Amazon to Pay $20.5M to Settle Oregon Nitrate Pollution Lawsuit

Amazon Data Services agreed to a proposed $20.5 million settlement in a lawsuit linking its data-center operations to nitrate contamination of groundwater in Morrow County, Oregon. At least 634 private wells in the area exceed the federal nitrate limit of 10 mg/L, some by nearly ten times. Amazon admits no liability, and litigation continues against 16 remaining defendants.

• Amazon's settlement is $20.5 million and requires court approval
• 634 wells in Oregon exceed the 10 mg/L nitrate limit, with 420 more elevated
• Pearson v. Port of Morrow was filed in February 2024 against 17 defendants
• Amazon denies its data centers caused the contamination and admits no wrongdoing