Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) has replaced lead as an octane enhancer frequently added to gasoline in the United States to increase engine combustion efficiency and reduce tailpipe emissions. However, increased use of MTBE has resulted in extensive groundwater contamination because of its soluble properties making it costly and difficult to remove from the groundwater. The largest source of MTBE contamination is thought to be from leaking underground storage tanks. Monitoring and cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks is a priority for the prevention of future MTBE contamination. At both the state and federal level, adequate funding exists for petroleum spill prevention and cleanup. However, understaffing of cleanup programs in both New Hampshire and Vermont appear to be a barrier in completing cleanup at leaking underground storage tank sites. A reallocation of funding would likely increase site cleanup success ultimately reducing MTBE groundwater contamination in the future.
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