Valley Shell stations involved in violations

Thirty Shell gasoline stations in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties are among those included in a $19.5 million judgment over violations involving underground fuel-storage tanks.

The judgment, announced Friday by state Attorney General Jerry Brown, stemmed from allegations that Shell Oil and affiliated companies failed to maintain leak-detection or spill-alarm equipment, among other violations.

The local stations — in Clovis, Fresno, Kingsburg, Selma, Kettleman City, Tulare and Visalia — are among more than 1,600 in the state that are subject to requirements for improved monitoring and maintenance of underground tanks, better employee training and improved recordkeeping.

Bee staff and news services