News Releases from Region 03

EPA and Fort Lincoln Retail Reach Settlement for Clean Water Act Violations

PHILADELPHIA (October 15, 2015) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Fort Lincoln Retail, LLC have reached a settlement over alleged violations of Clean Water Act regulations designed to protect America's waterways from polluted stormwater runoff.

Under an administrative consent agreement, the company will pay a $99,000 penalty to resolve violations involving stormwater runoff that flowed into the District of Columbia's storm sewer system and ultimately into the Anacostia River from the construction site of the Shops at Dakota Crossing at 3301 Fort Lincoln Drive, in Northeast Washington, DC.

EPA cited the company for failing to maintain erosion and sedimentation controls, protect storm drain inlets, and conduct and document required inspections.

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from construction sites often contains sediment, oil and grease, chemicals, and other pollutants. The Clean Water Act requires owners or operators of construction sites to obtain permit coverage before commencing construction. These permits include pollution-reducing "best management practices," such as material storage and coverage requirements, runoff reduction measures, and employee training.

As part of the settlement, the company did not admit liability for the alleged violations, but has stated that it is now in compliance with applicable Clean Water Act requirements.

For more information about EPA's construction storm water program, visit: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/stormwater/