Confusion Hurting Real Shell Gas Station

LAKE PLACID - Confusion over which gas station was shut down by state inspectors who found water in the tanks and pumps of a former Shell gas station at the southwest corner of U.S. 27 and State Road 70 has hurt business at the Circle K gas station, which now carries the Shell branding.

Tom Eaton, district manager for Circle K, said Wednesday that his business on the northwest corner of the same intersection has been devastated due to customer confusion over where the water gas was located and pumps shut down.

"In the 16 years I've been managing Circle K, we never had the state come out and shut us down," Eaton said. "Our tanks are checked daily with a stick with a paste on it that turns red when water touches it." Water sinks to the bottom of gasoline storage tanks.

"Our store is on the northwest corner of U.S. 27 and S.R. 70," he said. "We're Circle K and it does say that. We are pumping Shell gasoline." A larger sign does indicate both Circle K and the Shell logo, he said.

"The other store is VIP Convenience," he said. "It used to be a Shell; its sign is currently hooded and has been for about five to 10 days."

On June 27, a state inspector found water in the gasoline station on the southwest side of the intersection. Owners were ordered to shut down the pumps and clean out the tanks and pumps and add fresh gasoline before an inspector would give them the OK to pump gasoline again.

An unknown number of motorists broke down on Thursday, June 26, and had to be towed. Some broke down at the pump, others made it a mile or two and others contacted Highlands Today and said they made it home before they broke down that night.

It remained unclear who will ultimately pay for the needed repairs.