Home > Environmental Law Home > Lawsuits > Sierra Club Steps in to Protect Public Health from Sewage Overflows in Wisconsin

Sierra Club Lawsuits

Sierra Club Steps in to Protect Public Health from Sewage Overflows in Wisconsin

Case Updates:

March 1, 2005

In response to our citizen action lawsuit, Emmpak Foods, Inc. has now installed equipment that will stop grease, oil and animal parts from entering and clogging local sewers in Milwaukee. The sudden compliance with federal Clean Water Act regulations is a relief to local officials who have been trying to force the company to clean up its act for five years. Additionally, the company entered a settlement which includes a donation of $30,000 to local community groups who will use the money for environmental education programs, school rain gardens, and for a feasibility study of an environmental education center. The technology upgrades and settlement are good news for the health of local residents, and serve as a model solution for sewage overflow problems across the nation.

October 14, 2004

For over four years Emmpak Foods, Inc., a slaughterhouse and meat processing facility in Milwaukee, has been violating state permits for discharges of oil, grease, and other livestock by-products into Wisconsin’s waters. These livestock wastes often lead to clogged pipes which can overflow during heavy rainstorms and bring pollution to the streets. Unfortunately, the problems in Milwaukee are experienced nationwide in regions with aging sewage systems. Despite a report by the Environmental Protection Agency saying that sewage overflows are a grave threat to public health and safety, the Bush administration blocked a proposed rule that would have reduced sewage overflows across the nation and required local municipalities to warn their residents of any danger. If successful, this suit will hold Emmpak accountable for its disregard of the law, help clean up Milwaukee’s sewage system, and protect public health.

Details and Documents:

Slideshow The Emmpak Foods settlement includes a donation of $30,000 to fund local community groups' environmental education programs.

Sierra Club Moves to Protect Public Health from Sewage Overflows
October 14, 2004 Sierra Club & Midwest Environmental Advocates Press Release