The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed an $80,000 fine on Transporte Rodríguez Asfalto, Inc. (TRA) for violations of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). The EPA identified that stormwater runoff containing pollutants from TRA's construction project was discharged into the Río Cañas in Aguada, Puerto Rico.
"We are holding TRA accountable under the Federal Clean Water Act, which is designed to protect stormwaters like those entering the Río Cañas and prevent pollution that threatens public health and the environment," stated Lisa F. García, regional administrator of the EPA. "Construction activities, if not properly managed, can cause long-term damage to local rivers and ecosystems. In the future, TRA will need to obtain a construction permit, use better practices, and avoid further discharges into the river."
The EPA found that in September 2023, TRA began earth-moving activities for constructing a used tire processing facility on a 13-acre property located between highways PR-2 and PR-48 in Aguada, Puerto Rico. Despite conducting large-scale earth-moving activities, TRA did not obtain necessary permits or install required erosion and sediment controls. Consequently, stormwater runoff generated during these activities entered the Río Cañas—a tributary of the Río Culebrinas—carrying harmful pollutants and affecting water quality.
In response to these violations, the EPA also issued an administrative order by consent requiring TRA to take corrective measures including:
- Stabilizing soil and controlling erosion.
- Amending their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
- Amending their application under the EPA’s Construction General Permit (CGP).
- Submitting plans identifying stormwater collection and management systems.
- Submitting progress reports.
The Federal Clean Water Act prohibits discharging pollutants into U.S. waters without a valid permit.
For more information about the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, visit their website.
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