City orders Woods Mini Mart to stop selling, receiving fuel

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The City of St. Joseph ordered a local gas station and convenience store to stop selling and receiving fuel after gas was detected in the sewer system in the area.

Testing conducted Thursday near Woods Mini Mart, located at 1334 Frederick Ave., revealed a high concentration of gas in the sewer system.

The City said it received citizen complaints about a gasoline odor. City staff pumped the sewer line and consulted with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as part of the investigation.

Following the results of the testing, the City immediately ordered the closure of the store's gas pumps and that the store suspend its fuel deliveries.

City crews flushed the affected sewer line, reducing the concentration of gas to zero.

The City said it has continued to monitor the situation and, as a precautionary measure, flushed all of the manholes along Frederick Avenue from 13th Street to 22nd Street.

A City news release said the fuel pumps at Woods Mini Mart will remain closed until further notice. The convenience store does remain open for business.

The City said it will also continue to monitor the area and take appropriate measures to ensure public safety.