A recent inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) at the Puerto Nuevo Terminals in San Juan, Puerto Rico, revealed a significant safety violation involving over 5,000 gallons of hazardous anhydrous ammonia. This discovery has raised serious concerns about the facility’s compliance with federal safety regulations, particularly following a previous order prohibiting the handling of such materials due to inadequate firefighting capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- The USCG found over 5,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia at Puerto Nuevo Terminals.
- The facility was previously prohibited from handling hazardous materials due to safety concerns.
- Violations could lead to severe penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.
Discovery of Hazardous Cargo
During a routine inspection on March 26, 2025, a team of three Marine Science Technicians from the Coast Guard identified three tank containers at the terminal, one of which contained the illegal shipment of anhydrous ammonia. This substance is known for its toxicity and flammability, commonly used in industrial applications such as detergents, pesticides, and fertilizers.
The inspection was part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety and compliance at the port facility, which has faced scrutiny for its inability to meet necessary safety standards. Following the discovery, an interagency team, including personnel from various federal agencies, conducted a thorough sweep of the terminal to check for additional hazardous materials.
Previous Safety Orders
On February 27, 2025, the Coast Guard issued a Captain of the Port Order explicitly prohibiting Puerto Nuevo Terminals from handling certain hazardous materials, including anhydrous ammonia. This order was a response to the facility’s lack of adequate firefighting capabilities, which are crucial for managing hazardous cargo safely. The order mandates that facilities handling such materials must have fire hydrants every 300 feet and sufficient water supply, as per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.
Despite these regulations, the recent findings indicate a blatant disregard for safety protocols, prompting the Coast Guard to initiate an investigation into the matter.
Potential Consequences
Violating a Captain of the Port Order carries serious repercussions. Under federal law, non-compliance can result in civil penalties of up to $117,608 per violation per day. Furthermore, willful violations are classified as a Class D felony, which can lead to imprisonment for up to six years and fines reaching $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for organizations.
The Coast Guard has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that hazardous materials are handled in compliance with federal laws to protect the local population and prevent catastrophic incidents that could disrupt maritime operations vital to Puerto Rico’s economy.
Conclusion
The discovery of hazardous anhydrous ammonia at Puerto Nuevo Terminals underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations in the handling of dangerous materials. As the investigation unfolds, the Coast Guard and other federal agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance and safeguard public safety.
Sources
- US Coast Guard Finds Illegal Hazardous Cargo At Puerto Neuvo Port, Marine Insight.
- Coast Guard inspection team reveals hazardous cargo threatening safety, security of Puerto Nuevo Terminals port facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico > United States Coast Guard News, USCG News (.mil).
- USCG Finds Hazardous Ammonia at Puerto Rico Terminal Violating Safety Order, The Maritime Executive.
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