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EPA cites construction company for storm water violations during construction of Christiana, Del. shopping mall

Release Date: 11/7/2005
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca (2150 814-5567
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited the Christiana Town Center LLC construction company and its owner, Frank Acierno, for Clean Water Act violations during the construction of the Christiana Town Center shopping mall in Christiana, New Castle County, Del.

EPA seeks a $157,500 penalty for the company’s alleged violation of requirements designed to reduce polluted storm water runoff from construction sites. Sediment-laden storm water runoff from this site flowed into Eagle Run, a tributary of the Christiana River.

According to EPA’s complaint, the Christiana Town Center LLC performed construction activities on the 137-acre site from April 2002 through September 2004 without implementing erosion control and storm water pollution prevention measures required by state and county authorities. Among other violations, the construction company allegedly failed to stabilize disturbed soil in construction areas; failed to stabilize construction entrances; and failed to properly maintain the site’s silt fence, sediment traps, and storm water management basin.

Improperly managed storm water runoff from construction sites often contains high levels of sediment and suspended solids, and may also contain oxygen-demanding compounds and other pollutants. Under the Clean Water Act, construction companies must get a permit for the discharge of storm water runoff into waterways. These permits outline requirements for controlling erosion and sediment and require precautionary measures such as spill prevention safeguards, material storage, and employee training.

The cited parties have the right to a hearing to contest the violations alleged in the complaint and the proposed penalty. For more information about pollution and storm water runoff from construction sites, visit https://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/const.cfm .