Wal-Mart has signed a storm water settlement agreement with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection concerning alleged violations at 20 Wal-Mart stores and two SAM'S CLUB locations in the state.
Under the agreement, Wal-Mart will pay $600,000 in civil penalties for violations alleged to have taken place between 1996 and 2003. Wal-Mart also will contribute $550,000 to two different supplemental environmental projects--$500,000 to assist municipalities in addressing storm water issues, and $50,000 for environmental projects in the Connecticut River Watershed.
"Wal-Mart pledges to cooperate fully with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to avoid issues of this type in the future," said Del Sloneker, senior vice president of operations, Wal-Mart Stores Division. "We have made a major effort to address environmental concerns at our stores in Connecticut. We will continue to do all we can to assure that our associates in these stores not only know the environmental laws of the state but comply with them consistently and actively."
In recent years, Wal-Mart has:
+Installed new trash compactors at most Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB locations. These compactors have specially designed seals that prevent leaks;
+Trained store associates in Department of Environmental Protection storm water requirements;
+Distributed to stores an updated spill guidance poster to assist store associates in handling spills of oil or hazardous material;
+Posted signs about battery recycling and pesticide application to help consumers handle these items properly;
+Provided an Environmental Management Guidance Manual to the stores that includes environmental requirements and guidance;
+Provided additional pesticide warning signs to stores for distribution to customers;
+Installed oil/water separators at seven new stores; and
+Implemented new policies requiring that lawn and garden chemicals bestored under a cover or roof.
"Clearly we've done a lot in Connecticut to address the issues cited by the Department of Environmental Protection," said Sloneker. "By continuing to work closely with the DEP, we will do our part to protect the natural resources of Connecticut."
Source: EMG
