Koster
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced a consent judgment on Wednesday against 7-Eleven for alleged violations of the Missouri Air Conservation Act at nine of its Missouri stores.
The Department of Natural Resources allegedly found air conservation violations at 7-Eleven stores in St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County and Jackson County.
The law requires businesses that sell gasoline to maintain all vapor recovery systems in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and with no indication of any gas leaks. If equipment defects are found, an "out-of-order" notice must be posted until the defects have been repaired and the DNR has inspected the equipment and removed the sign.
Businesses are also required to maintain records of DNR permits, inspection reports, enforcement documents, gasoline deliveries, training certifications, maintenance reports and results of tests conducted for a two year period.
Koster alleged that 7-Eleven's violations included failing to provide maintenance, certification, delivery and invoice records, failing to repair torn gaskets, loose bellows, loose dispenser spouts and torn faceplates, removing "out-of-order" notices without DNR approval, and failing to replace torn and cut hoses.
"Missouri's Air Conservation Law was enacted to protect both citizens' health and our environment," Koster said. "The attorney general's office will work to ensure these laws are followed and violations are corrected."
As part of the judgment, the court assessed a civil penalty of $25,000 and ordered the defendant to pay all court costs.