Valley Proteins LLC, a subsidiary of Darling Ingredients Inc. has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $540,000 to settle violations of environmental laws in the state of Maryland.  The lawsuit involved illegal discharge of harmful pollutants including nitrogen, phosphorus and fecal coliforms into Transquaking River a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay for over a year. Commenting on the fine, Brian Frosh, Attorney General of the State of Maryland stated “These violations of our environmental laws threatened fragile ecosystems.” He added, "The settlement and penalty sent a strong message to Valley Proteins and others that they are not free to pollute Maryland's waters and air.

Horacio Tablada, Maryland Secretary of the Environment stated, "we are pleased to now have a strong enforcement agreement that will allow this important facility that serves the agricultural community to continue to operate while achieving environmental compliance and helping us to meet our water and quality goals".