IEMES, P.S.C.
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Supporting Future Leaders in Waste Management: A Collaboration with University of Richmond Students

6/2/2025

 
At CHESIEMES Group, we believe in the power of education and collaboration across all levels. That’s why we were excited to recently support a group of sophomore students from the University of Richmond, Jasmin Aberle and Emerson de Leon Álvarez working on a project for their biology class titled "Pollution & Waste Management in Puerto Rico."
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As part of their research, the students explored the complexities of waste management on the island, analyzing environmental hazards such as open dumping, landfill overcapacity, limited recycling, and the presence of hazardous materials. They also explored the challenges of enforcement and funding at both local and federal levels.

In their efforts to deepen their understanding, they reached out to Kristyn Oldendorf of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and highlighted her insights on ongoing education efforts, pollution awareness strategies, and the emerging risks associated with PFAS. This was particularly meaningful to us, as our own team has been involved in founding and actively supporting the SWANA Caribbean Chapter and many of the educational initiatives she referenced.

Their presentation also highlighted our firm’s recent participation in Puerto Rico’s Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Plan as well as our ongoing efforts in capacity-building and sustainability through projects like Educating Educators on Technology and Climate Resilience.

We're proud to share their work and to know that the next generation of environmental professionals is actively engaging with real-world issues. You can view their full presentation here: 
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Supporting Innovation & Growth: SH&E Projects at the "Emprende, Comunica & Crece" Business Workshop

5/28/2025

 
On April 30, 2025, the Business Workshop “Emprende, Comunica & Crece” was held at the Ángel “Lito” Peña Arts Center in Humacao, Puerto Rico. This event was a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs aiming to strengthen their skills in today’s competitive business environment.
Representing SH&E Projects, Inc., Aurimar Rodríguez Morales—our very own team member and a doctoral student with a strong background in accounting and public relations—shared her insights on three key pillars covered during the workshop: entrepreneurship, communication, and growth. The entrepreneurship segment focused on identifying market opportunities and building sustainable business models. Communication, a cornerstone for effectively connecting with clients, was addressed through branding strategies and the use of digital platforms.
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The heart of the workshop centered around business growth. Participants explored scalability and sustainability strategies, as well as the need for ongoing innovation. The event also offered meaningful networking opportunities, connecting professionals and entrepreneurs across sectors.
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Auri had the honor of presenting on behalf of SH&E Projects, discussing the importance of proper operating permits to legally conduct business in Puerto Rico. She walked participants through the types of permits required and the processes for obtaining them efficiently.



This event represents a key milestone for SH&E Projects, which—supported by our team—will begin taking on greater responsibility in delivering operating permitting services by 2026. As our firms continue to grow together, this transition will allow us to diversify, specialize, and better serve the evolving needs of our clients.
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We thank everyone who made this event a success and reaffirm our commitment to empowering professionals who are shaping Puerto Rico’s sustainable future.

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-Translated from:-
El Taller Empresarial: Emprende, Comunica & Crece se llevó a cabo el 30 de abril de 2025 en el Centro de Arte Angel "Lito" Peña en Humacao, PR. Este evento fue una valiosa oportunidad para emprendedores que buscaban fortalecer sus habilidades en un entorno empresarial competitivo.
Desde mi perspectiva como estudiante de doctorado con experiencia en contabilidad y relaciones públicas, el taller se centró en tres ejes fundamentales: emprendimiento, comunicación y crecimiento. En la sección de emprendimiento, se discutieron estrategias para identificar oportunidades de mercado y desarrollar modelos de negocio sostenibles. La comunicación, esencial para establecer conexiones efectivas con el público, se exploró a través de técnicas para construir una marca sólida y utilizar plataformas digitales.
El crecimiento fue el objetivo central del evento. Se abordaron estrategias de escalabilidad y sostenibilidad, así como la importancia de la innovación constante. Los asistentes también tuvieron la oportunidad de hacer networking, creando vínculos significativos con otros profesionales y emprendedores.
Tuve el honor de representar a SH&E Projects, Inc. y compartir mis conocimientos sobre la importancia de los permisos para operar legalmente en Puerto Rico. Presenté información sobre los diferentes tipos de permisos y el proceso para su obtención eficiente.
En resumen, el taller proporcionó herramientas valiosas para quienes desean avanzar en sus trayectorias empresariales. Agradezco a todos los que participaron y contribuyeron al éxito de este evento.
- Aurimar Rodríguez Morales

Highlighting April 2025: Leadership in Environmental Compliance, Risk Management, and Sustainability

