Story perspectives

Environmentalists Threaten Lawsuit Over Congaree River Pollution

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Congaree Riverkeeper intends to sue Alpek and Eastman for pollution if unresolved within 90 days.
The companies face accusations of discharging plastic pellets and the toxic chemical 1,4-dioxane into the Congaree River.
Environmentalists caution that nurdles threaten wildlife and public health.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services will investigate the claims.
Violations of the Clean Water Act may incur fines over $90,000 daily.

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Story summary

The Congaree Riverkeeper intends to sue Alpek and Eastman for pollution if unresolved within 90 days.
The companies face accusations of discharging plastic pellets and the toxic chemical 1,4-dioxane into the Congaree River.
Environmentalists caution that nurdles threaten wildlife and public health.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services will investigate the claims.
Violations of the Clean Water Act may incur fines over $90,000 daily.