Campbell Soup Company Admits to Exceeding Pollution Limits in Ohio River Discharges
RICHMOND,CA – Campbell Soup Company has acknowledged exceeding permitted discharge limits for pollutants into the ohio River,violating federal environmental regulations,according to reports and statements from environmental advocacy groups. The company’s wastewater discharges, containing phosphorus and other pollutants, contribute to harmful algal blooms and threaten aquatic life in the western basin of Lake erie.
The issue centers around the company’s manufacturing facility in Napoleon, Ohio. Between spring 2017 and spring 2021, Campbell’s averaged 5.5 million gallons of daily wastewater flow, below the 10 million gallon daily permit limit, but still contributing to overall phosphorus levels in the Maumee River watershed, which feeds into Lake Erie.
“It’s this nasty, green slime that covers a huge portion of the western part of Lake Erie,” said John Rumpler, a representative of the environmental groups concerned about the discharges. “It is incredibly toxic to humans and wildlife and pets.”
The Environmental Protection agency (EPA) states that excessive phosphorus leads to algal overgrowth,depleting dissolved oxygen,producing harmful toxins,blocking sunlight for underwater plants,and degrading aquatic habitats. Sources of phosphorus pollution include fertilizers, urban runoff, failing septic systems, and discharges from wastewater treatment plants.
A June 2023 technical report from the Ohio EPA detailed the permitted discharge levels and Campbell’s ancient flows.The company has reportedly acknowledged the need to improve its pollution control measures.
“They know this is a problem,” Rumpler said. ”They know that they need to solve it. It is a question of exactly how much money is going to be involved and what do they need to do to ensure that this pollution comes down to where it needs to be.”
The long-term health of Lake Erie has been a concern for decades, with nutrient pollution – particularly phosphorus – identified as a major driver of harmful algal blooms. These blooms can impact drinking water supplies, recreational activities, and the overall ecosystem.
Campbell’s has not yet released a detailed plan outlining specific steps to address the discharge issues.
