New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement with Walmart over alleged violations of the state law to reduce water pollution.
Schneiderman said the 2010 law was passed to lower the pollution caused by an excess of phosphorus that runs off of lawns and into the waters in the state. The law requires retailers to separate phosphorus fertilizers from other treatments, and to also notify customers of the legal restrictions on using the phosphorus fertilizers.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced at $98,000 settlement with Walmart for violating water pollution law.
| New York Attorney General
Schneiderman said about 16 of the 18 Walmart stores inspected in New York failed to separate the fertilizers or display the information.
“Clean and healthy water is a precious resource in our state, and one that my office and the law actively protect,” Schneiderman said. “In this case, the law requires retailers to help consumers avoid lawn fertilizers that can harm the public and our environment. We will continue to enforce the law and to keep New York safe today – and for future generations.”
In the agreement Walmart agreed to comply with the Nutrient Runoff Law and to pay $98,000 in civil penalties for the violations, Schneiderman said. The retail giant also chose to remove the option to purchase phosphorus fertilizers from its website for New York customers.