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EPA Cites Concrete Companies for Stormwater Violations

Release Date: 1/4/2000
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cited three concrete companies for allegedly discharging untreated stormwater runoff into the Washington, D.C. storm sewer system, which in turn discharges into the Anacostia River.

In separate administrative complaints, EPA alleged that the companies -- Opportunity Concrete Corp. of Washington, D.C.; Maryland Rock Industries, Inc., Sparks, Md.; and Driggs Corporation, Capital Heights, Md. -- violated requirements of the federal Clean Water Act to control pollution from stormwater discharges at industrial sites. Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from industrial and construction sites often contains pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, and oxygen-demanding compounds.

"Urban storm water runoff is a major cause of pollution in America’s rivers and streams. These complaints show EPA’s commitment to restore the environmental health of the Anacostia River," said EPA Regional Administrator Bradley Campbell.

Under the Clean Water Act, cement companies cannot discharge stormwater runoff into waterways without a permit from EPA, which ensures the companies take pollution-reducing safeguards such as oil spill prevention, storage of bulk materials, housekeeping practices, and employee training about environmental requirements.

EPA is seeking a $33,000 penalty against Opportunity Concrete for discharging untreated runoff from its ready-mixed concrete manufacturing operation at 1601 S. Capitol St., SW, without a required permit. On two separate instances, EPA inspectors observed the company discharging stormwater and runoff from its industrial activities (including truck washing) into municipal storm sewers.

EPA also seeks a $33,000 penalty against Driggs Corp., the owners and operators of a concrete recycling business at 1721 South Capitol Street, SW, for discharging stormwater and process water without a proper permit onto South Capitol Street, where it enters the municipal storm sewer system.

Finally, EPA seeks an $8,200 penalty against Maryland Rock Industries, Inc. (a subsidiary of Florida Rock Industries, Inc.), which stores and processes sand and gravel at its Anacostia terminal, located at 2 'S' Street SW, Washington, D.C. EPA alleges the company did not comply with certain provisions of its Clean Water Act permit requiring it to minimize the discharge of solids such as sand and fine rock dust from its facility to the storm sewer and the Anacostia River.

The parties cited in these complaints have the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalties.