Environmental Threats of a Buc-ees

The proposed Buc-ee’s gas station isn’t just another gas stop—it’s a sprawling, 74,000 sq. ft. operation with far-reaching consequences. Large-scale fuel storage releases dangerous chemical vapors into the air, and research from Columbia University shows that gas stations may emit 10 times more pollution than previously estimated. For Oak Creek, that means a direct risk to public health, local wildlife, and even the city’s water supply.

Air Pollution & Health Risks

Gas vapors contain harmful substances like benzene and toluene, chemicals linked to childhood leukemia and increased cancer rates. Even at 1,400 feet from the St. John’s neighborhood, the sheer size of this gas station means constant exposure for workers, customers, and nearby residents.

Consider the numbers: With an estimated 13,000 (other locations have seen close to 20,000) cars per day refueling, Oak Creek would see over 205 pounds of toxic vapors released daily—far more than existing gas stations. This level of pollution is being pushed through by city officials without regard for public health.

Risk to Local Farms & Wildlife

A Storybrook Farm sits dangerously close to the proposed site, and its low-lying land will trap chemical vapors at higher concentrations. Exposure could prevent horses from growing winter coats—a death sentence for them when temperatures drop.

Beyond the immediate risks to Storybrook Farm, the proposed Buc-ee’s site is also a natural habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this species has suffered a dramatic decline due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and climate change. The construction of a massive gas station in this area would further threaten their survival by disrupting nesting sites and reducing access to essential floral resources. As pollinators, rusty patched bumble bees play a crucial role in maintaining local ecosystems, supporting plant life, and ensuring biodiversity. Losing them would have ripple effects on the environment, affecting everything from wildflowers to agricultural crops.

Water Contamination Concerns

Buc-ee’s doesn’t just store fuel—it also operates a car wash, which could introduce dangerous runoff into the nearby Root River, a waterway that feeds directly into Lake Michigan. Polluting this river threatens not just Oak Creek, but every city along the Great Lakes coastline.

Why This Matters

Oak Creek already has seven gas stations within 1.2 miles of the proposed Buc-ee’s location. The environmental burden of yet another—especially one this large—is unnecessary and dangerous. While every gas station has an impact, a Buc-ee’s of this scale could be catastrophic. If this plan moves forward, expect higher cancer rates, poisoned land and water, and irreversible harm to local ecosystems.