County settles suit with Jiffy Lube County settles suit with Jiffy Lube (April 02, 2004)

Oil-change company accused of dangerous practices

The Santa Clara County district attorney's office has settled a civil lawsuit against Jiffy Lube International, the largest oil-change service company in the county.

Between March 2001 and January 2002, the county's Department of Environmental Health's hazardous materials division inspected 13 stores operated by Jiffy Lube, while the Santa Clara Fire Department inspected four others.

According to the complaint, both agencies detected numerous violations of state regulations designed to protect against the discharge of hazardous waste and ensure fire safety.

While none of the violations resulted in physical injury, the complaint alleged that Jiffy Lube failed to remedy them in a timely manner after several additional inspections.

According to the district attorney's office, Jiffy Lube has worked diligently and cooperatively with both prosecutors and the environmental health department to address the issues raised by the investigation.

Jiffy Lube reportedly admitted to one violation of California's Health and Safety Code and entered into a negotiated settlement of the complaint.

-- Bay City News

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