NASHVILLE (AP) - A metals recycling facility near downtown Nashville has settled a lawsuit filed by two environmental groups who alleged polluted storm water drainage was draining into the Cumberland River.
The Tennessean reports PSC Metals has agreed to take steps that will limit its stormwater discharges of metals and other substances into the water.
PSC Metals said Tuesday that it had reached an "amicable" settlement on Tuesday with the Tennessee Environmental Council and ReDiscover East, who filed the lawsuit. The newspaper reports U.S. District Judge Todd Campbell signed a consent decree between the parties.
The recycling operation is on the east bank of the river, across from the city's country music tourist district, and close to LP Field where the Tennessee Titans play NFL football.
The plaintiffs and PSC Metals said in a joint announcement that the company agreed to "make substantial improvements and modifications to its Nashville facility in order to improve the quality of its stormwater discharges," even though it "believes that it is (in) full compliance with the Clean Water Act."
"PSC Metals will eliminate all stormwater discharges from one stormwater outfall located in the facility's Shredder Yard and will cover exposed materials near another stormwater outfall to prevent these materials from being discharged to the Cumberland River," the announcement said. "PSC Metals will also enhance four stormwater ponds at the PSC Metals facility to improve the stormwater discharges from the ponds."
The statement said PSC Metals also will "conduct more frequent stormwater testing than what is required" by its permit and give $25,000 to the Nashville Clean Water Project "to fund a project which will result in further water quality improvements to the Cumberland River."