Five companies agree to pay $7.2 million for the pollution of two Ohio creeks

TOLEDO, OH — Five companies have agreed to pay the federal government a total of more than $7.2 million to resolve claims arising from long-term pollution in two adjacent creeks in the Maumee River basin in northwest Ohio.

The settlement with Ohio Refining Co., Chevron USA, Energy Transfer LLC, Pilkington North America and Chemtrade Logistics was announced Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice. Officials said a federal judge must approve the deal before it takes effect.

According to a complaint, the companies are liable for historical industrial discharges of oil or hazardous substances at the Duck & Otter Creeks site near Toledo. The property is located just east of the Maumee River and includes the creeks, adjacent wetlands, floodplains and uplands.

The two creeks flow into Maumee Bay in Lake Erie and provide important habitat for migratory birds and fish, while also supporting hunting and fishing activities for local residents, federal wildlife officials said.