Safeway reaches $600K settlement with EPA

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway, Inc. has reached a $600,000 settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) in regard to violations of the Clean Air Act. The government alleges that Safeway neglected to repair leaks of heat-trapping gas HCFC-22 from its refrigerators in a timely manner or keep proper records of refrigerator maintenance.



Under terms of the settlement, Safeway does not have to admit any liability. However, in addition to the fine, the retailer will spend an estimated $4.1 million to upgrade equipment in order to reduce its average refrigeration leak rate from 25% to 18% or less by 2015.