Public Justice Secures Major Clean Water Act Victory

Advocate Capital applauds Public Justice and its partners for securing a victory for environmental accountability and Clean Water Act enforcement.

According to Public Justice, a federal court recently imposed a $9.2 million civil penalty against Republic Services of Pennsylvania LLC after finding the company repeatedly violated the Clean Water Act by discharging millions of gallons of inadequately treated wastewater into Kreutz Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River. The court determined the violations occurred over several years despite the company knowing its treatment system was insufficient. Actions that posed serious risks to both aquatic life and surrounding communities.

The case, brought on behalf of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, highlights the important role citizen-led lawsuits play in holding corporations accountable when environmental laws are violated. Public Justice Senior Environmental Enforcement Attorney Jim Hecker and Steve Harvey of Steve Harvey Law LLC successfully represented the Riverkeeper Association, helping achieve a decision that reinforces the importance of protecting our nation's waterways.

The court's ruling sends a strong message that environmental regulations exist for a reason and that delaying compliance can carry significant consequences. By imposing a penalty that exceeds the financial benefit gained from the violations, the decision strengthens deterrence and supports the enforcement goals of the Clean Water Act.

At Advocate Capital, we are proud to recognize Public Justice for its continued commitment to protecting communities, preserving natural resources, and advancing justice through impactful litigation. Their dedication to taking on cases that create meaningful change continues to make a lasting difference. To learn more about Public Justice, visit PublicJustice.net. 

About Donna A. Jones

Donna Jones is the President at Advocate Capital, which became a part of Pinnacle in 2019. Ms. Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of Advocate Capital and serves as a member of the Credit Committee. Her responsibilities include education and training of Advocate Capital staff regarding civil litigation, coaching new clients on the fundamentals of Advocate’s online services, as well as its proprietary software application, AdvoTrac®, and all activities related to existing and prospective clients.