Julián Herencia, executive director of APER.

Faced with the constant demand by consumers wanting relief in soaring energy costs and the government’s efforts to try to meet those expectations, the Association of Renewable Energy Producers went public Monday with a mission to help stabilize and reduce the price of energy in Puerto Rico.

During a news conference at a hotel in the Condado area of San Juan, Julián Herencia, executive director of the organization known as APER for its initials in Spanish, explained that the new group has several key goals.

“We want to contribute with the task of stabilizing and reducing energy costs, and serve as an educator for all sectors in Puerto Rico on the impact and contribution that renewable energy has in an objective, honest and accurate manner,” he said.

APER groups renewable energy producers, equipment and service providers as well as renewable energy consultants. The group also seeks to educate the public about the process of establishing renewable energy projects, generation and use of natural resources, partly to offset increasing costs.

“We’re coming together as partners and colleagues to join existing groups that promote renewable energy in Puerto Rico, those who have great concerns and doubts about the detrimental effect that it can have, the executive and legislative branches addressing this issue, and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, the agency responsible of providing energy to the island, and its group of experts.”

The issue of turning to renewable energy to address Puerto Rico’s heavy dependency on fossil fuels, which affects costs to end users, whether residential or commercial, is not a matter of choice for PREPA. In 2010, Law 82 ordered the agency to open its grid up to renewable energy sources, looking to increase dependency the sun and the wind for power.

The law states that between 2015 and 2019, 12 percent of PREPA’s energy production must come from natural resources. By 2035, that number must be at 20 percent. If PREPA were to fall short on the laws requirements, it faces hefty fines at the local and federal levels.

At present, Puerto Rico’s renewable energy production reaches a meager 2 percent, while dozens of proposed projects await certifications to get going, APER representatives said.

“That’s precisely one of the reasons that motivated us to organizer APER. We aim to contribute to the discussion about what the most appropriate methods and practices are for Puerto Rico, as well as to the evaluation and recommendation of cutting-edge technology for renewable energy generation,” said Herencia.

A total of 56 renewable energy projects are on the table, representing a $5.3 billion investment and the potential to create more than 18,000 jobs.

Providing solutions to existing challenges
Herencia told members of the media that APER seeks to provide solutions to remaining challenges that producers are facing to get going, especially with regards to PREPA.

The massive windmills operating at the Punta Lima wind farm, one of the few companies that already have a power purchase and operating agreement with PREPA.

“We have technical and viability challenges that must be addressed, defined and implemented. That includes interconnection issues and stabilizing the network. There is an urgency to act now and not miss out on the window of opportunity to comply with laws, as well as local and federal benefits that make renewable energy projects possible,” Herencia said.

The group also seeks to clear up doubts related to the environmental impact of such solar and wind-powered projects, as well as their potential effects on human health.

“We want to address the concerns over irreversibly converting farmlands into renewable energy farms,” he said, noting that to meet the 2015 production goal, renewable energy project proponents would need some 5,300 acres of farmlands to develop.

APER also seeks to ensure that regulations and processes prescribed by federal and state agencies regarding these projects are met. That said, the group is slated to testify before the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee on a measure proposing an investigation into the status of Law 82’s compliance.

APER is working with analyst firm Estudios Técnicos on a study to paint a complete picture of how renewable energy is being incorporated into the mix now and in the future.

The company said it had received commitments for funding that were expected to close in 2012 for this project, but because they fell short in coming through and Green
Energy was unsuccessful in securing alternative funding in a timely manner, it decided to “table pursuit of this venture for the time being.”

“We’re very disappointed that what we thought were solid funding commitments were not consummated. This left us in a very difficult position as we had already made material commitments to other projects,” said Joseph DuRant, CEO of Green Energy.”

In August 2012, this media outlet reported that Green Energy announced it has entered into a “Letter of Intent” to form a joint venture with Landfill Solutions, LLC of Puerto Rico, to remediate and manage the Yabucoa municipal landfill that has been closed since 2011.

