US: Wal-Mart Under Investigation for Hazardous Waste

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is the target of a
criminal investigation over how it handled merchandise that is
classified as hazardous waste, the company announced today.

The world's largest retailer said in a regulatory filing that the
investigation centers on the company's transport of hazardous materials
from stores in California to a return center in Las Vegas. The company
said its practice is to move hazardous materials to return centers,
then take the materials to sites approved for hazardous waste disposal.

According to Wal-Mart, federal prosecutors say the company
potentially violated the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which
requires hazardous waste to be shipped straight to a disposal site via
a certified hazardous waste carrier.

"The company cannot predict the outcome of this matter or the amount
of any possible loss or range of loss which may arise from this
matter," Wal-Mart said in a filing.

Wal-Mart in October acknowledged a grand jury in Los Angeles had
subpoenaed the company over its handling of hazardous materials and
hazardous waste.

Also Tuesday, Wal-Mart said state regulators and local authorities
in California and Nevada are investigating. Bentonville-based Wal-Mart
said it is cooperating with authorities.

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• 195 Chemicals