Drivers who recently purchased regular or mid-grade gasoline from the Harris Teeter fuel station in Taylortown are being advised to watch for vehicle problems after water contamination was discovered in the station’s fuel.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued a formal stop-sale order for 87- and 89-octane gasoline following an inspection of the station. Harris Teeter had already suspended sales of both grades before the state inspector arrived.
Jessica Albrecht said she purchased regular unleaded gasoline from the station Thursday afternoon. Soon afterward, her Toyota Sienna began stuttering and stalling.
The vehicle was towed to Carolina Car Care in West End, where a mechanic reportedly discovered water in the fuel tank. The contaminated fuel had to be removed, the fuel lines cleared and the tank refilled with premium gasoline and a fuel additive.
Melissa Spencer, fuel quality program manager for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division, said the contamination involved a mixture of water and ethanol.
When water is introduced into gasoline containing ethanol, the ethanol can separate from the gasoline and combine with the water. That contaminated mixture can settle inside the fuel tank and cause problems with engine performance.
Harris Teeter Corporate Affairs Manager Paige Hamer said the company identified an issue during a routine quality check and temporarily suspended the sale of regular unleaded fuel on July 24.
A third-party service provider was brought to the Taylortown station to remove the affected fuel, clean the tank and prepare it for a new gasoline delivery.
Regular and mid-grade fuel cannot be sold again until Harris Teeter notifies the state that the issue has been corrected and the pumps pass another regulatory inspection.
While regular fuel remains unavailable, Harris Teeter has reduced the price of premium gasoline to match the price of regular unleaded.
Drivers who recently purchased fuel from the Taylortown station should watch for sputtering, rough engine performance, difficulty starting or stalling. Anyone experiencing those problems should consult a qualified mechanic before continuing to operate the vehicle.
Customers who believe their vehicles were affected may also contact Harris Teeter to report the purchase and begin the company’s claims process.
Source: The Pilot.
