U.S. Fines Construction Company $80,000 For Polluting Cañas River In Puerto Rico

Polluted River — Image for representation purposes only

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Transporte Rodríguez Asfalto (TRA) $80,000 for polluting the Cañas River during construction in Aguada, Puerto Rico.

The company violated the Clean Water Act by discharging stormwater pollutants without proper permits or controls.

EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia discussed the importance of their actions, saying that TRA is being held accountable to protect waterways like the Cañas River.

She added that poorly managed construction projects can harm local rivers and ecosystems, putting public health and the environment at risk. The company must now improve its practices, secure permits, and avoid future discharges.

TRA began construction in September 2023 on a 13-acre site near PR-2 and PR-48 roads without obtaining the necessary permits or installing erosion and sediment controls.

The lack of these measures led to harmful stormwater runoff entering the Cañas River, negatively impacting water quality.

The EPA has issued an administrative order requiring TRA to take corrective actions, including controlling erosion, developing a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and stabilising soil as part of the penalty.

The company must also obtain coverage under the EPA’s Construction General Permit (CGP) to prevent future discharges.

TRA needs to submit bimonthly reports to the EPA detailing their progress to ensure compliance.

The Clean Water Act strictly prohibits discharging pollutants into U.S. waters without a valid permit. The act aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the country’s waters.

Reference: EPA Gov

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