DOWNIEVILLE — After more than six years, gasoline will soon flow again from the pumps at the Downieville gas station.

This past Monday, the long-awaited project of removing and replacing the old gas tanks with new double-walled tanks was underway. To the delight of county residents, the work is off to a fast start; all of the concrete around the tanks was removed in just a few days. Provided no unforeseen problems are encountered, the project should be completed within the next two to three months.

Balch Petroleum, out of Milpitas, is contracted to complete the project. Balch specializes in all areas of fuel systems, including design, installation, removal, and maintenance. For over 40 years, Balch Petroleum has performed work for major oil and small gas station retailers, installing compliant underground fuel tanks and meeting environmental regulations such as Annual Monitor System Certification and Air Quality Testing Requirements.

The Downieville gas station has been closed since a delivery driver pumped the wrong type of gasoline into the existing tanks. That event triggered a series of inspections and ensuing red tape that required the tanks to be removed and replaced. Additionally, the State of California requires the removal of all single-walled Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) by December 31, 2025.

According to Sierra County Planning Director Brandon Pangman, the County first approved a permit to remove the tanks in August 2020. As the County cooperated with the property owners, the Sherali family, who sought a state grant to help pay for the project, that permit was reissued in March 2022 after expiring. The Sheralis finally received their grant two years later. The current permit to remove and replace the tanks was issued in June 2024. Permits generally last 180 days.

Administered by the State Water Board, the Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) Grants and Loans Program assists small business UST owners and operators in complying with regulatory requirements and provides funding for the removal and replacement of single-walled USTs.

Balch will remove the four current tanks, and replace them with two double-walled 15,000-gallon tanks. One of the tanks will be divided into two 7,500-gallon compartments so they can pump regular, premium, and diesel gasoline.

The Sherali family owns the Bonanza Market in Grass Valley, as well as many gas stations and convenience stores in Northern California. They could not be reached for comment. Speaking with General Manager Sahan Chini, he expressed relief that Downieville will finally have gas again, acknowledging the frustration of county residents who have been waiting for this milestone.

When asked about the Sheralis’ plans for upgrading other buildings they own in town, Chini said the first step was to operationalize the gas station. Then, they could focus on renovating buildings. He also plans to keep the gas station parking cleared and not turn it into a junkyard again. Ultimately, Downieville and Sierra County residents are excited about the return of gas to town and hope the project will stay complication-free.