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EPA orders Marisco Ltd. to correct Clean Water Act violations to protect coastal waters / Kapolei facility lacks proper run-off controls

Release Date: 03/30/2009
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, [email protected]

(03/30/09) HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Marisco Ltd. to comply with Clean Water Act requirements at its ship repair and drydock facilities at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor in Kapolei.

The company failed to implement water pollution controls outlined in its discharge permit at its main ship repair facility and the “Lil’ Perris” drydock facility, both located at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor.

"This company needs to promptly correct its violations and improve pollution controls at both the ship repair and dry dock facilities," said Alexis Strauss, Water Division director for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. "Ship repair facilities must have pollution controls in place to protect our coastal waters and coral reefs."

In December, EPA inspectors found the company at its main facility failed to have proper stormwater run-off controls and secondary containment for stormwater run-off. Workers were observed washing down work areas directly into the harbor, and concrete from cement mixing was seen overflowing into the harbor. Marisco has not had a valid discharge permit for this facility since October 2007.

At Marisco’s drydock, inspectors found the company did not maintain required records, was not properly taking water samples, did not have an updated best management plan for controlling stormwater runoff, was not implementing stormwater controls, was allowing sand blast grit to spill around the facility, and did not have spill containment for used oil drums.

The EPA’s order requires the company to correct all stormwater control issues; repair berms, curbs and dikes to prevent uncontrolled stormwater discharges; submit revised stormwater best management plans; stop any pressure washing at the facilities until a control plan is submitted and approved; and submit all required records and reports required by the discharge permit.

If the company fails to comply with the order, it could face fines of up to $37,500 per day per violation.

For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/region09/water/ports/

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