Safeway to Pay $9.87 Million Settlement
A judge ordered the Safeway corporation to pay $9.87 million in civil penalties, costs and supplemental environmental projects stemming from claims that more than 500 Safeway stores and their distribution centers violated California environmental laws.
The claim says Safeway Inc. did not properly store, handle, and disposed hazardous materials and pharmaceutical waste generated from spills and customer returns of products.
An investigation into the matter discovered that Safeway Inc. was routinely and systematically sending hazardous and pharmaceutical wastes to local area landfills not equipped to receive such waste. After prosecutors notified Safeway Inc. of the issues, the corporation worked to remedy the issue.
“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the District and City attorneys throughout the state, businesses operating in California are well aware of their environmental responsibilities and our environment is better protected as a result,” Said Santa Barbara District Attorney Joyce Dudley.
There are seven Safeway stores in Santa Barbara County. Under the final judgement, Safeway Inc. will pay $8,750 in civil costs, penalties and recovery to the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office, and $17,500 in civil costs, penalties and cost recovery to Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services.
