The Fresno Copart facility on Central Avenue wast of Highway 99 is seen in this Google Earth image.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has joined with 16 other California DAs in announcing a nearly $1 million settlement with an online auto auctioneer over hazardous waste violations.

With injunctive relief, civil penalties and enforcement costs, Dallas-based Copart faces settlement costs totaling $800,000, according to an announcement from Fresno County DA Lisa Smittcamp. Copart specializes in the resale and remarking of used vehicles. It has a location at 1255 E. Central Ave. in south Fresno where people can view cars to be sold through online auction.

Smittcamp joined with the other DAs in a civil suit alleging that Copart improperly disposed of hazardous waste items. Waste consisted of used office supplies and personal items removed from vehicles being prepped for sale such as small electronics, personal care, automotive and other consumer products, according to Smittcamp.

The practice resulted in hazardous waste being improperly transported to and dumped in municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal sites, according to Smittcamp.

“In order to protect the health and well-being of our citizens, those that cause harm to the environment must be held accountable,” Smittcamp stated. “Environmental harm at the corporate level can have a significant impact. We’re encouraged with this outcome and the fact that Copart agreed to enhance their existing disposal training programs as part of the overall settlement.”

The judgment agreed to by the parties provides for $650,000 in civil penalties and another $150,000 in enforcement costs. Copart is also subject to a permanent injunction prohibiting it from violating hazardous waste laws and requiring implementation of compliance assurance measures.

Copart has more than 200 facilities across the world where nearly 200,000 vehicles can be stored for 100%-online auctions, according to its website. Of those, 18 are in California.