Five companies have agreed to pay $7.2 million to resolve allegations of natural resource damages at the Duck & Otter Creeks Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) site near Toledo, Ohio, according to the Justice Department.
Chemtrade Logistics Inc., Ohio Refining Co., Chevron USA, Energy Transfer LLC, and Pilkington North America Inc., allegedly released oil or hazardous substances, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, and lead into the Duck & Otter Creeks NRDA site. The site is east of the Maumee River and includes the creeks, adjoining wetlands, floodplain areas, and uplands, said the DOJ.
“For decades, these companies released toxic industrial pollutants into Ohio waterways, damaging our local wildlife and ecosystem,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio.
“These settlements will enable restoration work that will significantly improve the environment in the area of the Maumee River and nearby Lake Erie,” added Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Addressing the harm caused by releases of toxic contaminants will benefit local communities and restore important habitat.”