New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced a settlement with Wal-Mart stores over violations of the 2010 state law designed to reduce water pollution caused by excess phosphorus that runs off of lawns and into New York waters. The Nutrient Runoff Law requires stores to display phosphorous containing lawn fertilizers separately from those that are phosphorus-free, and post signs notifying consumers about the legal restrictions on using phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizer. An investigation by the AG's Environmental Protection Bureau found that 90% of Walmart stores, 16 of 18 inspected in New York, displayed phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers without the separation or signage required by the law. The settlement agreement requires Walmart to comply fully with the Nutrient Runoff Law and pay $98,000 in penalties to New York State for the alleged violations. Among the 18 stores inspected across the state, the two Wal-Mart stores in Chautauqua County.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman