Hard Times for Mother Lode Gas Stations by Greg Kristapovich
Environmentalists maintain that action has to be taken to reduce pollutants in California’s air. But new laws that took effect January 1st have put a crimp on many gas stations. Many fueling stops throughout the state have been scrambling to cover thousands of dollars in gas pump upgrades mandated by the California Environmental Protection Agency. One station that’s been affected is Wayne’s Shell of Twain Harte. The new, stricter requirements have made it unprofitable to continue selling gas, insists Lori Smith who, along with husband Wayne, owns the gas station. (They will continue with auto repairs and propane sales.)
The couple has done numerous upgrades on their gas pump system since they opening in 1986, but cannot meet the latest requirements. “In 1998, we had to make our tanks ‘double-walled’” Lori recalls. “So we refinanced the property and spent about $180,000, putting in epoxy on the inside of our tanks, putting in the monitoring system, so if there are any leaks, in or out, the bells and whistles go off. Then, in 2008, the tanks and system had to be tested. We put in over $25,000, for testing. So here we come with the requirement for new nozzles! (Newer nozzles would presumably reduce gas vapor emissions at the pump by 2 to 3 per cent).One (cost) estimate for new nozzles was almost $15,000 – plus labor, (totaling) $25,000 to $30,000! So everything we touch is thousands of dollars,” Lori laments. “We just felt, because we’re a small business; in this economy, nobody will loan us money. So here we are, and it (gas sales) becomes a ‘loss leader.’ ‘Clear, and in our pocket’, is only about 2 to 3 cents a gallon, after taxes. That’s not enough (profit) to keep paying for these upgrades, and everything else that you have to do. There’s not enough profit in the gas for the small, ‘mom and pop’ station to ever make these upgrades. We’re not a big corporation. We’re not somebody who has two or three – or ten gas stations. We’re obviously not the Shell, or Exxon, or the Chevron that made $38 million, or billion.” Lori points out.
Lori and Wayne do appreciate all the customers who have supported the station. “We’ve seen a lot of customers in our 24 years. We’ve had great customers! But there’s still a majority of people here in Twain Harte who don’t support Twain Harte. They don’t support any of the Twain Harte businesses. So, if they want businesses like a gas station and a grocery store to be here, they’re going to have to support them. It’s sad, and it’s depressing. It’s scary because hopefully, we’re going to make it on propane and car repairs, and still make a good living. I’m not sure. We’ll see.” Lori said. Meanwhile, Twain Harte is now without a gas station and it is a big loss. (Lori adds that in 1986, there were 97 gas stations in Tuolumne County. There are now fewer than 25 with all the closures.)
Wayne’s hours of operation for auto repair and propane sales will be Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm; and Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Closed on Sunday.