4/25/2025

 
​At CHESIEMES Group, our commitment to sustainability and environmental risk management continues to shape our presence on key industry platforms. This month of April 2025, our lead engineer, who also serves as President of the Risk, Emergency and Disaster Management Commission (CMRED) and has served as Past President of the Environmental Engineers Institute (IIAM, in Spanish) at the Professional College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (CIAPR, in Spanish), Hanna Rodríguez, PE, CSP, was invited to speak at two major events that reflect the scope and depth of our firm’s capabilities.
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At the 2025 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference, hosted by the Center for Watershed Protection, Hanna shared practical lessons from our team’s on-the-ground experience with Construction General Permits (CGP) and Multi-Sector General Permits (MSGP). Her session, titled “Adapting Stormwater Compliance to a Changing Climate: Lessons from CGP and MSGP Implementation in Tropical Watersheds”, emphasized the importance of tailoring stormwater compliance strategies to Puerto Rico’s unique climate challenges—highlighting our firm’s role in promoting sustainable watershed management through real-world applications.
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​The experience served for productive and engaging dialogue with colleagues, focusing on a concept our team is interested in evaluating for the future: the potential of stormwater infrastructure as a utility.

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As a newly certified Sustainability Practitioner, Hanna also engaged in the "Environmental Emergencies and Sustainability: Road Map for Prevention" forum, hosted by Access All Services at the Aloft Hotel in San Juan. This event allowed for direct networking with other professionals committed to advancing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) goals, and it further strengthened our team's capacity to deliver forward-thinking, sustainable solutions for our clients.

Most recently, the educational event "Cada Segundo Cuenta en el Manejo de una Emergencia", organized by the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce this past Thursday, April 24, 2025, Hanna participated in the panel on Mental Health and Risk Management. Representing both our firms and the CIAPR CMRED, she offered insight into how our multidisciplinary team integrates emergency preparedness, disaster response, and occupational health protocols to support public and private sector resilience.
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From stormwater solutions to strategic emergency planning, these events showcased our team’s leadership in shaping safer, sustainable, and climate-adaptive practices—true to our mission of delivering integrated environmental engineering and risk management services across Puerto Rico and beyond. At CHESIEMES Group, we remain committed to preparing our communities and industries for a resilient and sustainable future, one project and one conversation at a time. 🌎

Educating Educators on Technology and Climate Resilience for the Caribbean Classroom

4/15/2025

 
In February 2025, our firm had the honor of participating in the 2nd Congreso de Educación Ambiental, Cambio Climático y Desarrollo Sostenible (2nd Congress on Environmental Education, Climate Change and Sustainable Development), hosted by the University of Puerto Rico’s Faculty of Education. Representing our team, Environmental Engineer and CIAPR Commission President Hanna K. Rodríguez Morales led an engaging session titled:

“Innovación Tecnológica y Adaptación al Cambio Climático: Oportunidades y Retos para Puerto Rico y el Caribe.”
“Technological Innovation and Adaptation to Climate Change: Opportunities and Challenges for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.”

🎯 The goal: To empower Puerto Rico’s K-12 educators with real-world tools and examples that can inspire environmental awareness and climate resilience in their classrooms.​
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From Google Earth Timelapse to NOAA storm imagery and platforms like EPA’s MyEnvironment, the session bridged engineering expertise with accessible teaching strategies. Participants explored how artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and supercomputing are already being used to model hurricanes, monitor coastal erosion, and evaluate infrastructure vulnerabilities — all with implications for science, geography, and civics education in our archipelago.
Key highlights from the presentation included:
  • 🛰️ Using satellite imagery to reflect on post-hurricane impacts.
  • 🔍 STEM projects around temperature changes and air quality.
  • 🌱 Exploring how AI and renewable energy fit into lessons on sustainable development.
  • 🔧Ideas for drone-based environmental monitoring and community modeling.
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Educators walked away with strategies to integrate climate data, spatial tools, and innovative technologies into their daily teaching, aligned with UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development goals.
💡As engineers committed to advancing education and environmental resilience, the CHESIEMES Team believes in educating educators — because building climate-ready communities starts in the classroom.
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As always, we appreciate the opportunities to expand our reach and share knowledge, in this case we acknowledge Ricardo Arzuaga Chaves, Executive Director, UNA-USA Puerto Rico, and Keyla Soto Hidalgo, MSEM, PhD, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Education Faculty for their consideration and hard work in the Congress.

