The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Navisun, LLC, a solar energy company based in Hingham, Massachusetts, for alleged violations of the Construction General Permit (CGP) related to stormwater discharges from construction activities. Under the settlement, Navisun will pay a penalty of $25,000 to resolve two alleged violations.
"Great strides have been made in clean energy production, especially when it comes to solar power. However, clean energy development must be done in environmentally sound ways, and this proposed penalty and subsequent settlement reinforces the commitment we have to our communities and to neighbors," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "We will do what we can to support private companies that are undertaking clean energy development, but we will also continue to demand adherence to environmental standards, ensuring that no corners are cut and that no environmental sacrifices are made while undertaking clean energy growth."
The EPA alleged that Navisun violated the terms of the CGP concerning stormwater discharges from construction activities at its solar farm development site in Acushnet, MA. In late 2022, the stormwater basin at the site failed during two separate storms, leading to sediment-laden water discharge that impacted a neighbor's pond and well water.
Following pressure from Acushnet's local Conservation Agent after the failure, Navisun improved its site controls. The EPA inspection in early 2023 found no significant issues; however, an inspection by Acushnet's Conservation Commission later discovered that large areas of the site had not been stabilized. Navisun has since stabilized these areas.
Navisun LLC develops, owns, and operates small utility-scale commercial and industrial solar farms. The alleged CGP violations occurred at their solar farm development site located at 550 Main Street in Acushnet.
For more information on CGP and NPDES:
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