Trump Tower Chicago Deemed Public Nuisance for Environmental Violations

An Illinois judge ruled that the skyscraper's cooling system killed thousands of fish and violated multiple environmental laws.

Overview

The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago was found guilty of violating the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations.
The building's cooling system draws 20 million gallons of water daily from the Chicago River, killing thousands of fish and aquatic life.
The court ruling comes after a lawsuit filed in 2018 by then-Attorney General Lisa Madigan, later joined by environmental groups Sierra Club and Friends of the Chicago River.
The judge labeled the building a 'public nuisance' and noted it operated without the necessary state permits and underreported water discharge levels.
Further hearings will determine penalties and steps for the building to comply with environmental laws.