Facts

After an investigation revealed that several gas station owners and operators recurrently failed to properly maintain, install, implement, and operate required spill prevention and safety measures since at least 2013, California Attorney General Rob Bonta along with district attorneys from the counties of Alameda, Lake, Mendocino, Santa Clara, and Sonoma filed suit in 2018 against several owners and operators of gas stations: Bay Area/Diablo Petroleum dba Golden Gate Petroleum, Westgate Petroleum Company, Eastgate Petroleum, and Dennis O'Keefe.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that defendants violated state environmental laws while operating their above- and underground storage tank systems for their gas stations. Specifically, plaintiffs alleged 107 violations relating to defendants' failure to: install or maintain leak monitoring and detection systems, and functioning spill containment systems; continuously monitor and conduct necessary testing of underground storage tank systems; properly label and contain hazardous waste; and properly notify, and comply with local agencies' directions as to the release of hazardous substances.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied all material contentions and allegations.

Result

The case settled, requiring defendants to pay $1.7 million in civil penalties, and imposing multiple injunctive terms including complying with annual reporting requirements, and employing an environmental compliance coordinator.