State wins $19.5-million judgment from Shell over violations at gas stations

November 6, 2009 | 11:23 am

State officials today announced a $19.5-million judgment over allegations that Shell gas stations violated California environmental laws.

The judgment caps a three-year investigation into allegations that the company violated state rules in the underground storage of fuel at its gas stations.

"Shell Oil Co. disregarded the state's underground fuel storage and hazardous waste laws, committing hundreds of environmental violations at its gasoline stations across California," Atty Gen. Jerry Brown said in a statement today. "This judgment requires the company to pay $19.5 million in penalties, comply with state law and improve its spill monitoring, employee training and hazardous waste management."

According to Brown's statement, his office and the California State Water Resources Control Board found numerous violations during an investigation that included inspections of 1,000 gas stations around the state.

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