Hazmat Case Reaches $1.5M Settlement Between 7-11, SMC Co.: D.A.

SAN CARLOS, CA — San Mateo County entered into a $1.5 million civil settlement agreement with Dallas-based 7-Eleven, Inc., to resolve allegations the company violated state laws requiring training of store personnel in hazardous materials handling, the District Attorney's Office announced Monday.

The San Francisco Peninsula county joined the district attorneys of lead plaintiff Contra Costa, along with Alameda, Monterey, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Solano, Ventura and Yolo counties in the civil prosecution of this case.

A county Environmental Health inspector alerted San Mateo County this jurisdiction's stores were out of compliance.

An operator and franchisor of more than 1700 convenience stores throughout California, the stores use carbon dioxide in tanks for their carbonated fountain beverage systems. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas that is typically stored in these tanks onsite, is widely used by fast-food and convenience stores and is safe if handled properly.

California businesses that use carbon dioxide are required by law to train their employees on safe handling practices and how to detect leaks from tanks and supply lines — and above all, what to do about it. The stores must file certified, complete and accurate reports with local authorities at least annually confirming such training.

"In a closed environment, it can replace air and cause health problems," San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney John E. Wilson told Patch.

An investigation by the prosecutors’ offices indicated that, in contrast to reports filed by 7-Eleven on behalf of California stores, employees were not receiving the required training in the safe handling of carbon dioxide.

Reached upon 7-Eleven updating its business practices, the settlement was comprised of $948,000 in civil penalties and $252,000 for supplemental environmental projects promoting training and $325,000 for reimbursement of investigative and enforcement costs.

7-Eleven must also abide by an injunction to ensure future compliance with the applicable laws.

Requests for comment to the Texas convenience store chain were unanswered as of press time.