Judith Enck, Regional Administrator of Region 2 visits Puerto Rico

On February 4th, 2010, a host of environmentalists had the opportunity to meet the new Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She was appointed to this position on November 5, 2009. The states and territories included in Region 2 are New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven federally recognized Indian Nations. Region 2 oversees programs, initiatives, and issues related to air and water pollution, industrial discharges, toxic substances, pesticides, protection of streams, lakes and the ocean, solid and hazardous wastes, the cleanup of chemical spills and abandoned hazardous waste sites, and much more. This meeting presented the unique opportunity for representatives from Sea Grant UPRM, Sierra Club PR, CORALations, UPR-Rio Piedras, local EPA representatives, Cuidadanos Del Karso, Asociación Nacional de Derecho Ambiental, Inter American University, and more to meet Mrs. Enck and discuss the many environmental issues plaguing the island.

The issues raised illuminated a harsh reality of the numerous problems affecting Puerto Rico’s natural resources. Most of the issues addressed were related to water quality problems, i.e. waste treatment plant inefficiencies, wetland and watershed destruction, the disposal of coal ash, karst degradation groundwater pollution, and air quality problems, ie. degraded air quality from coal-fired power-plants, downwind exposure, and unexploded ordinance and health effects (just to name a few). After the round table discussion, Judith interrupted the glum feeling that surrounded the table after listing these numerous problems with a few positive notes. She mentioned that she will do everything in her power, including working with major politicians to pass through congress a ‘bottle bill’ (aka container deposit laws) that have been a proven, sustainable method of collecting bottles and cans for recycling. Typically, the refund value of the bottle or can is 5 or 10 cents, which provides a monetary incentive to return the item for recycling. Mrs. Enck mentioned that she would want a 10 cent incentive. Everyone in the room agreed that this would be a great way to curb the prolific littering that inundates the roadways and beaches around the island principally consisting of plastic and glass containers.

EPA fines 6 towns over stormwater handling

As reported by John Marino for Caribbean Business

marino@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed complaints against six island municipalities for failing to comply with federal Clean Water Act requirements related to stormwater management for small municipal sewer systems.

The six municipalities, which face a total $291,177 in fines, are: Cayey, Hatillo, Las Piedras, Loíza, Río Grande and Toa Alta.

“In order to prevent harmful discharges from their sewer systems, EPA is forcing these six municipalities to comply with federal clean water laws,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou. “Discharges from small municipal sewer systems can contaminate drinking water and recreational waterways, impairing these valuable resources.”

EPA ordered the municipalities to comply with stormwater requirements for sewer systems earlier this year after they were unable to provide evidence to EPA of compliance following a request in 2007.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, established under the federal Clean Water Act, controls water pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants to waters in the United States. Municipalities are required to apply for NPDES permit coverage in order to operate the sewer systems, EPA officials said. Under this permit, operators are required to develop and implement a stormwater management program to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable to protect water quality. A total of 70 municipalities in Puerto Rico are currently subject to these requirements.

Municipal stormwater discharges are of concern because they often contain high concentrations of pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, oil, litter and sediments, EPA officials said. Stormwater runoff picks up and transports untreated pollutants into waterways. Municipal stormwater discharges can result in the destruction of habitat, fish mortality, and contamination of drinking water supplies and recreational waterways.

The breakdown in fines are: Cayey, $48,920; Hatillo, $48,071; Las Piedras, $47,738; Loíza, $47,409; Río Grande, $49,393; and Toa Alta, $49,646.

EPA’s ocean survey vessel open to public in Mayaguez this Thursday!!!

“The waters around Puerto Rico are some of the most ecologically-significant in the world, so protecting their health is a priority for EPA,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou. For nearly two weeks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will study water, reefs and marine habitats in the Caribbean Sea around Puerto Rico.

At stops in San Juan and Mayaguez, the public will be able to tour the OSV BOLD to learn about how EPA scientists conduct their research. On Feb. 19, the ship will be docked at the Mayaguez Port Authority Dock and will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

I think this is a rare and unique educational opportunity to see what the EPA is doing with our waters and the technology being used. Check out this link for more information.