The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an administrative order to the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW). The order demands that DTPW address violations of the Clean Water Act related to its storm sewer systems in Ponce, Puerto Rico. These systems are located on PR-123 Road and PR-585 Road at Playa Ward.
Lisa F. Garcia, Region 2 Administrator, emphasized the importance of stormwater management: “Stormwater management is crucial for safeguarding people’s health and the environment. It also helps prevent flooding, especially in coastal communities like Barrio Playa.” She noted that the EPA's enforcement aims to correct past issues such as poor management and flooding while ensuring a healthier future for residents.
Complaints from the local community about flooding have prompted EPA inspections since 2022. These inspections revealed that DTPW had not implemented an effective storm water management plan to detect illegal discharges into their systems. Such illegal dumping can introduce pollutants like car oil and sewage into storm sewers.
In August 2024, EPA conducted its most recent investigation with officials from DTPW, Municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), and community leaders. The inspection found deficiencies in operation and maintenance of DTPW’s storm sewer systems, along with unpermitted pollutant discharges affecting the community.
The order requires several actions from DTPW:
- Develop a storm sewer map showing MS4s at specified segments in Ponce Playa.
- Investigate connections between its storm sewer systems and PRASA’s sanitary sewers.
- Create an inventory of discharge outfalls and interconnections.
- Prepare a work plan for system assessments, improvements, inspections, cleaning, infrastructure replacement or construction if needed.
- Conduct outfall monitoring for specific pollutants including enterococci, fecal coliform, ammonia, surfactants, boron, pH levels, and total phosphorus.
A detailed schedule accompanies the order to ensure compliance measures eliminate illicit discharges into the Caribbean Sea.
For further information on EPA's role in preventing stormwater pollution: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program.
Follow EPA Region 2 on social media platforms for updates or visit their website for more details about their activities.
