Attorney General's News Release
September 28, 2011
Attorney General Koster reaches agreement with 7-Eleven for air conservation violations--state to receive $25,000--
St. Louis County, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster said today he has obtained a consent judgment against 7-Eleven, Inc., for alleged violations of the Missouri Air Conservation Act at nine of their Missouri stores.
Koster said the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) found air conservation violations at 7-Eleven stores in St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, and Jackson County. He said 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 DNR has inspected the equipment and removed the “out-of-order” sign. In addition, the businesses are required to maintain records of DNR permits, inspection reports, enforcement documents, training certifications, gasoline deliveries, maintenance reports, and results of tests conducted for a two-year period.
Koster said 7-Eleven’s violations included:
- Failing to replace torn and cut hoses;
- Removing “out-of-order” notices without DNR approval;
- Failing to repair torn gaskets, loose bellows, loose dispenser spouts, and torn faceplates; and
- Failing to provide maintenance, certification, delivery, and invoice records.
“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.”
Koster said under the judgment, the court assessed a civil penalty of $25,000 and ordered the defendant to pay all court costs.