A bus driver for the Dave Matthews Band illegally released the sewage from one of their tour buses into the Chicago River on August 8, 2004. The bus was allegedly headed to a hotel when the bus driver released the sewage while crossing the Kinzie Street bridge.
The incident led to a lawsuit from the State of Illinois and widespread negative publicity for the band, who were otherwise known as environmentally friendly. A boat carrying passengers on an architectural tour was passing below the bridge and was partially hit by the falling waste.
"This incident may be unique, but that does not lessen the environmental or public health risks posed by the release of at least 800 pounds of liquid human waste into a busy waterway and onto a crowded tour boat,” said Attorney General Lisa Madigan of the suit.