- California AG Rob Bonta, along with five district attorneys, reached a settlement with the supermarket chain Safeway to resolve allegations that Safeway violated the California Health and Safety Code and state environmental laws by failing to install, maintain, and operate underground gasoline storage tanks and various spill prevention and safety measures at 71 of its gas stations across the state of California.
- According to the complaint, beginning in 2015, Safeway allegedly failed to regulate the operation of underground storage tanks and the handling of hazardous waste. Underground storage tank systems are subject to strict regulations in California because of the potential for undetected tank leaks to cause substantial contamination to soil and groundwater.
- Under the terms of the Proposed Judgment and Injunction, Safeway will pay a total of $8 million, with $7.5 million in civil penalties and $500,000 for attorneys’ fees and costs, and is subject to numerous injunctive remedies. In lieu of additional penalties, Safeway will pay $600,000 for supplemental environmental projects, and will be entitled to credit of $1.1 million against civil penalties if within five years they spend at least $2.2 million on measures to enhance its compliance.