Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Shell Oil and its gas stations to pay millions for violating hazardous waste laws
Listen
1:08
Shell Oil and its gas stations to pay millions for violating hazardous waste laws
Shell Oil and its gas stations to pay millions for violating hazardous waste laws
A California court has ordered Shell Oil to shell out millions of dollars in penalties for violating the state’s hazardous waste and fuel storage laws.
Attorney General Jerry Brown’s office began investigating more than 1,000 Shell Oil gas stations three years ago after San Diego and Riverside County prosecutors had settled cases with the company over underground fuel storage problems. In his lawsuit, Brown accused Shell Oil and its affiliates of committing hundreds of environmental violations related to the handling and storage of gasoline and used motor oil, including disabling leak detection devices.
"These things are carcinogenic. They can contaminate the water supply and the ground, and because of that we have strict rules, and these rules were ignored. Now we have a very substantial settlement that will deter this kind of wrongdoing in the future and will also pay for additional law enforcement efforts," Brown said.
Shell Oil and its affiliates will pay 19-and-a-half million dollars in civil penalties. In a statement, Shell admitted no liability but said it’s pleased to have reached the settlement and is committed to ensure that its operations are in compliance with state regulations.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
