Fuel & Sewage A Bad Combo At The Gas Station: Learning from a Costly Mistake

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A recent incident at a Maverik gas station in Montrose, Colorado shows how fast things can go wrong with fuel storage. An RV driver emptied their waste tank straight into the station's underground diesel tank instead of a proper dump station. The result? The entire diesel supply was contaminated, and the pumps had to shut down.

This kind of mix-up might sound rare, but it highlights real risks in our line of work. As fuel tank truck drivers, we handle thousands of gallons of diesel and gasoline every day. One wrong move during delivery or at a site can lead to big problems for everyone.

Why Fuel Contamination Matters for Tanker Drivers

Contaminated fuel doesn't just ruin a load. It can damage customer vehicles, create environmental hazards, and lead to expensive cleanups. For hazmat drivers, it also means potential violations and downtime.

Water is one of the most common contaminants in diesel. It gets in through condensation, bad seals, or human error. Once water mixes with fuel, it can cause microbial growth, corrosion, and engine issues down the line due to multiple additional reasons.

Key risks include:

  • Engine damage for end users
  • Tank corrosion in underground storage tanks (USTs)
  • Regulatory fines and cleanup costs
  • Loss of customer trust

Staying vigilant during every delivery helps protect public safety, the environment, and your job.

The Recent RV Waste Incident



In late May 2026, an RV owner at the Montrose Maverik station hooked up to what they thought was a dump station. Instead, they pumped sewage into the underground diesel storage tank.

Station staff discovered the mistake and shut down diesel sales. Contaminated fuel had to be removed and disposed of properly. This wasn't the first time something like this happened, but it serves as a strong reminder.

While RVers aren't professional fuel haulers, the lesson applies to us. Mistakes at fill points or drop locations can cause cross-contamination fast.

How to Prevent Contamination As A Fuel Delivery Driver

One simple, low-tech tool every driver should use is water-finding paste. This paste helps you check for water at the bottom of tanks before and after deliveries.

How Water-Finding Paste Works



  1. Apply a thin layer of paste to a clean dipstick or gauge.
  2. Lower it slowly into the tank until it touches the bottom.
  3. Wait a few seconds and pull it out.
  4. The paste changes color (usually from yellow/brown to red) where it contacts water.

Popular options like Gasoila or Kolor Kut work well with diesel. They give quick visual proof of water levels.

Make this check part of your routine:

  • Before unloading into a UST
  • After delivery when possible
  • During pre-trip inspections on your own tanker

This quick step can catch problems early and prevent you from delivering on top of existing contaminated fuel. This simple step will save the customer, while protecting you and the transporter from risk and liability.

Checking ATG and Veeder-Root Printouts



Many gas stations use Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) systems like Veeder-Root to monitor USTs. These systems track fuel levels, water, and potential leaks.

As a delivery driver, you should always review the latest printouts when available. Look for:

  • High water alarms
  • Unusual inventory changes
  • Recent delivery or leak test results

Veeder-Root systems can print inventory reports, alarm histories, and leak detection data.

Best practice: Ask the station attendant for the most recent ATG report before you start unloading. If anything looks off, stop and notify your dispatcher or the site manager.

Practical Steps for Safe Fuel Deliveries

Here’s a straightforward checklist you can use on every run:

  • Verify the fill point — Double-check labels and caps before connecting.
  • Use proper grounding when applicable — Prevent static and ensure safe transfer.
  • Monitor for signs of contamination — Strange smells, cloudy fuel, or water in samples.
  • Document everything — Take photos of delivery points and printouts when allowed.
  • Report issues immediately — Don’t assume someone else will handle it.

Follow current FMCSA, PHMSA, and EPA rules for hazmat fuel transport. Always check the latest regulations, as they can change.

Driver Vigilance Makes the Difference

This RV incident proves that even “simple” mistakes can shut down operations. As professional tanker drivers, we have the training and responsibility to do better.

Stay mentally sharp, use your tools (like water-finding paste), and review ATG data. These habits protect your load, the transporter, the customer’s storage, and the public.

Related Safety Ninja Resources:

External Resources:

Bottom line: Contamination risks are always present, but simple checks keep them under control. Drive safe, stay alert, and keep those loads clean.

Follow current FMCSA/DOT/PHMSA regulations and your company’s policies. This is for educational purposes only. Verify the latest official rules, as they can change.




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