SAN FRANCISCO – A Monrovia-based grocery store chain is being sued by the federal government.
United States of America filed a complaint on June 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Trader Joe's Co. alleging violation of the Clean Air Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that in 2007, the Environment Protection Agency sent an information request regarding the repair of leaks from refrigeration appliances the defendant uses in 181 stores. The suit states the defendant had 30 days to respond. The plaintiff holds Trader Joe's Co. responsible because the defendant allegedly submitted incomplete responses to the information request.
The plaintiff seeks civil penalties not more than $32,000 per violation for each violation on or after March 16, 2004, and not more than $37,500 per violation for each violation occurring on or after Jan. 13, 2009, all legal fees and any other relief as the court deems just. It is represented by Steven D. Ellis and John C. Cruden of U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Case number 3:16-cv-03444-EDL