Source: Lodi News-Sentinel (CA), April 4, 2013
Posted on: http://envfpn.advisen.com
Save Mart Supermarkets must pay $2.6 million in civil penalties, costs and expenses for supplemental environmental projects furthering consumer protection and environmental enforcement in the state in a settlement reached Tuesday with 35 California district attorneys.
The civil enforcement action was filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court against the Modesto-based grocery chain over concerns with Save Mart’s storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste, according to a press release issued by Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully.
Save Mart Supermarkets operates stores throughout California — including two in Lodi and one in Galt — and includes Food Maxx, Maxx Value Foods and Lucky brands.
A company representative could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
The statewide inquiry involved investigators from environmental and health agencies, hazardous waste inspectors and participating D.A. offices. Save Mart worked collaboratively with prosecutors and investigating agencies to address the specific violations that were found, according to the press release.
As a result, regulated wastes produced by Save Mart stores will be properly stored, handled, transported and disposed of at proper facilities, and appropriate records will be kept documenting compliance with California law.
The settlement covers alleged violations occurring over several years and affects all of the 251 California Save Mart stores and distribution centers, including Albertson’s Stores (acquired by Save Mart and converted to either the Lucky or Save Mart brands).
Under the judgment, the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department will receive $23,400 in civil penalties and cost recovery, and the Sacramento D.A.’s Office will receive $48,850 in civil penalties and investigation cost recovery.
“By joining with other district attorneys, we can address common issues in many counties and achieve enhanced compliance with environmental regulations by large corporations throughout the state,” Scully said in a prepared statement. “When notified of the investigation, Save Mart moved quickly to address its shortcomings in handling hazardous wastes.”