This week the Resilient Puerto Rico Advisory Commission published its final reports with actionable and timely recommendations for the responsible use of recovery funds. This focused on rebuilding Puerto Rico in a resilient and sustainable manner; physically, economically, and socially. All six (6) reports are available in English and Spanish on their website: http://www.resilientpuertorico.org. Our very own Eng. Hanna Rodríguez, as current President of the Natural Disaster Management Assistance Commission of the PR Professional College of Engineers and Land Surveyors (CIAPR, per Spanish acronym) and International Board Representative of the SWANA Caribbean Chapter, took part in the Physical Infrastructure Working Group discussions. Her input led to the development of visionary goals that strive for an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system. The development or improvement of island-wide metrics will lead to better decision making and improvement of this industry, as discussed on the goal identified as A9 (see below and click images for the full document).
Our office staff will continue working on these missions locally both as environmental consultants as well as volunteers on diverse associations we're involved in and lead. We invite you to join us in this endeavor and to assist in sharing reports such as those prepared for "ReImagina Puerto Rico" with your colleagues.
Hanna Rodriguez, PE, SC from our team was invited to present at the 2018 SWANA Arkansas Chapter Annual Conference last April 4, 2018. A waste management summary prior to the 2017 Hurricane Season was provided to participants. Such summary included, legal background including regulatory provisions, landfill closure orders, and a general sense of stakeholders involved in setting forth a comprehensive and reliable Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) System. Further, a glimpse at a risk analysis performed by Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Carmen M. Figueroa-Santiago, PE, SC was provided. This analysis, finalized in August 2017, was based on the island’s waste management infrastructure as a key step in adaptation towards climate change resilience. A scientific approach described in the International Organization for Standardization’s document ISO 31000 Risk management – Principles and guidelines was adapted and used. Additionally, adjustments and base assumptions designed for the PR Climate Change Council (PRCCC) infrastructure evaluation sub-committee led by the Assistance in Natural Disaster Management Commission (“CAMDN”, per its Spanish acronym) of the PR Professional College of Engineers (“CIAPR”, per its Spanish acronym) were considered. This risk assessment provided an overview of crucial issues to be encountered in the future and were exalted by the 2017 Hurricane Season. The 2017 Hurricane Season, highlighted by Hurricane Irma and Maria’s impact to Puerto Rico and the USVI, was an unusually active one. Summarizing first response efforts to ongoing debris management, Ms. Rodriguez provided a general third-party perspective. The impact these events have had and will continue to have on the industry must be perceived as opportunities to avoid prolonging landfill closures and implementation of alternatives focused complying with the waste management hierarchy. Manifestations of climate change such as higher temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and more frequent or intense extreme events are bearing an even heavier burden on our industry, in particular in the already struggling Caribbean islands. In conclusion to this presentation, Ms. Rodriguez reiterated the need to understand these impacts. It is widely known that solid waste management infrastructure is critical to maintain sanitary conditions, hence the importance of designing and maintaining systems and infrastructure resilient to climate change. To this point, our team looks forward to upcoming opportunities where our expertise is necessary for developing SMART goals, as well as resilient and sustainable solutions for the island and the Caribbean Region. A very special and personal appreciation to Mrs. Wendy Bland, current Director at Benton County Solid Waste District and International Board Representative of the SWANA Arkansas Chapter, for the introduction. Finally, to the generous SWANA Chapter Board for their invitation and interest in the topics presented and the Caribbean Region´s well-being. by Carmen M. Figueroa, SC, PE Houston, TX During March 20-21, 2018, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), held the Hurricane Disaster Infrastructure Resilience and Planning Workshop in Houston, TX, through a grant program from the United Engineering Foundation (UEF). The multidisciplinary workshop, the first of two similar events, was attended by several engineering societies, academics, professionals in the private practice, as well as industrial and public entities, all experts in disaster relief and resiliency. Representing IEMES, PSC, Eng. Carmen M. Figueroa was invited and participate providing input from her professional experience during the response and recovery period to date, after hurricanes Irma and María in Puerto Rico last September 2017. The workshop focused on identifying priority issues that engineers could address to mitigate and prevent significant hurricane damages in the future. This by stressing the need to strategically prepare for and rebuild disaster susceptible areas affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Among the many issues discussed during the two-days forum, infrastructure specialists debated on matters that impacted preparedness and response after these storm events. The group identified the lack of investment in planning and preparedness for managing industrial resilience, lack of emergency planning for worst case scenarios, and the need to understand infrastructure systems, its boundaries and how they affect, as essential key issues that must be addressed promptly. What should be done then? Focus on reducing impacts through infrastructure resiliency, improve response capability by involving intergovernmental and cross-sector policies to reduce implementation challenges, and promoting the use of science and engineering expertise. We at IEMES, PSC are looking forward to attending the following workshop to be held by the end of Summer 2018. Moreover, we recognize the need and our interest in incorporating additional Puerto Rico professional and experts’ representation to this event or initiative. Our team is more than welcome to work with AIChE and UEF as local liaison for potential future events. More on the workshop: www.aiche.org/conferences/hurricane-disaster-infrastructure-resilience-and-planning-workshop/2018/technical-program-houston One of the USEPA's online platforms for 2015 MSGP compliance, NeT-MSGP, has undergone a change in the past days. This change is based on a software transition to a new version which is not complete. As a reminder, this is the platform where Notice of Intents and Annual Reports are submitted; Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) are not affected as they're submitted via the NetDMR platform. As this new software is phased in, the only action available via NeT-MSGP is the submission of a new Notice of Intent (NOI). The following electronic forms will be unavailable for submission via the electronic system:
Our office team will be contacting affected clients in the coming weeks to ensure additional necessary steps are performed in each of your accounts to keep them relevant. For more information, a fact sheet was published by the USEPA and is available in the following link: https://epanet.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000887708-MSGP-Transition-Fact-Sheet-on-What-to-Expect-. Employers must submit Injury and Illness Records prior to July 1, 2018. There are three (3) alternatives to submitting such report: As a friendly reminder, if your facility unfortunately closed due to the hurricane events, you are still required to submit as it is considered to have operated passed the 2017 submission deadline.
For more information, you may contact our office or the PR Occupational Safety & Health Administration (PROSHA) at 787-754-2172. Additional information on electronic submission: https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/ Our team hereby announces our schedule for the coming weeks.
Contact us via e-mail or at 787-751-7810. Happy holidays, everyone!
|
AuthorsFernando L. Rodríguez, PE, SC Archives
September 2022
Categories |