On behalf of its members, Blue Water Baltimore is moving forward with its lawsuit against the Fleischmann’s Vinegar plant owner, Kerry Group, PLC, for continued unauthorized discharge of toxic pollutants into the Jones Falls from its facility just north of W. Cold Spring Lane and west of the JFX.
From Blue Water’s website: “In October 2022, residents once again reported dead fish in the Jones Falls and a strong odor of vinegar near Fleischmann’s. Blue Water Baltimore documented acidic discharge flowing through cracks in the concrete walls at the facility directly into the Jones Falls. Testing revealed that the discharge contained acetic acid, and pH levels as low as 3.72, much more acidic than the baseline level of the stream (around pH 7.5).”
FTJF President Sandy Sparks first addressed our alarm about toxic discharge from this plant in a formal letter to the Maryland Department of the Environment two years ago.
A longtime Blue Water Baltimore member and FTJF Board member has volunteered to become a standing declarant for the Blue Water case. The requirements include providing a statement to the court about how that person has been “negatively impacted by the fish kills or acid discharges from the plant.” In writing the statement, he has been counseled by a Chesapeake Legal Alliance attorney which is representing Blue Water Baltimore in the matter.
-The Editors
Friends of The Jones Falls 