EPA v. Municipality of Lajas

Case summary

EPA entered into an RCRA Administrative Order on Consent (Order) with the Municipality regarding the operation and closure of its solid waste landfill in Lajas Puerto Rico. The Order includes a determination by the EPA Regional Administrator that, based on receipt of evidence and information, the past and present handling and disposal of solid wastes at the Facility may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to health and the environment and that issuance of this Order is necessary to protect public health and the environment. Among other requirements, the Order mandates: i) immediate and ongoing operational requirements such as the placement of daily cover, reduction of fugitive dust, ensuring adequate security to restrict unauthorized access, and inspecting incoming loads to ensure that prohibited waste streams (i.e., hazardous waste, liquid waste and recyclable materials) are not disposed of in the Landfill; ii) the implementation of an EPA approved plan to remediate (safely grade) the existing steep slopes; iii) the implementation of a comprehensive Municipality wide recycling and composting program which will have the effect of reducing the amount of waste being disposed of in the Landfill.

Defendants (1)

• Municipality of LajasNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• LAJAS MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL

  CARR 303, KM 6.8, LAJAS, PR, 00667

  Registry ID: 110055172726

• MUNICIPALITY OF LAJAS LANDFILL

  PR-303 KM 6.7 SANTA ROSA LLL WARD, LAJAS, PR, 00667

  Registry ID: 110055172726

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3002 — Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste
• RCRA 7003 — Imminent Order: Solid or Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Municipality of Lajasentered 2014-09-23

  Primary law: RCRA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2014-02-26Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2014-09-23Final Order Issued
• 2014-09-23Enforcement Action Closed