Family Dollar Inadequate Employee Training Led to Hazardous Waste Storage Area Violations
Press Release | Filed Civil Complaint | Judgment
Woodland, CA – April 22, 2016 – Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, together with 22 other California District Attorneys and two City Attorneys, announced that San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Barbara A. Kronlund has ordered North Carolina corporation Family Dollar Stores, Inc. to pay $307,000 in civil penalties, costs, and supplemental environmental projects. Judge Kronlund also ordered Family Dollar Stores to implement an improved hazardous waste compliance program at its retail stores in California.
The judgment is the result of an investigation into Family Dollar Stores’ alleged improper hazardous waste storage and inadequate employee hazardous waste training. Unlike a majority of other recent retail hazardous waste cases prosecuted in California, only limited hazardous wastes were found unlawfully disposed of by Family Dollar Stores’ during the investigation.
“Retailers have been on notice for over a decade that we will vigorously enforce California’s hazardous waste laws,” stated District Attorney Reisig. “This settlement is a significant step toward protection of our environment and statewide public health.”
Prosecutors alerted Family Dollar Stores to the violations, and Family Dollar Stores was cooperative throughout the continued investigation. Family Dollar Stores adopted and implemented new policies and procedures and training programs designed to properly train their employees regarding all facets of retail hazardous waste handling. Hazardous waste storage areas and employee training improvements were made at each of Family Dollar Stores’ over 128 facilities in California.
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