EPA Stops Contaminated Water by Slaughterhouse After Public Complaints in Monroeville, NJ

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborated with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to respond to public concerns about crimson-colored discharge flowing from a Monroeville slaughterhouse into a nearby tributary used for farming and livestock. EPA inspected and, within two weeks, issued an order under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to stop the discharge.

“EPA quickly and efficiently responded to these public complaints. When the water runs red, people really take notice, and so do we,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “This is a textbook example of how a community tip, state partnership, and swift federal enforcement can stop pollution in its tracks. We moved fast to shut down the discharge and protect the water that farmers and families depend on.”

After observing an uncontrolled release of fluids from the slaughterhouse, including blood, EPA and NJDEP issued an administrative order on consent to Burlington Beef, outlining the facility’s violations and requiring specific immediate actions, such as the construction of a three-foot berm, to stop the discharge. The facility quickly complied with the short-term requirements, ending the acute water contamination issue. EPA and NJDEP are now working on a long-term cleanup plan to ensure residents and nearby communities have continued access to clean water. 

EPA remains committed to helping businesses and municipalities meet environmental standards while fostering economic growth and protecting human health. Through training, technical guidance, and case-by-base problem solving, EPA works with communities to fulfill its core mission of protecting human health and the environment, while simultaneously helping businesses thrive.