By West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and West Virginia Rivers Coalition
West Virginia Rivers Coalition and the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy filed a federal lawsuit on April 22, 2026, against Amsted Graphite Materials LLC, alleging repeated Clean Water Act violations at the company’s graphite manufacturing facility in Anmoore.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, seeks a court order requiring Amsted to comply with its water pollution permit, stop further violations and pay appropriate civil penalties.
“Clean water laws only work if they’re followed and enforced. Our review of Amsted’s own monitoring reports shows a pattern of violations that put Anmoore Run and downstream communities at risk. That’s why we are taking legal action to ensure this company stays within its permit, reduces pollution, and protects our waterways and West Virginians,” said Jennie Smith, Executive Director of West Virginia Rivers Coalition.
According to the complaint, Amsted discharges wastewater, stormwater runoff and groundwater into Anmoore Run and an unnamed tributary of Anmoore Run, which flow into Elk Creek, the West Fork River and the Monongahela River. The groups allege Amsted has violated permit limits for pollutants including lead, copper, zinc, chlorine, total suspended solids, toxicity and several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, known as PAHs.
“West Virginians have a right to clean water, and companies that discharge into our streams have a responsibility to follow the law,” said Olivia Miller, interim executive director of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. “This case is about protecting Anmoore Run, Elk Creek, the West Fork River and the communities and people downstream who rely on healthy waterways.”
The lawsuit states Amsted’s permit required the company to complete necessary upgrades and meet final effluent limits for several pollutants. The complaint alleges Amsted has continued to report violations in monthly discharge monitoring reports.