EPA v. Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)

Case summary

The Respondent notified EPA in a letter dated February 25, 2013, that it is seeking temporary authorization to install and operate a new treatment unit utilizing reverse osmosis technology, which will generate backwash and brine wastewater discharges. The Respondent is currently authorized to discharge 1,156 million gallons per day (MGD) through Outfall 001. The Respondent requested authorization from EPA to install the new treatment technology and discharge brine and backwash wastewater through a new internal Outfall 001I in order to reach the external Outfall 001 to Guayanilla Bay. The Respondent will install the Reverse Osmosis unit and temporarily discharge the additional wastewater, as this will reduce the usage of Sulfuric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide that are currently used in the demineralizer plant that will be replaced by the new units, and the mixed beds will remain as polisher units only. The operation of the equipment will also result in fewer chemicals used at the facility waste water treatment plant. Monitoring of this outfall is required in the AOC.

Defendants (1)

• Puerto Rico Electric Power AuthorityNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• PUERTO RICO ELECTRIC PWR AUTH- COSTA

  COSTA SUR PLANT, GUAYANILLA, PR, 00731

  Registry ID: 110009309596

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)entered 2014-03-20

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2014-03-20Final Order Issued
• 2014-03-20Enforcement Action Closed
• 2014-03-20NPDES Closed
• 2014-03-26Enforcement Action Data Entered