Clean Water Violations: EPA Reaches Settlement with Massachusetts Construction Companies
Construction companies in Massachusetts are paying up after an investigation showed the companies did not obtain proper permits for stormwater discharge.
The EPA has announced that it has reached settlements with seven Massachusetts construction companies for violations of stormwater regulations that serve to reduce pollution from construction runoff.
All construction sites one acre or larger, with the potential to discharge stormwater to surface waters, are required to obtain coverage under EPA's General Permit for Discharges from Construction Activities, comply with the terms of the permit, and thereby minimize sediment discharges. The dirt and sediment carried off construction sites can damage aquatic habitats, contribute to algal blooms and physically clog streams and pipes.
"It's imperative that developers get permit coverage and implement erosion controls to protect communities' clean water," said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Szaro in a press release. "EPA is committed to working with developers so that they can be good stewards for the benefit of the local communities they serve and for New England's coastal waters."
Under the settlements, which can be found detailed in a press release, the seven companies agreed to pay penalties for their noncompliance and, where applicable, obtain permit coverage and follow the terms of their permits for discharging stormwater.