USDA fined in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been fined tens of thousands of dollars for alleged improper maintenance of underground storage tanks in Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the department has agreed to pay $30,000 in penalties. It also plans to remove fuel storage tanks in the coastal cities of Mayaguez and Isabela, where the agency operates tropical agriculture research stations.

EPA acting regional administrator George Pavlou said Friday that the department was cited for not carrying out required tests or providing corrosion protection, among other problems.