State environmental regulators on Friday approved a $12,300 fine against a Denton convenience store for violations related to its gasoline storage tanks.

Golden Stop, a Shell station at 1025 Dallas Drive, was fined for six violations discovered during a routine investigation last year, including failing to monitor the tanks for leaks each month and to maintain devices that prevent spills.

Co-owner Mike Hooda blamed the violations on equipment problems that preceded his purchase of the store in 2007. He said he’d spent more than $12,000 on new gasoline storage equipment since then to fix the problems.

The business will pay the fine in monthly payments as part of an agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The commission approved fines against other area businesses Friday, including:

* Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q, 520 S. Interstate 35E, for failing to perform required testing of its gasoline storage tanks. The commission deferred $480 of the $2,403 fine as part of an expedited settlement, and the rest has been paid, state records show. Store manager Robert Sedeno referred questions to Robert Wolf, managing partner with RJR Restaurants of Denton, who did not return a call for comment.

* Gladys Carter, 5065 S. U.S. Highway 377, Krugerville, for failing to permanently remove two inactive underground storage tanks. A $6,300 fine remains due and Carter must remove the tanks in 30 days. She could not be reached for comment.

* Timberlake Trails LLC, a 218-acre development on Kelso Road, Pilot Point, for failing to maintain a stormwater construction permit. Inspectors issued a field citation and $700 fine in December. Owner Mark Voegele said he thought he was in compliance when he let the permit lapse, but made the corrections the inspector requested.

In all, the commission approved penalties totaling $1,800,370 against 123 businesses and local governments for violations of state environmental rules.

LOWELL BROWN can be reached at 940-566-6882. His e-mail address is lmbrown@dentonrc.com.

PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881. Her e-mail address is pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com.