ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Our operations involve storing and dispensing petroleum products, primarily diesel fuel, regulated under environmental protection laws. These laws require us to eliminate or mitigate the effect of such substances on the environment. In response to these requirements, we continually upgrade our operating facilities and implement various programs to detect and minimize contamination. In addition, we have received notices from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others that we have been identified as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act; and similar state statutes. We may be required to share in the cost of cleanup of 22 identified disposal sites.

Our environmental expenses consist of remediation costs as well as normal recurring expenses such as licensing, testing and waste disposal fees and were not material for any period presented. Our asset retirement obligations of $27 million and $28 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily relate to fuel tanks to be removed.

The ultimate cost of our environmental liabilities cannot presently be projected with certainty due to the presence of several unknown factors, primarily the level of contamination, the effectiveness of selected remediation methods, the stage of investigation at individual sites, the determination of our liability in proportion to other responsible parties and the recoverability of such costs from third parties. Based on information presently available, we believe that the ultimate disposition of these matters, although potentially material to the results of operations in any one year, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity.