Two companies involved in the construction of the Fairfield Inn and Suites Hotel by Marriott and Casino Construction Project in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, have been fined a total of $30,000 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for violations of the Clean Water Act.
Northshore Management Corporation and Luquillo Hotel Company LLC, reportedly failed to comply with permit notification requirements, according to an April 17 news release.
“Companies must comply with the Clean Water Act. Compliance prevents waterways from being contaminated by stormwater runoff and pollutants from construction activities,” EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia said in the release. “It is critical that operators of construction activities requiring permit coverage apply for and adhere to permit requirements to ensure environmental impacts to our natural resources are effectively minimized.”
Northshore Management Corporation and Luquillo Hotel Company LLC, didn’t “submit a notice of intent for coverage of its construction activities,” which is a violation of the Clean Water Act, according to the release. Additionally, the companies reportedly "failed to implement and maintain effective stormwater and erosion controls at the project."
Luquillo Hotel Company LLC is said to have failed to apply for stormwater permit coverage for its construction efforts in a timely manner, the release reported. The company reportedly discharged pollutants into nearby wetlands without authorization.
“As part of EPA working with the businesses to address the violations, the two companies have worked to implement erosion and sediment controls as well as soil stabilization in areas of the project," the release reported. "As a result, Northshore Management Corporation and Luquillo Hotel Company reached substantial compliance with the environmental requirements.”
This settlement is the latest in a series of enforcement actions EPA is taking in Puerto Rico, the release reported.
"EPA considers it a priority to assure compliance with the Clean Water Act due to increased construction activity across Puerto Rico, especially in coastal areas," the release said.
