$2.5 Million Penalty for Save Mart in Hazardous Waste Case

Sacramento District Attorney Jan Scully announced that her office has joined 34 other California District Attorneys to reach a settlement in a civil enforcement action against Save Mart Supermarkets, headquartered in Modesto, California, totaling more than $2.5 million.

Save Mart Supermarkets operate throughout California, and includes Food Maxx, Maxx Value Foods and Lucky brands. The settlement concerns Save Mart’s storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste.

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The statewide inquiry involved investigators from environmental and health agencies, hazardous waste inspectors, and participating D.A. Offices. Save Mart worked collaboratively with prosecutors and investigating agencies to address the specific violations that were found. As a result, regulated wastes produced by Save Mart stores will be properly stored, handled, transported, and disposed of at proper facilities, and appropriate records will be kept documenting compliance with California law.

The settlement covers alleged violations occurring over several years and affects all of the 251 California Save Mart stores and distribution centers, including Albertson’s Stores (acquired by Save Mart and converted to either the Lucky or the Save Mart brand). Save Mart operates 16 Save Mart stores and three Food Maxx stores in Sacramento County.

Under the judgment filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court, Save Mart must pay $2.557 million in civil penalties, costs and expenses for supplemental environmental projects furthering consumer protection and environmental enforcement in the state, with the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department receiving $23,400 in civil penalties and cost recovery, and the District Attorney’s Office receiving $48,850 in civil penalties and investigation cost recovery. Save Mart will be subject to an injunction prohibiting similar violations in the future.

District Attorney Scully stated, “By joining with other District Attorneys, we can address common issues in many counties and achieve enhanced compliance with environmental regulations by large corporations throughout the state. When notified of the investigation, Save Mart moved quickly to address its shortcomings in handling hazardous wastes.”