COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS INSPECTION OF AKWESASNE GAS STATIONS
Fuels Octane Rating Meets Quality Standards

AKWESASNE , NY — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Compliance Department has successfully concluded its inspection of the eighteen Mohawk-owned gas stations located on the Akwesasne Territory . Compliance Inspectors used the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s General Code for Weights and Measures to check the volume, quality and storage of petroleum products sold in the community.

“It is the responsibility of the Compliance Department to protect consumers and to ensure that quality products are sold in the Akwesasne community,” said Compliance Director Wesley Benedict. He added, “This requires inspecting and certifying tribal businesses through routine weights and measures testing.”

Earlier this year the Tribal Council enacted Tribal Council Resolution #2005-69 in response to consumer concerns of accountability towards commercial scales, timing devices and fuel dispensers at businesses in Akwesasne. The TCR, titled Tribal Weights and Measures Code, was developed to assure consumer confidence in purchasing products and followed training Compliance Inspectors received from the New York Weights and Measures Association.

Throughout May and June 2005, Compliance Inspectors tested the volume of fuel pumped at gas stations using a five-gallon measuring device. Fuel was pumped in the container and a gauge was used to indicate if the pump was within the allowable tolerance level. Testing the amount of fuel pumped helps to assure consumers that they receive the same amount that they purchase.

Machinery in the gas pumps wear down over time and can often lead to inaccurate fuel meter readings. As a result, gas pumps are tested twice each year, or when a pump is replaced or repaired, to determine if it is still within the tolerance level. After finding acceptable results, a Compliance Inspector will place a certification sticker on the pump with the test date. A pump will be tagged and taken out of service if it is found to be out of tolerance.

In November 2005, octane levels were checked by the Compliance Department to make sure that consumers purchase quality fuel. An octane meter was used that entailed a glass cup filled with gas to be placed on an external pad for analysis. The meter tested the fuel’s quality and within seconds a report was printed that indicated the octane level.

The testing found octane levels of 87 for regular unleaded and 91 for super unleaded at all of the gas stations in Akwesasne. The results confirmed that octane ratings are consistent with those found outside of Akwesasne and that quality fuel is being sold at local gas stations. Compliance Inspectors have affixed certification stickers with the octane levels on the fuel pumps during the past several weeks.

The bulk storage tanks were also inspected to determine if there is a build-up of water. A special dipstick was used to show the amount of water that may have collected inside the tank. A small amount of finding paste was placed at the end of the pole and placed into the fuel tank. All the tanks that were tested are within the tolerance level of an inch and a half (1½) or less of water.

The Compliance Inspectors also worked in conjunction with the Tribe’s Environment Department to check the containment walls, catwalks and pipes around the gas station’s storage tanks. A visual and physical inspection was performed on their secondary containment system and other structures to ensure that the Tribe’s environmental regulations are being followed.

Tribal Chief Lorraine M. White said, “The Compliance Department’s inspection of all the local gas stations serves to protect the customer’s best interest and upholds good business practice. Consumers can be reassured that the fuel they purchase in Akwesasne meets or exceeds industry standards.”

If you would like more information, or have questions regarding the testing procedure, please call the Tribe’s Compliance Department at (518) 358-2272 (ext. 224).

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