CLF to Sue Pepsi-Product Manufacturer for Over 100 Clean Water Act Violations  

Toxic pollutants spewing into the Merrimack River Watershed in Littleton, MA

Fall day at Mill Pond

Mill Pond on a fall day. Photo: Shutterstock

April 10, 2024 (BOSTON, MA) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has notified Patriot Beverages, a Pepsi-product manufacturing and bottling company, of its intent to sue for Clean Water Act violations at its facility in Littleton, Massachusetts. The company’s wastewater and stormwater discharges are polluting Reedy Meadow Brook and Mill Pond with toxic chemicals and heavy metals, like aluminum and phosphorus.

“Poor water quality in Mill Pond has been plaguing the community for years. Harmful pollution from Patriot Beverages’ facility is contaminating precious waters used for recreation and home to wildlife,” said Heather Govern, Vice President of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “This facility needs to own up to its unlawful actions and prioritize putting an end to this pollution for good.” 

Patriot Beverages’ wastewater and stormwater discharges include harmful chemicals like aluminum and phosphorus, and dangerously high pH levels and high temperatures. These toxic pollutants flow from Patriot Beverages’ site directly into nearby waterbodies, causing poor water quality and harming natural ecosystems and wildlife.

CLF experts are available for further comment

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