PennEnvironment wins settlement from Allegheny River polluter

After nearly a decade in court, one polluter is finally paying the price for dirtying Pennsylvania’s waterways. 

On March 29, PennEnvironment and Sierra Club announced the settlement of their federal Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) citizen suit against PPG Industries, Inc. After decades of polluting at its Ford City waste site near the Allegheny River, PPG will finally be required to have a pollution permit and treat its polluted water for the first time ever. The company will also contribute $250,000 to a Pennsylvania nonprofit water research center.  

“Today’s announcement is a huge victory for the Allegheny River and all the people who love this iconic western Pennsylvania river,” said PennEnvironment Executive Director David Masur. “As one of the ‘Three Rivers’ that have become synonymous with Pittsburgh, today’s action will help ensure a healthier Allegheny River for our children and future generations to enjoy.” 

PennEnvironment will continue working to hold polluters accountable. 

Read more about the lawsuit. 

Learn more about our litigation work to protect our air, water and environment.