CVS pharmacies hit by state civil case

A statewide investigation has lead to the enforcement against CVS Pharmacy for the unsafe storage, handling and disposal of waste products. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said the seven CVS stores operating in Butte County, including the newest one, on Forest Avenue in Chico, are affected.

The action is similar to that taken against area Kmart and Walmart stores in recent years, said Ramsey. Besides unsafe storage, the stores were also accused of shipping hazardous waste to landfills not equipped to take such materials.

As part of the settlement, CVS was ordered to pay $21,000 in civil penalties and cost recovery to the Butte County Environmental Health Division, and $25,750 to the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.