EPA Settles with Parties on Puerto Rico Landfill Issues

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has settled with private and public officials to resolve air pollution issues at the landfill in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

The landfill’s owners and operators have agreed to make upgrades to the landfill that will protect the health of area residents and an adjacent wetland and national reserve. The EPA’s settled with Landfill Technologies of Arecibo, the city of Arecibo and the Puerto Rico Land Authority for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, according to a news release.

Under the agreement, Landfill Technologies and Arecibo will fund and implement a recycling program in the city and continue to collect and treat non-methane compounds from its landfill gas collection system.

In addition, Landfill Technologies will pay a $250,000 penalty and the Puerto Rico Land Authority and Arecibo will each pay $50,000 in penalties.

"Like many communities throughout Puerto Rico, Arecibo has a solid waste crisis," said Judith Enck, EPA regional administrator. "Too much waste is generated and not enough is being composted or recycled. With this agreement, less waste will be landfilled, protecting the environment and the health of area residents.”