EPA faults SF transit agency for diesel spill

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Federal environmental regulators want to fine the Municipal Transit Authority for spilling thousands of gallons of diesel fuel into the San Francisco Bay.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is asking a federal judge to order the local agency to pay a $250,000 fine for violating the Clean Water Act. It also wants the agency to improve its system for handling future spills.

EPA says the spill occurred at a refueling facility in 2005 when a faulty hose ruptured, causing 39,000 gallons of diesel fuel to overflow from underground storage tanks.

The fuel went into a storm drain during a heavy rain and into a tributary of the bay.

Muni spokesman Judson True says the agency has completed most of the changes required by the EPA to prevent similar spills.