AP: Ohio seeks guidance on storage caverns

CINCINNATI (AP) — Ohio has asked federal officials for guidance on regulating underground caverns storing liquid propane and other liquid hydrocarbons after propane vapors were detected near a storage facility in southwest Ohio.

The vapors were detected in a monitoring well at an industrial landfill in Monroe last year. No problems have been reported. But Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources director sent a letter last week to U.S. transportation officials asking if federal authority over hazardous liquids pipelines extends to liquid propane stored in the mined caverns.

State officials say they will seek Ohio authority to regulate such caverns, if the federal government’s response is inadequate.

Officials say some area residents were given propane detectors as a precaution. But they say nothing has been detected so far at any area homes.