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: 

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.

​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.

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.

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.

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. 🌎

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.

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.

​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 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!

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.

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.

​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.

​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.

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!

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​.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!