EPA v. Puerto Rico Dept of Environmental and Natural Resources (Boqueron Recreational and Vacation Center)

Case summary

On September 30, 2026, CEPD issued an Administrative Compliance Order (ACO) and Request for Information to the Puerto Rico Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DNER), as the owner and/or operator of two WWTPs located at the Boqueron beach recreational complex in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. During two compliance inspections performed in July 2025 and April 2026, CEPD found the Boqueron WWTPs out of service and discharging untreated sanitary wastewater into the Rincon Lagoon. The ACO alleges that DNER's failure to comply with key conditions of its NPDES Permit and its unauthorized discharges of sewage into the Rincon Lagoon constitute violations of Sections 301(a) and 402 of the CWA, and applicable implementing regulations. CEPD ordered DNER to immediately cease the unpermitted discharge of pollutants into the receiving waterbody, contain and haul the sewage generated by the Boqueron WWTPs to a PR Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) WWTP, provide information about the hauling activities and the details of a proposed project to connect the Boqueron WWTPs to the PRASA system.

Defendants (2)

• PR Dept of Environmental and Natural ResourcesNamed in settlement
• Boqueron Recreational and Vacation CenterNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

  BOQUERON WARD, CABO ROJO, PR, 00623

  Registry ID: 110009815218

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• PR Dept of Environmental and Natural Resources (Boqueron Recreational and Vacation Center)entered 2026-09-30

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2026-09-30Final Order Issued
• 2026-10-07Enforcement Action Data Entered