Campbell Soup Sued by DOJ and Environmental Groups for Lake Erie Pollution
The lawsuits allege that wastewater and pollutants from a Campbell Soup factory have been flowing into Lake Erie for years, contributing to toxic algal blooms.
- The U.S. Department of Justice and environmental groups have filed lawsuits against Campbell Soup, accusing the company of polluting Lake Erie through wastewater discharges.
- The lawsuits claim that the company's factory in Napoleon, Ohio, has allowed millions of gallons of wastewater to flow into the Maumee River, which leads to Lake Erie, since 2018.
- Campbell Soup has acknowledged the issue and stated it has taken steps to improve its wastewater management operations, including planned capital investments.
- The pollution has been linked to dangerous algal blooms in Lake Erie, which can cause respiratory illness, urinary tract infections, and other health issues.
- Environmental advocacy organizations notified Campbell Soup last July of their intention to sue, citing persistent violations of legally mandated limits on phosphorus and other pollutants.
Cleveland Plain Dealer 
CBS News 