EPA v. PRASA - Vega Baja Wastewater Treatment Plant

Case summary

Region 2 issued a CWA administrative order to the Respondent for its discharges of pollutants from its sanitary sewer system located in Vega Baja into waters of the United States without NPDES permit coverage. During an inspection performed on April 3, 2013, EPA observed several sanitary manholes discharging raw sewage in different locations into storm water drains which in turn discharge into the Puerto Nuevo Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The order requires the Respondent to, among other things, cease and desist the discharges of sewage from its sanitary sewer system into waters of the U.S., send EPA a daily certification stating that the sewage discharges have been stopped, and collect and transport the sewage to a wastewater treatment plant.

Defendants (1)

• Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer AuthorityNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• PRASA VEGA BAJA WWTP

  STATE ROAD #686, LOS NARANJOS WARD, VEGA BAJA, PR, 00693

  Registry ID: 110000561623

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations
• CWA 301 — NPDES Discharge without a Permit

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• PRASA - Vega Baja Wastewater Treatment Plantentered 2013-05-20

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2013-05-20Enforcement Action Closed
• 2013-05-20NPDES Closed
• 2013-05-20Final Order Issued
• 2013-06-18Enforcement Action Data Entered