Shell Oil has agreed to pay $4 million dollars to resolve allegations it got Massachusetts funds to help upgrade underground gasoline storage tanks while also collecting from its insurers.
Attorney General Martha Coakley said Thursday the claims by Shell and a joint venture company involved more than 100 Massachusetts gasoline stations.
Coakley said the state fund is designed to help speed underground storage tank cleanups. Companies must disclose if they also make insurance claims for the same expenses, and reimburse the state if they get insurance payouts. She said Shell sued its insurers for the costs in 1993 and later settled, but didn't inform the state until 2012.
Massachusetts has reached similar reimbursement agreements with other major oil companies.
Shell said it's pleased to resolve the issue and looks forward to continued participation in the Massachusetts program.
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