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EPA Orders PRASA To Stop Raw Sewage Discharges from Carolina, Seeks Fine

Release Date: 03/03/1998
Contact Information:

(98013) San Juan, P.R. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) to immediately take measures to stop discharging raw sewage from a bypass line near the entrance of its Villa Carolina Ejector Station (a tributary station to the Carolina Sewage Treatment Plant). The Agency has also ordered PRASA to institute an immediate ban on new connections to sewers in the service area of this station. In addition, EPA has proposed a penalty of $137,500 for these violations.

"Raw sewage discharges are not only extremely unpleasant, they are unhealthy and the people of Puerto Rico deserve better," said EPA Region 2 Administrator, Jeanne M. Fox. "For the most part, these discharges can be avoided if the wastewater system is well-maintained. Raw sewage discharges should not occur and the Agency will carefully examine such cases and consider the best action to require, including connection bans."

As a result of reports from citizens, EPA inspected the Villa Carolina Ejector Station on January 27, 1998. The inspection revealed that the equipment necessary to handle flow to the station was not operational and there was a back-up of raw sewage in the entrance channel. A review of PRASA's records showed that since October 1997, raw sewage had bypassed the station and was being discharged directly into an unnamed stream adjacent to the station. These discharges are in violation of the federal Clean Water Act.

The Order requires PRASA to immediately cease all discharges of raw sewage into the stream and eliminate the bypass line at the station. PRASA must also submit a plan, within 5 days, outlining a schedule to make all necessary permanent repairs. These repairs must be completed within 30 days. The Order bans PRASA from accepting new connections to the plant until all repairs are made and are acceptable to EPA.

For more information contact:
Mary Mears, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3669 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: [email protected]