Elmvale pump cleared to re-open after water leaked into fuel storage tanks

A gas pump is shown in front of the Elmvale Esso gas station at Highway 92 and Crossland Road in Elmvale, Ont. (CTV News/Luke Simard)

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) says an Elmvale, Ont., gas station that previously had water in its gasoline storage tank, is now cleared to continue operations.

In late March, an Esso gas station located at Highway 92 and Crossland Road, was shut down after at least three complaints were filed to the TSSA in relation to the quality of the gas.

The complaints lead to an investigation conducted by the TSSA that found water had leaked into the fuel storage tank but fuel was not leaking out. The tank was decommissioned for repair.

RELEATED: What to do if you have water in your fuel tank

Back in March, customers told CTV News their vehicles stopped working after visiting the gas station and claimed to later find water in their gas tanks. Local mechanics also noted see an uptick around that time in customers coming to them with contaminated fuel tanks.

“We didn’t do this on purpose or anything like that,” said Sukhwinder Kandhola, the owner of the Esso gas station.

When speaking with CTV News, Kandhola shared how the incident had impacted his mental health as online discourse about the situation had become racist and hateful towards him.

According to Kandhola, 18 vehicles were affected. He later contacted the owners of those vehicles to let them know his insurance company would be in touch.

The TSSA has since confirmed to CTV News that repairs were made and a final reviews were conducted on May 5.

“The gas station was found to be compliant with applicable codes, regulations, and manufacturer requirements,” the TSSA said.