The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, along with 34 other California district attorney’s offices, have reached a settlement agreement with Save Mart Supermarkets over allegations of mishandling hazardous material.

The settlement, which was filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court, resolves the allegations that the supermarket chain violated California laws for the safe storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste generated from spills and customer returns of hazardous products.

As part of the settlement, Save Mart must pay $2.557 million in civil penalties, costs and expenses for supplemental environmental projects furthering consumer protection and environmental enforcement in California. Additionally, a permanent injunction prohibits the company from engaging in similar alleged violations.

Save Mart Supermarkets is headquartered in Modesto and operates throughout California as Food Maxx, Maxx Value Foods and Lucky brands.

Investigators from various environmental health agencies throughout the state and participating district attorney’s offices, as well as local hazardous waste inspectors, engaged in a statewide investigation that revealed violations of law at Save Mart stores.

Save Mart worked collaboratively with the prosecutors and investigating agencies to address the specific violations.

As a result of the investigation and prosecution, regulated wastes produced by California Save Mart stores will now be properly stored, handled, transported, and disposed of at proper facilities and appropriate records will be kept documenting compliance with California law.

The alleged violations occurred over a period of several years at most of the California Save Mart stores and distribution centers, which include Albertson’s Stores acquired by Save Mart and converted to either the Lucky or the Save Mart brand.