Supervalu Holdings Settles EPA Violations

Supervalu Holdings Inc. and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have reached a settlement regarding federal stormwater pollution violations. The Clean Water Act violations were discovered during EPA inspections at three Supervalu facilities -- two in Tacoma, Wash., and one in Auburn, Wash. -- in 2013. The Minneapolis-based wholesale grocery distributor, a subsidiary of Supervalu Inc., has additionally agreed to pay a $120,000 penalty.

Among the violations documented during the inspections were failure to implement adequate storm water control measures, failure to conduct visual or benchmark monitoring of storm water discharges, failure to conduct or document required storm water inspections, and an inadequate Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Ed Kowalski, director of EPA's Office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle, said that the action was part of a wider campaign to protect and restore the health of Puget Sound. "Stormwater runoff remains one of Puget Sound's most persistent and serious threats," he explained. "Every storm sends chemicals, heavy metals, contaminated sediment and nutrients streaming directly into our waterways and Puget Sound. For the sake of the sound, we will continue to ensure that facilities comply with the fundamental environmental responsibilities outlined in their permits."