Home / Environment / Food Giant Fined $1.15M for Polluting Creek
Food Giant Fined $1.15M for Polluting Creek
19 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Hanover Foods will pay $1.15 million for Clean Water Act violations.
- Company dumped wastewater containing ammonia, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
- Violations occurred 600 times, impacting Oil Creek and Susquehanna River.
Hanover Foods Corporation has agreed to pay a civil penalty exceeding $1.15 million following violations of the Clean Water Act. The Department of Justice, EPA, and Pennsylvania DEP announced the settlement on Tuesday. A complaint detailed the company's failure to meet state guidelines, resulting in approximately 600 permit violations through the discharge of wastewater into Oil Creek.
This wastewater reportedly contained ammonia, nitrogen, and phosphorus, substances that pose a risk to both human health and the environment. The affected creek flows into the Susquehanna River, ultimately impacting the Chesapeake Bay. "The Clean Water Act was enacted more than 50 years ago with the purpose of putting a stop to this type of water pollution," stated Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department's ENRD.
To rectify these issues, Hanover Foods is required to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility. Expected improvements include installing new equipment, such as a permanent boiler, implementing spare-parts programs, and enhancing its operations and maintenance protocols. These measures aim to prevent future unlawful discharges and ensure sustained compliance with environmental regulations.
