EPA orders Puerto Rico developers to halt water pollution at Rincón housing site

(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Desarrolladora Yahir, Inc. and A & M Group, Inc. to stop discharging sediment-laden runoff from a residential construction site in Puntas Ward, Rincón, Puerto Rico, into nearby waterways.

The agency said the companies violated the terms of a general construction permit intended to prevent construction-related pollution from reaching surface waters. According to EPA’s order, uncontrolled stormwater runoff from the site has flowed into Piletas Creek and the Caribbean Sea.

“When developers and contractors don’t comply with common-sense requirements to control erosion and run-off from sites, they can pollute nearby waters,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “If companies follow the rules, development projects – an important part of economic progress – can proceed while we continue to safeguard our environment.”

The order requires the companies to install erosion and sediment controls, meet construction permitting requirements, and submit joint progress reports on compliance measures. EPA emphasized that stormwater runoff poses a significant threat to Caribbean coastal waters, including the Rincón Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.

Under the Clean Water Act, construction projects disturbing one or more acres near water bodies must obtain stormwater construction permit coverage and follow pollution-prevention measures.

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