Celebrating 45 Years of Fernando L. Rodríguez, PE & Associates (FLRA)/CHES Services Corp

3/1/2025

 

A Legacy of Environmental Excellence

​As we mark the 45th anniversary of FLRA/CHES Services Corp, we reflect on our journey from a one-man consulting firm to a leading environmental engineering company. Founded in 1980, our mission has always been to provide reliable and effective environmental services to a diverse range of clients.
Our Achievements:
  • Environmental Assessments: Conducting comprehensive Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for commercial and industrial facilities.
  • Waste Treatability Studies: Establish a unique pilot scale laboratory developing reliable design parameters for industrial waste stream surging at a variety of industrial facilities.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Offering strategic environmental planning and regulatory compliance advisory services.
  • Innovative Solutions: Implementing cutting-edge waste management and pollution control systems.
  • Training and Education: Providing accredited training programs in hazardous wastes and materials, asbestos and lead-based paint materials, as well as environmental management systems assessments and auditing.
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​Our team of experienced professionals has been instrumental in driving our success, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had on the environment and our communities. As we look to the future, we remain committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in all our endeavors.

Thank you to everyone, associates and clients, who has been part of our journey. Here's to many more years of making a difference!

From Waste Characterization to Sustainable Solutions: Our Role in Puerto Rico’s ISWM Plan

2/7/2025

 
At CHESIEMES Group, we are committed to advancing data-driven environmental solutions. Following our involvement in the Puerto Rico Waste Characterization Study (published by DNER), we are now working alongside key stakeholders in the development of the island’s Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Plan.

This plan, led by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER/DRNA), is a crucial step toward improving waste management infrastructure, reducing landfill dependence, and increasing recycling and circular economy efforts across Puerto Rico's archipelago.
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📢 How can you get involved?
To ensure public participation, DRNA has launched a new website: www.menosbasura.com, where residents and stakeholders can review the plan and provide feedback through an online survey.

📌 Deadline: March 21, 2025
🎁 Completing the survey also gives participants a chance to win a $100 gift card!
 
Your input will help shape sustainable waste policies and ensure that Puerto Rico moves toward a cleaner, more efficient waste management system. Direct link to survey:
  • Español: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/WGT39NH
  • English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2B58KTK

Visit www.menosbasura.com to learn more and have your voice heard!
 
We encourage businesses, communities, and industry leaders to engage in this process—public input is essential to making the ISWM Plan a success! ♻️🌍

WASTECON 2024: Our Advisory Board Representative’s Key Takeaways

11/13/2024

 
At IEMES, we take pride in the active roles our team members play in the advancement of the environmental and waste management sectors. Our representative on the SWANA Caribbean Chapter Advisory Board, Eng. Hanna Rodríguez Morales, recently attended WASTECON 2024, where she not only represented our firm’s commitment to leadership in waste management but also engaged in crucial learning and networking opportunities.

Deep Dive into PFAS Training

One of the major highlights of her WASTECON experience was participating in an intensive training course on PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). This training provided an in-depth look at the environmental and health impacts of PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," and the latest strategies for their detection, management, and mitigation in the waste industry. With increasing public concern and regulatory scrutiny around PFAS, this knowledge will be essential as IEMES continues to advise our clients on compliance and sustainable waste management practices.
For more details about the PFAS training session offered at WASTECON, you can check out SWANA’s course outline here.

Focus on Safety and Innovation in Waste Management

​During the conference, our representative attended sessions focusing on safety in the solid waste industry and new technologies reshaping waste management practices. These sessions highlighted cutting-edge tools and safety protocols that are helping industry professionals improve operational efficiency while protecting workers and the environment. With safety always a priority at IEMES, these insights will play a role in our ongoing commitment to promoting best practices in the field.

Building Connections with Key Stakeholders

​WASTECON 2024 provided a unique platform to connect with agency personnel from Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), as well as other professionals across the industry. By fostering relationships with these local regulators, industry leaders, and potential private clients, we’re strengthening our network and enhancing our ability to serve communities and businesses throughout the Caribbean.

Moving Forward

The experience at WASTECON 2024 has equipped our representative with new knowledge, expanded networks, and actionable insights that will help IEMES lead in the waste management sector. As our firm continues to evolve and expand our services, we’re proud to have dedicated team members who are committed to learning, connecting, and driving positive change in our industry.
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on IEMES’s involvement in industry-leading events and initiatives!

Our team on the media on EPA Lead and Copper Rule Revisions

10/24/2024

 
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This week, our very own Fernando L. Rodríguez Ocasio and Carmen M. Figueroa Santiago, key figures in the chemical and environmental engineering sector in Puerto Rico, took to the media to discuss the implications of the new EPA Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The new regulation, as we have informed relevant clients that operate Potable Water Systems (PWSs), aims to tighten controls on lead levels in drinking water, ensuring safer public health standards. 

