Shell Oil and its gas stations to pay millions for violating hazardous waste laws

Nov. 6, 2009 | By Debra Baer | KPCC
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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.

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