The Borinquen Containers Corporation, based in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, has agreed to comply with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) order to address violations of the Clean Air Act at its facility. The company, which produces corrugated cardboard and fiber drums, failed to properly permit, operate, and test boilers as required by law.

"By not properly testing and operating its boilers, Borinquen Containers Corporation potentially exposed people to harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides," said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Nearby residents initially flagged possible violations. EPA inspected the facility and with this order on consent is ensuring that the violations are corrected."

The agreement between the company and the EPA is known as an Administrative Order of Consent. It mandates compliance with emissions standards under both federal and Puerto Rican regulations.

Residents had complained about black smoke emanating from the facility. An inspection revealed that necessary tests for boiler functionality were not conducted.

In October 2023, a Notice of Violation was issued by the EPA citing eight issues:

- Operating without a necessary permit.

- Failing to apply for a permit before constructing two boilers.

- Not submitting annual certification reports from 2018 to 2022.

- Not conducting annual tests or recording results for boiler stacks.

- Neglecting required tune-up tests for two boilers every six months.

Borinquen Containers Corporation has until February 15, 2025, to implement pollution control measures and reduce emissions. A final compliance report must be submitted by April 30, 2025. Failure to comply could result in fines exceeding $120,000 per day for each violation.

For more information on EPA’s compliance monitoring efforts visit: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-compliance-monitoring.