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

The U.S. EPA fined a construction company $80,000 for polluting the Cañas River in Puerto Rico, a clear violation of the Clean Water Act.

Transporte Rodríguez Asfalto (TRA) failed to obtain proper permits or control measures, causing harmful stormwater runoff during construction in Aguada.

EPA officials stated that poorly managed projects harm rivers, ecosystems, and public health—calling TRA’s actions a serious threat.

The runoff entered the Cañas River, degrading its water quality due to erosion and sediment discharge from TRA’s 13-acre site.

The EPA has ordered TRA to implement erosion controls, stabilize soil, and create a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to avoid future damage.

TRA is also required to secure a Construction General Permit and submit bimonthly compliance reports to the EPA.

The Clean Water Act’s strict guidelines exist to restore the health of U.S. waterways and prevent violations like this from recurring.