OAKLAND, Calif. -- California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris filed a civil lawsuit on Feb. 1 against BP West Coast Products, BP Products North America Inc. and Atlantic Richfield Co. (ARCO) for allegedly violating state laws governing hazardous materials and hazardous waste by failing to properly inspect and maintain underground tanks used to store gasoline for retail sale at more than 780 gas stations in California.
"Safe storage of gasoline is not only common sense, it is essential to protecting the integrity of California's groundwater resources," Harris said. "California's hazardous waste laws safeguard public health and this lawsuit ensures proper maintenance of the tanks that store fuel beneath California's communities."
The complaint (see File Attachments below to view a copy of the complaint), filed in Alameda County Superior Court, alleged that, since Oct. 2006, the BP companies and ARCO have improperly monitored, inspected and maintained underground storage tanks used to store gasoline for retail sale. The complaint alleges that the defendants tampered with or disabled leak detection devices and failed to test secondary containment systems, conduct monthly inspections, train employees in proper protocol and maintain operational alarm systems, among other violations.
The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants improperly handled and disposed of hazardous wastes and materials associated with the underground storage tanks (USTs) at stations throughout the state.
The complaint follows a recent statewide investigation led by Harris's office, which found violations of hazardous materials and hazardous waste laws and regulations at BP stations in 37 counties across the state.
In January 2012, the state AG's office filed a similar lawsuit against Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips.
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