San Juan, PR – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Justice have reached an agreement with the Municipality of Ponce to address violations of the Federal Clean Water Law related to storm sewer systems. This agreement seeks to reduce pollution in the Bucaná and Portuguese rivers, as well as in the Caribbean Sea.
"Ponce Beach has historically been overloaded with pollution," said Lisa Garcia, EPA regional administrator. "The Municipality of Ponce is taking the necessary measures to correct a long-standing problem and solve it in a way that reduces pollution in local waters and protects public health and the environment."
As part of the agreement, Ponce will invest approximately $85 million over 6.5 years to improve its stormwater system, including five pumping stations to control floods in various areas of the municipality. In addition, you agree to pay $25,000 in civil penalties.
The proposed Consent Agreement requires the municipality to develop a calendar to update the maps of the pluvial system and identify key structures such as drains and pumping stations. You will also need to conduct inventories, keep records of illegal discharges, and develop procedures to monitor discharges during dry and wet conditions.
Likewise, a hydrological and hydraulic study related to the Puerto Viejo Pumping Station will be carried out. The municipality will present a corrective plan based on this study for review by the EPA.
The agreement will be available for public comment for 30 days, allowing affected and interested members to present their opinions or concerns.
