Officials investigate 'bad gas' claims

Recent concerns over high concentrations of ethanol in gasoline sold in the greater Hampton Roads area has some drivers fuming.

"It's just another way for us to get ripped off, not getting what we pay for," said driver, Greg McMillan.

WAVY.com called the State Agriculture Department in Richmond and learned that more than a half dozen inspectors are checking gas stations where people say they bought bad gas. A department spokeswoman told WAVY.com the department has found a wide range of ethanol levels in samples.

"The legal limit is 10 percent. Some stations are fine. Some have slightly elevated levels. Some have very high levels, maybe up to 50 percent," said Elaine Lidholm of the Agriculture Department.

At those levels Lidholm says vehicles will have engine problems. She advises drivers to consult with a mechanic for advice, which is exactly what WAVY.com did.

Jimmy Humblet at Great Bridge Muffler and Brake in Chesapeake says he's had customers with the problem and admits there's one very expensive solution.

"You'd have to flush the entire system out and make sure you have all of the ethanol out of it," said Humblet.

Meanwhile, state investigators are trying to pinpoint where the high ethanol gas came from and whether the blend was intentional or accidental.