Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) was introduced as an octane-enhancing replacement for tetraethyl lead in gasoline. MTBE enhances gasoline combustion and reduces tailpipe emissions. Since the passage of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) in 1990, MTBE has been used as an oxygenating blending component in much of the U.S., including California. At present, gasoline contains between 11%-15% MTBE.

MTBE has emerged as a significant groundwater pollutant alongside the other carcinogenic compounds of gasoline including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene (BTEX). MTBE is 30 times more soluble in water than benzene and tends to create fast-migrating underground plumes in the event of a gasoline leak. It creates an unpleasant odor in low concentration. To prevent adverse taste and odor in drinking water, in 1997 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued an MTBE advisory level of 20-40 ppb (parts per billion) MTBE.

Even though the full adverse health effects of MTBE remain to be discovered, the USEPA has listed MTBE as a hazardous substance and as a potential human carcinogen. On March 25, 1999, California Governor Gray Davis issued an Executive Order for the removal of MTBE from gasoline at the earliest possible date, but no later than December 31, 2002.

Existing MTBE contamination has forced the shutdown of entire municipal underground water supplies. MTBE contamination is becoming a liability for property owners and water purveyors throughout California.

The Reynolds Group (TRG) has developed the expertise to effectively assist its clients in addressing and resolving the special challenges posed by MTBE contamination in California. TRG provides professional environmental consulting and contracting services to address MTBE issues. These services range from assessment through remediation.

At present, MTBE guidelines are still evolving. Vulnerability criteria focusing on MTBE impacted properties within one half mile of municipal groundwater supplies are the preliminary priority sites, but definitive guidelines are pending. The Reynolds Group maintains internal operating procedures that are in keeping with the most current MTBE guidelines and criteria. The Reynolds Group has made a substantial investment to main the high level of professional standards expected by the regulatory agencies and our clients. 

Whatever the extent of MTBE or gasoline contamination in soil or groundwater, The Reynolds Group is equipped to work with its clients in resolving the problem at the lowest possible cost and at the earliest possible opportunity in the regulatory process.

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One good source of technical links on MTBE is the MTBE Resource Page of the American Petroleum Institute.