Home Depot coughs up $8 million

The Home Depot agreed to pay $8 million to settle air-quality violations with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the air pollution control agency for Southern California.

The agreement settles a lawsuit filed in June 2011 against The Home Depot for violations of the district’s Rule 1113 governing architectural coatings as well as violations of state law prohibiting unfair competition and false and misleading advertising. The home improvement chain allegedly sold paints, sealers, primers and other products in 2009 to 2010 containing illegal levels of smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Violating products included clear wood finishes, acrylic paints, sealers, lacquers, roof coatings, primers and base paints.

Of the $8 million, $1.98 million will be paid to the district and a total of $6.02 million to Los Angeles and the three counties.

As a result of the settlement, The Home Depot agreed to develop and implement a new computerized tracking system to ensure that only compliant coatings are sold in the future.