Amazon Reaches Settlement in Oregon Pollution Case

Amazon has settled a lawsuit with residents of Morrow County, Oregon, agreeing to pay $20.5 million regarding alleged contributions to nitrate pollution. The lawsuit, brought by local residents and the Port of Morrow, claimed Amazon contaminated the groundwater in the agricultural community.

Details of the Allegations

Groundwater Contamination Concerns

Plaintiffs argued that Amazon’s data center operations exacerbated an existing nitrate pollution crisis through concentrated runoff. While Amazon denied any wrongdoing and was not found to be the original source of the pollution, the company opted for a settlement.

Amazon's Statement

In a written statement released on Tuesday, Amazon explained its rationale for settling the case. “Our data centers draw from the same water supply as other local residents, we don’t add nitrates to that water, and the water we return represents a very small fraction of the region’s overall system,” the statement read. Amazon further stated it chose to settle to focus resources on community support rather than prolonged litigation.

Water Usage and Nitrate Levels

Amazon’s data centers in Oregon utilized 284 million gallons of water in 2024, with 136 million gallons provided by the Port of Morrow. The data centers primarily use water for cooling, and the evaporation process leaves behind minerals, including nitrates.

Plaintiff's Response

Steve Berman, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed cautious optimism. “We appreciate Amazon taking the first step toward solving the nitrate pollution problem, but the work is far from over,” he stated.