NORFOLK - State inspectors discovered high levels of ethanol in gasoline at some Hampton Roads gas stations, according to The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. 

Elaine Lidholm, a spokeswoman for the Department, said an investigation revealed ethanol levels from 16%-50% at some local gas stations.  The limit is 10%.  She said most gas station managers are voluntarily shutting off the pumps and replacing the bad gas. 

Video: State investigates bad gas claims

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Noel Hawthorne believes she bought gas with high levels of ethanol from a BJs Wholesale Club in Virginia Beach.  She filled up her step-mom’s Trailblazer on Saturday June 5, and her Chevy Aveo on Sunday June 6. 

A few days later, her mom’s SUV started sputtering and the Check Engine light came on.  Then Noel’s car broke down on the way to her high school graduation. 

“I was on Colley Ave and there was backed up traffic and my car just shut off,” she explained.  “It was at half a tank of gas and it’s a 2007.  It’s not an old car.”           

A spokeswoman for BJs said its supplier alerted them that there could be high levels of ethanol in the fuel Wednesday June 10.  She said tests showed normal levels of ethanol, but BJs still emptied and refilled the fuel at the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake locations as a precaution. 

Last week, a Farm Fresh in Smithfield also drained its tanks after ethanol concerns. 

The state said investigators are still trying to find out how the extra ethanol got into the gasoline.  It will not release the names of the gas stations being inspected until the investigation is complete.