again, with AAA warning of further increases.
• South Florida truck fleets faced near-record diesel prices, squeezing budgets for essential services.
• In Fort Lauderdale, king tides closed part of A1A as saltwater threatened vehicles.
• In Indiantown, residents demanded answers after four inches of rain flooded homes, cars, and streets.
• In Astor, Florida, neighbors parked cars in one yard as river flooding reached homes.
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