$11.5 Million Settlement with Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips for Gas Tank Violations
June 04, 2015
R. Scott Owens
PLACER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
10810 Justice Center Drive, Suite 240
Roseville, California 95678
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2015
$11.5 Million Settlement with Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips for Gas Tank Violations
ROSEVILLE, CA -- The Placer County District Attorney’s office today announced the entry of a $11.5 million settlement with Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips. The settlement resolves law enforcement allegations that the companies violated state laws governing the proper operation and maintenance of underground storage tanks used to store gasoline for retail sale, and to comply with hazardous materials and hazardous waste laws at over 560 gasoline stations owned or operated by the companies in the State of California.
“In California, corporations must ensure that their activities will not harm our valuable water resources. Anytime our environment could be potentially exposed to hazardous materials, we insist that there must be accountability and reaction to noncompliance,” Attorney General Harris said.
The Attorney General’s office was joined in this enforcement action by Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E O’Malley, El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson, Merced County District Attorney Larry D. Morse II, Nevada County District Attorney Clifford Newell, Placer County District Attorney R. Scott Owens, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos, and Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager.
The complaint, filed in January of 2013, alleged that - since 2006 - Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips violated anti-pollution laws with respect to underground storage tanks by failing to properly maintain leak detection devices, test secondary containment systems, conduct monthly inspections, train employees in proper protocol, and maintain operational alarm systems, among other violations.
A statewide investigation found violations of hazardous materials and hazardous waste laws and regulations at gas stations in 34 counties across the state. The companies have sold nearly all of their interests in the underground storage tank sites in California. The parties agreed to resolve the matter, and the Alameda County Superior Court approved the final judgment.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Jane Crue handled the case for the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.