Wal-Mart, which was fined earlier this year for violating child labor laws in Connecticut, agreed to pay $600,000 in civil penalties for alleged violations of clean-water laws at 22 stores.

The retailer also agreed to pay $550,000 to help municipalities address storm water issues and for environmental projects in the Connecticut River's watershed.

The Department of Environmental Protection originally filed suit against the company in 2001 for improperly storing pesticides and fertilizers outside. The chemicals were carried into local waters during heavy rains.

The state amended the lawsuit in 2003 after it discovered that some Wal-Mart stores were also operating without appropriate wastewater permits, and were selling sewer additives that are illegal in Connecticut.

"Wal-Mart's environmental record here seems as low as its prices," Blumenthal said.

"We're holding Wal-Mart accountable for systemic, repeated violations across the state. This significant settlement should send a stark message to the industry: Environmental disregard carries consequences."

Wal-Mart is not the only retailer to run afoul of storm water regulations. In fact, the DEP said Monday, although the settlement is the largest of its kind in the state, pesticides and fertilizers are all too often improperly stored at retail outlets.

"It's not just Wal-Mart. Any retail operation that has outdoor storage of these chemicals poses a risk," said Oswald Inglese Jr., an enforcement official with the DEP.

Inglese said that during its investigations, the DEP often finds pesticides stored outside without a roof to protect the chemicals from being pelted by rainwater.

Even when stored inside, the bags tear easily.

In a 2002 survey of 18 Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Lowes stores, Environment and Human Health Inc., an environmental group based in New Haven, found torn bags of weed killers, insecticides and fungicides at most of the stores.

The contents had visibly contaminated store shelves, floors and storage areas, according to the group's report.

Retailers' attempts to clean the spills often add to the problem.

"Accidents do happen, and sometimes to keep their displays clean, retailers actually hose down the area. They're not thinking of the runoff and environmental issues involved with that," Inglese said.

Wal-Mart said it has implemented numerous procedures to ensure future compliance with environmental laws, including the installation of new trash compactors designed to prevent leaks, the implementation of new policies requiring lawn and garden chemicals to be stored under a covered roof, and the training of its employees in DEP storm water requirements.

"What we're saying is that we agree to put this matter behind us. We are pledging our commitment to improving storm water compliance in our stores and to protecting the environment in the state of Connecticut," said Marty Heires, a spokesman for Wal-Mart.

But Wal-Mart - subject of a soon-to-be released documentary on the public toll of its low prices - has violated storm water regulations before, though in a different context.

In 2001, Wal-Mart agreed to pay a $1 million fine to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice to resolve allegations that it illegally discharged water from 17 construction sites in four states.

As part of the settlement, Wal-Mart also agreed to spend $4.5 million to improve compliance at each of its construction sites, in part by training contractors on storm water requirements and by establishing an independent audit program.

Wal-Mart says it is confident that the new procedures will improve its compliance record.

"Let's face it. Some of this comes with the territory of being the largest retailer in the country," Heires said.

"We know that, and we know that more is expected of us. We're ready to step up to the plate."