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ENS Resources Brings National Attention to MTBE Contamination
Client: South Tahoe Public Utility District
The Lake Tahoe area has a reputation for pristine beauty and crystal clear water. Yet pollution, drought, and fire constantly threaten this region. Local officials must work diligently and proactively with elected leaders to maintain the lake’s natural condition. For more than 10 years, the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) has trusted ENS Resources for expertise, guidance, and support in Washington, D.C.
The agency first turned to ENS Resources more than a decade ago for assistance with groundwater clean-up. The Lake Tahoe Basin, with its decomposed granite soils and high groundwater level, is extremely susceptible to contamination. In 1997, the South Tahoe district lost 12 of 34 wells when methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a gasoline additive that reduces carbon monoxide emissions, was found in the water supply. ENS Resources elevated this local issue to a national level. ENS President Eric Sapirstein leveraged his experience with the Environmental Protection Agency and his relationships with leaders on both sides of the aisle to bring attention to MTBE contamination, which occurs nationwide.
Ultimately, the South Tahoe Public Utility District prevailed in lawsuits with oil companies responsible for MTBE contamination and were awarded $35 million for remediation and treatment. More importantly, ENS Resources developed a strategy that allowed STPUD to protect communities from assuming financial responsibility to remediate water supplies contaminated by petroleum producers and distributors.
ENS Resources, Inc. | 1101 14th Street, NW | Suite 350
Washington, D.C. 20005 | 202-466-3755 | www.ensresources.com |  |
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