California, BP announce $14m settlement over fuel tanks

BP has reached a $14 million settlement with California prosecutors over violations in operating and maintaining underground storage tanks at fuel stations in the U.S. state.

California prosecutors said BP had failed to safely operate and maintain its underground storage tanks in some 750 gas stations over ten years, putting water supplies, people´s health, and the environment at risk, reports the East Bay Times.

“The California Department of Justice takes environmental violations seriously and will hold accountable companies that jeopardize public health or safety,” said State Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Prosecutors also found that the violations included tampering with leak detection devices on tanks and improperly disposing of hazardous waste.

"BP endangered our water supply, environment and the health of Californians by failing to adequately operate underground gasoline storage tanks,” added Harris.

BP currently owns or operates only 73 service stations in the State of California.