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Unilever To Pay $4.5M For Water Act Violations

Unilever has agreed to pay $4.5 million after pleading guilty to two felony environmental violations at its former health and beauty products manufacturing plant in Clinton, Conn.The U.S. Attorney's office says Unilever Home and Personal Care USA pleaded guilty Thursday to violations of the Clean Water Act.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Unilever has agreed to pay $4.5 million after pleading guilty to two felony environmental violations at its former health and beauty products manufacturing plant in Clinton, Conn.

The U.S. Attorney's office says Unilever Home and Personal Care USA pleaded guilty Thursday to violations of the Clean Water Act. Authorities say the charges stem from Unilever's December 2008 illegal discharge of industrial wastewater and the company's failure to report the discharge in a timely manner.

As part of its plea agreement, Unilever agreed to pay a $1 million fine and intends to contribute $3.5 million to state and local environmental programs.

Unilever says it's not aware of any evidence that any release resulted in harm to fish, other wildlife or drinking water.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 3.

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