(AG.NY.GOV) May 23, 2016 — Investigation Finds Alleged Violations Of State “Nutrient Runoff Law” At 90% Of Home Depot And Lowe’s Stores Inspected In New York; Stores To Pay Penalty, Comply With Law
Schneiderman: Retailers In New York Have Legal Duty To Help Consumers Protect Clean Water By Avoiding Improper Use Of Fertilizers
NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced separate settlements with The Home Depot, Inc. and Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC over alleged violations of a 2010 state law designed to reduce water pollution caused by excess phosphorus running off lawns into New York waters. New York’s Nutrient Runoff Law requires stores to display lawn fertilizers containing phosphorous separately from those that are phosphorus-free, as well as to post signs that notify consumers about the legal restrictions on using phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizer.
The settlements are based on the results of a 2014 investigation by Attorney General Schneiderman that found 90% of Home Depot stores – 19 of 21 – and Lowe’s stores – 16 of 18 – in New York inspected by his office had one or more alleged violations of the law, either displaying phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers without the required signage or failing to display phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers separately from phosphorus-free fertilizers or both. The Attorney General reached a settlement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in May 2015 over alleged equally widespread violations of the state’s Nutrient Runoff Law.
“Clean water is not only essential for New Yorkers’ health, but it also underpins our state’s economy,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “The state’s Nutrient Runoff Law requires retailers to help consumers protect clean water by avoiding improper use of lawn fertilizers. We will continue to enforce this important environmental law in order to ensure New York’s waters are safe and healthy for today and the future.”