Tractor Supply Company to Pay in Statewide Hazardous Waste Settlement

Source: County of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley announced today that, along with 35 other California District Attorneys, Yolo County Superior Court Judge Samuel McAdam has ordered Tractor Supply Company, Inc., and one of its subsidiaries to pay $485,400 as part of a settlement in a civil-environmental prosecution. 

According to the Yolo County District Attorney’s complaint, Tractor Supply Company and its subsidiary, Petsense, Inc., unlawfully handled and disposed of various hazardous wastes and materials throughout the state over a five-year period.  These hazardous wastes and materials included pesticides, medications, batteries, ignitable liquids, and other flammable, reactive, toxic, and corrosive materials.  The settlement resolves the allegations made in the District Attorney’s complaint.

A series of investigations conducted by district attorney investigators statewide, along with environmental regulators, revealed that Tractor Supply and Petsense stores had mishandled hazardous wastes.  Regulators also found the documentation of employee hazardous waste training to be incomplete.

“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of district attorneys and investigators throughout the state, businesses operating in California are well aware of their environmental responsibilities and our environment is better protected as a result,” said District Attorney Dudley.

According to the Yolo County District Attorney, Tractor Supply and Petsense cooperated throughout the investigation and responded quickly to enhance their policies and procedures designed to eliminate the improper disposal of hazardous waste products in California stores.

There is one Tractor Supply Company store in Santa Barbara County, located at 221 East Highway 246 in Buellton.  As part of this settlement, Tractor Supply Company will pay $1,250 in civil costs and penalties to Santa Barbara County.