Their insights, aired on TV and featured in written press coverage, demonstrated our team's expertise and commitment to public health. Both Fernando and Carmen highlighted the significant changes introduced by the rule and the impact these adjustments will have on monitoring and replacing lead-containing service lines across Puerto Rico.

Their media presence was supported by our in-house PR coach, Aurimar Rodríguez Morales, who guided them in delivering their technical insights in a way that resonates with the broader audience. We are proud of their contribution to an essential discussion on safeguarding water quality, reaffirming our role as a trusted voice in environmental compliance and public safety​.

Article on "El Nuevo Día"
To view the TV interview featuring our team members discussing this critical topic, check out the video linked below, starting around minute 27: Watch Here.
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We’re Proud to Announce Our WOSB Certification: Advancing Opportunities and Sustainability Together

10/3/2024

 

We are excited to share some fantastic news!

Our firm, IEMES, PSC, has officially been certified as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). 

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This designation marks a significant milestone for us, reflecting our commitment to diversity, excellence, and leadership in the environmental compliance and engineering consulting sectors.​This certification not only recognizes our firm's position as a woman-owned and operated business but also opens up a wealth of opportunities for both our company and our clients. It aligns with broader goals of promoting equity, sustainability, and responsible business practices, which are critical to addressing today's environmental and societal challenges.

​What is WOSB Certification and Why Does it Matter?

The SBA's Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program is designed to help women entrepreneurs access federal contracting opportunities and level the playing field in traditionally male-dominated industries. Businesses with WOSB status are eligible to compete for federal contracts that are specifically set aside for women-owned firms, creating opportunities to contribute to large-scale projects and initiatives.

​How WOSB Certification Benefits Our Clients

As a WOSB-certified company, we are uniquely positioned to provide our current and future clients with significant advantages:
  • Enhanced Collaboration on ESG Goals:
    ​Working with a certified WOSB supports your organization's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in your supply chain.
  • Meeting Supplier Diversity Goals: Many companies and organizations prioritize partnering with diverse suppliers, including women-owned businesses, to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and sustainability. By choosing us, our clients can take meaningful steps toward achieving their supplier diversity objectives.

Looking Ahead:
​What This Means for Current and Future Clients

This certification solidifies our standing as a trusted partner for both private and public sector clients. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your commitment to ESG principles, meet supplier diversity goals, or access federal projects requiring WOSB participation, our team is here to help you succeed.
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As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our core values:
  • Providing exceptional environmental compliance services to help our clients navigate complex regulations and sustainability challenges.
  • Leveraging our WOSB status to create new opportunities for collaboration.
  • Supporting global goals for equity, sustainability, and community resilience.

​We look forward to continuing to grow and innovate while providing value to our clients through this exciting new chapter. Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this journey together!


​Partner with Us Today

​If you’d like to learn more about how our WOSB certification can benefit your organization or how we can support your compliance, sustainability, or ESG initiatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can build a more sustainable and inclusive future for everyone.

Start planning your 2025 with us: ​

How our Team Continues to Assist Clients in Navigating the local Joint Permits Regulation

8/6/2024

 
In light of the recent changes to Puerto Rico’s Joint Permits Regulation1, our team at IEMES, PSC is more committed than ever to helping businesses navigate the complexities of operational permits. The revised regulation, which came into effect on January 2, 2021, continues to recognize the need for an integrated approach to government approvals.

Our team acknowledges that the cornerstone of this regulation is the Single Permit (“Permiso Único-PU”), required for new or existing buildings with non-residential uses to start or continue operations. As we had informed some years ago in a blog post, this permit encompasses a range of approvals, including Use Certifications, Categorical Exclusion or applicable environmental document, Fire Prevention Certification, Health Licenses, and any other license or authorization required for the operation of the activity or use of the business.

In addition to the Single Permit (PU), we are also equipped to assist with the "Permiso Único Incidental (PUI)", a permit that integrates the Control, Erosion, and Sedimentation Plan (Plan CES) and the 3R Plan (Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling) for construction projects. These plans require recurring inspections or analyses for reporting to agencies, and our team is ready to support our clients in these tasks.

Whether you operate a high-traffic volume office, a telecommunications facility, a commercial facility, or even the first urban micro-distillery in Puerto Rico, our team is up-to-date with the requirements for a diverse range of operations. We are here to help you identify the necessary approvals for your activity or operation, ensuring a compliant beginning or continuation of operations.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
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    Authors

    Fernando L. Rodríguez, PE, SC
    Hanna Rodríguez Morales, PE, SC
    Carmen M. Figueroa, PE, SC

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