Hanover Foods invests millions in clean water initiatives

Hanover Foods Corp. is investing millions in clean water initiatives.

The company has announced its plan to complete more than $1.5 million in upgrades and improvements at its wastewater treatment facility in Hanover.

According to a release, the investments are part of a wide-ranging agreement between Hanover Foods, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which resolves litigation that had been ongoing for more than four years.

“We at Hanover Foods are committed to doing the right thing, every time, including being good, responsible stewards of the environment,” Hanover Foods CEO Jeff Warehime said in a statement. “We love the Hanover community; it’s where I was raised and remains my home today. Our company is committed to ensuring this community remains a great place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come.”

Improvements planned for the wastewater treatment facility include Hanover Foods completing the installation of a new boiler, new lagoon aerators, a new equalization tank, upgraded pumps and a new online sensor for continuous monitoring. The company also committed to implementing a program for ongoing maintenance and equipment repairs.

Recently completed enhancements at the facility have resulted in improved environmental performance, including the installation of a new heat exchanger at the facility, as well as implementing new processes and procedures.

“We have been working collaboratively with the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, the EPA and the state DEP to ensure we are not only compliant with our permits but also doing our part to clean up the Chesapeake Bay Watershed,” said David Shaqfeh, president, Hanover Foods. “With this agreement, we are making a long-term commitment to modernize and improve our wastewater treatment facility, while also conducting ongoing water quality monitoring and reporting.”

Along with the planned facility improvements, Hanover Foods agreed to pay a $575,000 penalty to the U.S. Department of Justice and a $575,000 penalty to the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection, per the release. Both payments resolve prior violations of the company’s wastewater discharge permit – many of which occurred several years ago because of Hanover Foods’ increased production during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the rising demand for canned foods.

“For more than a century, Hanover Foods has proudly called Hanover and York County home,” said Warehime. “We are committed to leading with integrity in all that we do – from producing high-quality packaged foods to investing in our local communities and protecting our waterways. This agreement is consistent with that commitment.”