Wal-Mart agreed to pay $27.6 million to settle charges that it violated state environmental laws in its California stores. Of that amount, $20 million will be split among prosecutors in 20 jurisdictions and 32 environmental health agencies throughout the state.

In April attorneys general from the state and San Diego County alleged that all of Wal-Mart's stores, distribution centers and storage facilities improperly handled and disposed of hazardous materials including pesticides, chemicals, paint, fertilizer, acid, aerosols and motor oil. The suit followed an investigation launched after a San Diego environmental investigator saw a Wal-Mart employee pouring bleach down the drain in April 2002.

Following the agreement, Wal-Mart released a statement from Vice President Phyllis Harris. She said, “It's important to note that these incidents happened at least four years ago. Since then, we have worked closely with the state of California on a comprehensive hazardous waste plan that includes improved training programs, policies and procedures.”

Read the full story in the Los Angeles Times: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/05/walmart-to-pay-28-million-to-settle-california-environmental-case.html

Wal-Mart agreed to pay $27.6 million to settle charges that it violated state environmental laws in its California stores. Of that amount, $20 million will be split among prosecutors in 20 jurisdictions and 32 environmental health agencies throughout the state.

In April attorneys general from the state and San Diego County alleged that all of Wal-Mart's stores, distribution centers and storage facilities improperly handled and disposed of hazardous materials including pesticides, chemicals, paint, fertilizer, acid, aerosols and motor oil. The suit followed an investigation launched after a San Diego environmental investigator saw a Wal-Mart employee pouring bleach down the drain in April 2002.

Following the agreement, Wal-Mart released a statement from Vice President Phyllis Harris. She said, “It's important to note that these incidents happened at least four years ago. Since then, we have worked closely with the state of California on a comprehensive hazardous waste plan that includes improved training programs, policies and procedures.”

Read the full story in the Los Angeles Times: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/05/walmart-to-pay-28-million-to-settle-california-environmental-case.html