The Campbell Soup Supply Company has admitted to thousands of violations of the Clean Water Act, stemming from waste dumping at its Napoleon, Ohio canning factory. These violations, occurring between April 2018 and December 2024, involved the discharge of pollutants like E. coli, oil, grease, and solids into the Maumee River, which feeds into Lake Erie. The admissions were made in response to a joint lawsuit filed by the EPA, Lake Erie Waterkeeper, and Environment Ohio, who claim the discharges contributed to toxic algae blooms. The case will now proceed to trial to determine the necessary steps for the company to curb its pollution and the associated civil penalties.
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In a landmark event, hundreds of people participated in the first organized swim in the Chicago River in almost a century, a testament to the remarkable improvements in water quality. The event, a mile-long loop, was made possible by decades of environmental progress, including the Clean Water Act and local efforts to clean up the river. The Chicago River, once a symbol of industrial pollution, has been transformed, allowing for the return of wildlife and the emergence of recreational activities. While this achievement is celebrated, concerns remain about potential rollbacks in environmental regulations that could threaten the river’s health and the progress made.
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The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision weakens the Clean Water Act by restricting the EPA’s ability to set generic pollution limits for permit holders. The ruling, authored by Justice Alito, sided with San Francisco’s challenge to EPA permits that held permittees responsible for overall water quality. The majority opinion argued the EPA possesses sufficient tools to obtain necessary information without resorting to “end-result” requirements. Dissenting justices argued this decision contradicts the Clean Water Act’s mandate for stringent limitations to meet water quality standards. The ruling represents a significant shift in environmental regulation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker