ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES AND SURVEY METHODS FOR GASOLINE STATIONS REMEDIATION OF THE AGIPPETROLI'S DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Key words: petroleum hydrocarbons, contaminated soil and groundwater, site assessment, sampling methods, screening, soil clean-up, national programs, network optimization, authorities' role, site restoration

According to a national program agreed by the Industry Ministry and the Un- ione Petrolifera, Agip Petroli, Eni's Group company operating in the Refining and Marketing sector, has planned to close 2500 Italian gasoline stations. This program, following guidelines of the European Community, foresees the gaso- line distribution network optimization through about 30 % reduction of the existing gasoline stations number. This challenging program, started by Agip Petroli in early 1999, is expected to lead to the closure of at least 800 gasoline stations by the end of 2000. These gasoline stations, generally small and located in urban areas, are constituted of few medium capacity underground storage tanks and have been operating since over 40 years. Due to the size of the gaso- line distribution network and the short time schedule given, more than 60 peo- ple, including Project Managers, Environmental Engineers, Geologists, construction workers, environmental technicians and administrative personnel of Foster Wheeler Environmental Italy (responsible for all areas in North and South Italy) and Ecotherm (responsible for areas in Central Italy), have been involved in this project under the general control of Agip Petroli's Head Quar- ters and local affiliates.