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Court Sides With US Forest Service, Allows Nestle To Continue Bottling Water From San Bernardino National Forest

SAN BERNARDINO (AP) — A federal judge has ruled against environmentalists who sued the U.S. Forest Service claiming the agency was letting Nestle bottle water in the San Bernardino National Forest on an expired permit.

U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal said Tuesday that the permit by Nestle Waters North America is still valid.

The Center for Biological Diversity and others sued last year to halt bottling operations unless a new permit is obtained. The groups claimed the ongoing drought and bottling operation were affecting birds and other wildlife.

Environmentalists say they are disappointed with the ruling.

Nestle, which bottles the water under the Arrowhead brand name, wasn't a party to the case. In a statement, the company says it's pleased with the decision and noted it has been "sustainably" bottling water in the area for over 100 years.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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