MODESTO, Calif. — Save Mart Supermarkets here said Wednesday it has agreed to pay nearly $2.6 million to settle a complaint filed in each of the Northern California counties in which it operates over its handling and record-keeping of retail hazardous waste — the latest retailer in the state to pay a fine and bring its practices in line with current environmental standards.
According to local reports, the settlement money, which involves civil penalties, costs and expenses for future environmental enforcement activities in California, covers violations that took place over several years involving the storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste, including over-the-counter medications, pharmaceuticals, aerosol products, ignitable liquids, batteries, electronic devices, pool chemicals and other toxic and/or corrosive materials.
According to the company, the complaint was not related to any fresh grocery products or other items sold to customers, nor where there any injuries suffered by any customers.
A Save Mart spokeswoman said the company has retrained store employees to ensure compliance with proper disposal practices.
"The settlement is the result of constructive, cooperative negotiations with 935 county] district attorneys," the company said in a formal statement. "We are pleased [they] have recognized the efforts and commitments of Save Mart to ongoing environmental compliance and that the case has been expeditiously resolved."
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