Support Journalism

(Editor’s Note: Magellan has updated its list of affected locations as of 9:00 a.m. Matt Skinner, public information director with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, states lists will be updated throughout the day.)

Magellan Midstream Partners released a statement Friday afternoon concerning the ongoing gas recall first announced Tuesday in an email press release from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The statement reads as follows:

The majority of the affected gasoline with higher than intended ethanol content has been safely recovered and replaced with on-specification fuel allowing gasoline retailers to return to normal operations. All affected gasoline in Tulsa has been completely recovered and replaced and we have made significant progress in the greater Oklahoma City and other affected areas. We expect to recover and replace the remainder of the affected gasoline tomorrow. We wish to apologize to our customers, the fuel distributors, retail gasoline marketers, fuel consumers, state regulators and our fellow Oklahomans that have been affected by this unfortunate incident.

The recalled gas totals 449,00 gallons that could contain up to 30 percent ethanol, well over the 10 percent threshold noted on most fuel pumps. The gas was distributed from a midstream facility in Oklahoma City to stations in several counties.

Magellan has posted a color-coded list of affected retail locations and their status at this link.

For a list of metro-area gas stations that feature 100 percent gas, visit this page and consult its map.

From the release: Tracking down the bad gas

The original OCC release from Tuesday noted the fuel was dispatched from the Magellan facility during the period between Aug. 23 and Monday from one of six delivery bays.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Petroleum Storage Tank division fuel inspectors will be working to ensure impacted retailers have stopped sale of the fuel in question, and that the product is returned to Magellan. Any consumer with a fuel-related issue should contact the retailer. Magellan will work with retailers to satisfy consumer complaints.

Fuel complaints regarding this or any other concern related to fuel measurement or quality can also be filed online with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission or by calling (405) 521-2211.

EPA fails to report on biofuels impact

Recently the EPA announced that it has failed to provide reporting on the environmental impact of biofuels as the agency is required to do.

The agency noted its last report on the subject came in 2011, but reports are supposed to be issued every three years. The entire EPA report on the federal Renewable Fuel Standard can be found here.

Since the EPA’s last report, industry-led pushes for and against fuels with higher ethanol (E) ratings have been ongoing. In 2012, USA Today reported a CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association claimed E15 was safe for post-2001 vehicles. Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute produced a study that found “issues about engine durability” with E15 and E20 blends of biofuel.

If you are concerned about the potential dangers of ethanol fuel blends, speak with a trusted automotive mechanic about the specifics of your vehicle.