With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Safeway Will Pay $8M After Skirting Underground Gas Storage Regulations
Safeway settles in a lawsuit that finds them in violation of several state laws.
(
Shutterstock
)
Just one leaked gallon of gas can contaminate up to 1 million gallons of groundwater.
That’s according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who announced on Friday that an investigation found that Safeway failed to “install, implement, and operate various spill prevention and safety measures” while operating underground gas storage tanks.
That settlement involves 71 Safeway gas stations across California and resolves allegations by Bonta and five district attorney offices across the state that the company violated environmental regulations since at least March 2015.
We secured an $8M settlement involving 71 Safeway gas stations for violating CA environmental laws.
— Rob Bonta (@AGRobBonta) September 16, 2022
CA has regulations to prevent oil and gas from seeping into the ground and contaminating our water.
Without proper safety measures, an avoidable crisis can become a catastrophe.
Support for LAist comes from
Representatives for Safeway did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
State Laws In Question
Bonta alleges that Safeway violated state laws by:
- Failing to install and maintain automatic line leak detectors
- Failing to construct and operate secondary gas containment systems
- Failing to continuously monitor and conduct required testing of underground storage tank systems
- Failing to properly notify local agencies when there was a leak.
“The reality is, accidents happen,” Bonta said. “Without proper safety measures in place, an avoidable crisis can become an environmental catastrophe.”
Counties Involved
The district attorney offices in Contra Costa County, Placer County, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, and Solano County were involved in the settlement.
Support for LAist comes from
Bonta said Safeway will now pay $7.5 million dollars in civil penalties and another $500,000 to fund environmental projects.
The company will also adhere to regulations for installing and maintaining automatic leak detectors and secondary containment systems, monitor and test the systems, and employ an environmental compliance manager to stay on top of state laws.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist