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!

Our team at CHES/IEMES is OK! (Thanks to all who have reached out.)
As you may already know, Hurricane Fiona brought relentless amounts of water and wind to the archipelago of Puerto Rico. Each member of our team has been accounted for and have been blessed with minimal damage, if any, to our properties.
Today, Tuesday, September 20th, 2022, we are all in the process of reaching out to our recurring clients/vendors and contemplating ways in which they all need our assistance. Already re-scheduling trainings yet scheduling necessary inspections or aid, if so necessary.
Our team is also involved in the Risk, Emergency, and Disaster Management Commission (CMRED, in Spanish) of the Professional College of Engineers and Land Surveyor (CIAPR, in Spanish), through which we will be coordinating aid events and efforts. The administration at CHES/IEMES is providing time, resources, and assistance to our team for assuring business continuity as well as opportunities for integration of such response or recovery efforts. 

This past weekend our team was able to enjoy the networking opportunities and required duties as leaders of some of the Institutes and Chapters within the Puerto Rico Professional College of Engineers and Surveyors (CIAPR, in Spanish). ​

Professional forums were on all of our team member's calendar las Friday, August 12th. From moderating sessions such as Climate Change and Services and Technological Applications, Hanna and Auri were able to show their support to continuing education regardless of profession or discipline.

Stephanie, Carmen, and Fernando joined Norma I. Torres, another great colleague who's part of the office team's history, at the Occupational Health and Safety module. Revisiting known concepts such as silica sampling and compliance, among other topics, our team was able to also enjoy networking and meeting up with respected colleagues. 

Our leader, Fernando, was once again exalted as Distinguished Colleague by the CIAPR Carolina Chapter. As a team, we are extremely proud of his achievements and all he has contributed to the Caribbean Region, engineering profession, chemical and environmental disciplines.

What our team has been up to these passed months?

Several months have passed since an update was provided on our Team. Needless to say, we have been busy!

We have been immersed in projects galore! Thanks to our clients, our team has been gaining and strengthening their expertise in permitting, design projects, operational, and compliance tasks. Extending our services passed our primary jurisdiction, Puerto Rico, we have been involved in international projects and project to continue expanding in 2022.
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Our certified and licensed engineers have continued their involvement in professional organizations such as the Professional College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (CIAPR, in Spanish) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Our administration is proud to announce that Ms. Stephanie Hall Laureano, EIT has assumed the position of Treasurer of the Chemical Engineers Institute (IIQ, in Spanish). Ms. Carmen Figueroa Santiago, PE continues her work with IIQ as well as the Humacao Chapter, while also leading the Risks, Emergency, and Emergency Management Commission (CMRED, in Spanish) of CIAPR. 
 
Being involved in initiatives focused on leading more resilient lives and sharing knowledge with our community, our employees were involved in setting forth as well as participating in CMRED's first hybrid Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Course. We invite you to view photos by following this link. 

Furthermore, Ms. Hanna Rodríguez Morales, PE, SC and Mr. Fernando L. Rodríguez Ocasio, PE, SC continue their involvment in leading the SWANA Caribbean-PR Chapter. Participation at WASTECON 2021, corresponding board meetings, as well as leading the organization and teaching the Chapter´s first Waste Screening Course in Spanish taught in San Juan, Puerto Rico. More details provided here: ​www.swanacaribbean.com/chapter/certifications. 

Learn more about them at https://www.bravadavodka.com/home, follow them on social media, and share your recipes! Learn about them by following this link. Here is a recipe from our team:

We look forward to a fruitful month and closure of 2021 and will soon publish details on office closure dates during this season.

Last December 2019 Environmental Engineers Institute, at the time led by Eng. Lorenzo Iglesias, decided to honor our President and Founder, Eng. Fernando L. Rodríguez Ocasio with the Distinguished Colleague Award for the term 2019-2021 for the excellent work at the service of our profession, professionals, the Institute, and other components of CIAPR.