EPA fines developers for stormwater violations in Puerto Rico
(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined The Cliff Corp. and Grupo Caribe, LLC a combined $50,000 for violating the Clean Water Act during the construction of an 86-villa residential development in the Borinquen Ward of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
The companies failed to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit, which regulates stormwater discharges and requires measures to minimize pollution in local waterways.
"Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can have serious consequences for both the environment and public health, jeopardizing safe fishing and swimming," said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. "It's crucial to manage stormwater from construction sites consistent with the Clean Water Act to protect Puerto Rico’s waterways and communities."
The EPA inspection revealed that construction began without the necessary permits or sufficient erosion and sediment controls, allowing sediment and other pollutants to flow into nearby water bodies.
As part of the enforcement action, the EPA is requiring the companies to:
- Submit a Notice of Intent permit application.
- Implement erosion and sediment controls at the site.
- Conduct regular site inspections to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act.
The developers are also required to prepare a stormwater management plan and provide compliance reports detailing their progress.
The EPA’s oversight underscores its commitment to safeguarding water quality and holding companies accountable for adhering to environmental laws.
Related News
From Archive
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Alaska LNG pipeline could require 7,000 workers at peak construction, developers say
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- Elon Musk's Boring Co. fined for dumping drilling waste into Vegas sewer system
- $1.4 billion Midwest pipeline expansion to move more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines
Comments