A San Diego-based naval ship repair and metal fabrication company said it will take several steps to prevent stormwater pollutants—particularly metals—from discharging into Chollas Creek in a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
This announcement comes after the EPA reached an Administrative Order on Consent with Pacific Repair & Fabrication Inc. over claims of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA) at the company’s San Diego Facility. The CWA requires that certain industrial facilities obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits to control the discharge of pollutants in stormwater runoff to water bodies.
"By completing facility upgrades, Pacific Ship Repair is taking the necessary steps to prevent further metal exceedances in stormwater discharges," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "Addressing pollution in stormwater is a vital part of the Clean Water Act. Enforcing noncompliance ensures safer, cleaner waterways."
According to the EPA, Industrial stormwater pollutants can impact water quality and aquatic life. Chollas Creek has been identified as impaired water under the CWA for metals, including copper and zinc.
Pacific Ship Repair exceeded levels for copper and zinc in its stormwater drainage on four occasions from 2016 to 2021, according to the EPA. The company agreed to resurface the entire facility, re-pipe the entire facility and continue with all ll existing best management practices, repaint the roofs of building on the property, and increase industrial sweeping to settle EPA claims.
The company will undergo a three-year monitoring period, according to the EPA.
