The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a $50,000 fine on The Cliff Corp. and Grupo Caribe, LLC for violating the Clean Water Act during their construction project in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The violations occurred at an 86-villa development site in the Borinquen Ward, where the companies failed to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit requirements for stormwater discharges.
"Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can have serious consequences for both the environment and public health, jeopardizing safe fishing and swimming," stated EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "It's crucial to manage stormwater from construction sites consistent with the Clean Water Act to protect Puerto Rico’s waterways and communities."
The EPA discovered that The Cliff Corp. and Grupo Caribe, LLC commenced construction at the Cliff Villas Hotel and Country Club without securing necessary permits or implementing erosion control measures. This oversight allowed sediment and pollutants to be carried by stormwater into local water bodies, potentially affecting water quality.
In response to these findings, the EPA is mandating several corrective actions from the companies:
- Submission of a Notice of Intent permit application.
- Implementation of erosion and sediment controls.
- Regular site inspections to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act.
The EPA's inspection revealed that work began on-site without required authorization for stormwater discharge permits, alongside inadequate erosion control measures. Consequently, the companies must now devise a plan to manage stormwater runoff effectively and provide regular compliance reports detailing their progress in addressing these issues.
For more information about the EPA's construction general permit, interested parties are encouraged to visit the NPDES stormwater program website.