MIAMI VALLEY — After four gas stations in the Miami Valley received regular unleaded gas that may have been contaminated with diesel fuel more people are questioning what they’re pumping into their vehicles.
Ohio is one of three states without statewide fuel quality testing.
>> RELATED: Customers find diesel in gas tanks after visiting Enon station; some face hefty damages
While the Montgomery County Auditor’s office can inspect gas pumps and makes sure customers are getting the same amount of gas they’re paying for, it does not regulate the quality of gas.
In Summit County, a unique government structure gives county inspectors the ability to test gas.
The county’s fiscal office tests for octane levels and excessive water in fuel storage tanks and follows the fuel standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
>> RELATED: 4 Speedway stations received regular gas possibly contaminated with diesel
Inspectors are also required to check for winter versus summer fuel in storage tanks.
When Summit County first began testing fuel in 2004, inspectors found nearly 11% of station had water in their gas or diesel storage tanks and another 15% has inaccurate octane ratings, according to the fiscal office.
When a violation is discovered, a written citation is issued and the gas station has seven days to correct the violation. If the violation is not fixed, fines ranging from $100 to $1,5000 can be issued, depending on the number of violations in a two-year period.
>> RELATED: After bad gas at Speedway, auditor says it’s time for Ohio to test fuel quality
If five or more violations are reported within two years, the station could be found guilty of a third or second degree misdemeanor.
The fiscal office’s website also includes a section where people can search testing results for gas stations in Summit County. Users can search by street or station name.
On Monday, Feb. 10, News Center 7's John Bedell looks further at fuel quality in Ohio and how the Miami Valley region has responded following contamination issues earlier this year. Tune in at 5:30 p.m. to learn more.
