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EPA Cites 19 Contractors for Violating Stormwater Requirements in Puerto Rico

Release Date: 08/03/2004
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(#04124) San Juan, P.R. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has taken action against 19 contractors for violating the Clean Water Act at 32 construction sites in Puerto Rico. In March, 2004, EPA previously ordered the contractors to comply with federal requirements. EPA is now seeking a total of $287,000 because the contractors did not comply with its order. "Building without a proper permit is a violation of EPA's requirements," said Jane M. Kenny, EPA Regional Administrator. "These contractors did not do what we asked them to and now they must pay penalties. We will continue to enforce the law to protect public health and the environment." Rainwater that flows over construction sites picks up pollutants, such as sediment, debris and chemicals. This runoff harms and kills fish, destroys aquatic habitat, causes stream bank erosion and impacts Puerto Rico drinking water supplies. Operators of construction sites one acre or greater in size must obtain coverage under a general stormwater control permit issued by EPA in Puerto Rico. This permit requires the contractor to develop and implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan and certify that all work is being done in accordance with local rules for construction sites. The EPA is seeking penalties from the Puerto Rico Transportation and Highway Authority and the following contractors: 1. Construcciones Jose Carro SE, 2. Eng. Jose J. San Miguel, 3. Cabimar SE, 4. Carro &Carro, 5. Constructora Fortis, Inc., 6. I. Melendez, 7. DBA Construction, 8. Del Valle Group Engineers & Contractors, 9. Eng. Jaime Jimenez, 10. Gurimar Construction, 11. Kaiser Construction, 12. LP & D Construction Inc., 13. Leafar Construction, 14. L. Reyes Contractors, 15. Misener Construction, 16. MP Antilles Construction, 17. RioConstruction Corp., 18. Robles Asphalt Co., Tamrio Inc. 19. Unique Builders.