HANOVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. \u2014 A Pennsylvania food corporation will pay a penalty of over $1 million because of violations of the Clean Water Act, the Department of Justice said.<\/p>\n
The DOJ, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) announced a settlement with Hanover Foods on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
A complaint filed against Hanover Food Corporation said the company was failing to comply with state guidelines as it dumped wastewater into Oil Creek. That creek flows to the Susquehanna River and then to the Chesapeake Bay. The complaint said Hanover Foods violated its state permit 600 times.<\/p>\n
Officials said Hanover Foods Corporation will pay a $1.15 million civil penalty and take actions to address its violations of the Clean Water Act.<\/p>\n
The wastewater reportedly contained ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus.<\/p>\n
\u201cHanover Foods allegedly failed to properly treat industrial wastes at its wastewater treatment facility, jeopardizing human health and the environment,\u201d said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department\u2019s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). \u201cThe Clean Water Act was enacted more than 50 years ago with the purpose of putting a stop to this type of water pollution. If accepted by the court, the consent decree will hold the company accountable and help ensure it continues to upgrade its facility and take other steps to prevent unlawful discharges of industrial waste.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hanover Foods is expected to install new equipment to prevent future violations by upgrading its wastewater treatment system, closely monitor compliance with its discharge permit and report any violations.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnsuring that Hanover Foods takes the necessary steps to prevent the release of nutrients and other pollutants underscores the EPA\u2019s commitment to protecting our nation\u2019s waterways,\u201d said Acting Assistant Administrator Craig Pritzlaff of the EPA\u2019s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). \u201cThe measures outlined in the consent decree are essential for bringing Hanover\u2019s facility into compliance with the Clean Water Act. They are vital for safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay and ensuring that local water sources remain clean, thereby protecting the health and well-being of the communities that rely on them.\u201d <\/p>\n
Expected improvements include: installation of a permanent boiler to maintain proper temperatures in its treatment process, implementation of spare-parts programs to avoid equipment downtime and improvements to Hanover\u2019s operations and maintenance program.<\/p>\n
Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n Hanover Foods will pay a penalty of over $1 million because of violations of the Clean Water Act, the Department of Justice said. TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92025 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n
\nThe DOJ, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) announced a settlement with the food corporation on Tuesday.
\nA complaint filed against Hanover Food Corporation said they were failing to comply with state guidelines as it dumped wastewater into Oil Creek. That creek flows to the Susquehanna River and then to the Chesapeake Bay. The complaint said Hanover Foods violated its state permit 600 times.
\nOfficials said Hanover Foods Corporation will pay a $1.15 million civil penalty and take actions to address its violations of the Clean Water Act.
\nThe wastewater reportedly contained ammonia, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
\n\u201cHanover Foods allegedly failed to properly treat industrial wastes at its wastewater treatment facility, jeopardizing human health and the environment,\u201d said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department\u2019s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). \u201cThe Clean Water Act was enacted more than 50 years ago with the purpose of putting a stop to this type of water pollution. If accepted by the court, the consent decree will hold the company accountable and help ensure it continues to upgrade its facility and take other steps to prevent unlawful discharges of industrial waste.\u201d
\nHanover Foods is expected to install new equipment to prevent future violations by upgrading its wastewater treatment system, closely monitor compliance with its discharge permit and report any violations.
\n\u201cEnsuring that Hanover Foods takes the necessary steps to prevent the release of nutrients and other pollutants underscores the EPA\u2019s commitment to protecting our nation\u2019s waterways,\u201d said Acting Assistant Administrator Craig Pritzlaff of the EPA\u2019s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). \u201cThe measures outlined in the consent decree are essential for bringing Hanover\u2019s facility into compliance with the Clean Water Act. They are vital for safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay and ensuring that local water sources remain clean, thereby protecting the health and well-being of the communities that rely on them.\u201d
\nExpected improvements include: installation of a permanent boiler to maintain proper temperatures in its treatment process, implementation of spare-parts programs to avoid equipment downtime and improvements to Hanover\u2019s operations and maintenance program.<\/p>\n