Had it been completed, the project would have had a projected capacity to process at least 1,000 tons of waste per day. It will have also been the second large-scale green energy project targeting the town mostly known for its agriculture activity.

“We feel it is the best decision to table the Puerto Rico project for the present time, and we will focus our efforts on developing our other projects which have a higher probability of success with a shorter timeline to activate,” he said.

Plans also called for building a recycling facility and waste-to-energy conversion plant that would have produced an estimated 200 tons per day of recycle materials (recovered metals, plastics, quality paper and cardboard that can be reused for new product manufacturing), 350 barrels of sweet crude oil equivalent and up to 15 Megawatts of electrical power output.

“We hope to revisit opportunities in the Puerto Rico market in the future and continue to believe this area has great potential,” said DuRant. “We’re working diligently to bring a number of exciting projects online in the coming months and are confident that our business model will bring success to our company.”

Hugo Neu Americas is looking to build the first recycling complex in Puerto Rico to process and recycle ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and e-waste.

Hugo Neu Americas Recycling Complex officials said Monday the company “is closer” to completing its permitting process, after the Appellate Court denied a petition by Schnitzer Puerto Rico Inc. to reconsider its previous decision of granting permission to the proposed $80 million operation.

“This decision brings us closer to establishing the Hugo Neu Recycling Complex that will recycle metal and non-ferrous metals, plastics, cardboard, paper, glass and e-waste,” said Greg Cortés, CEO and president of Hugo Neu Americas.

“We hope to increase the recycling rate and become a valuable asset in providing solutions to Puerto Rico’s solid waste problem as we create new jobs, generate economic activity and help build a green economy on the island,” he added.

Hugo Neu Americas is looking to build the first recycling complex in Puerto Rico to process and recycle ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and e- waste, in addition to the establishment of an R&D recycling facility.

The project to be located in Guaynabo, will create about 100 direct jobs. Hugo Neu has already obtained approval for its Environmental Impact Statement and site location during the last quarter of 2012. It also has a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, company officials said.

Cortés added that the company could begin construction in late 2013 once the process of obtaining all permits is completed.

“We hope there are no further attempts to delay the process,” he said.

Schnitzer submitted its objections to the establishment of the Recycling Complex during the EIS comment period and later took its concerns before the Puerto Rico Planning Board in an attempt to get the agency to deny the site location permit.

Once the EIS and the site location permit were approved, Schnitzer asked that the Planning Board reconsider its decision, a petition that was denied. Schnitzer filed   in the Appellate Court a request for judicial review of the Planning Board’s decision.

The Appellate Court determined on Feb. 28 that Schnitzer “lacks legal standing to bring its claims before the Courts of Puerto Rico.”

“After examining the request before us and its appendix, we concluded that Schnitzer did not provide proof to justify its intervention during the administrative process,” the Court order stated.

“Schnitzer alleged damages in an imprecise and vague manner and did not prove during the administrative hearing the reality or existence of damage, which is why it is not enabled to take legal action. Therefore, we resolve that the request is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction,” the court further noted.

Schnitzer allegedly based its court claim on the premise that it would lose business, which could affect its employees, if the Hugo Neu Americas operation is established. The metal processor claimed there are no more metals to be recycled in Puerto Rico.

“However, the company continues to expand its operations throughout Puerto Rico.  Late last year it opened a new metal collection center and it is currently expanding its operations with the construction of a new building at its Salinas facilities,” Hugo Neu officials said.

(From left) Pattern Energy CEO Mike Garland meets with Economic Development and Commerce Secretary Alberto Bacó, as Hunter Armistead, Pattern Energy’s executive director listens.

Top executives from Pattern Energy, owner and operator of the 101.2 mega-watt wind energy facility in Santa Isabel, met Monday with Economic Development and Commerce Secretary, Alberto Bacó, and other top Puerto Rico administration officials to reiterate its commitment to the island’s renewable energy agenda.

“We were very encouraged by our meeting with Secretary Bacó. From the outset we knew that Finca de Viento would be a showcase for other projects to follow,” said Mike Garland, Pattern Energy’s chief executive officer. “We took on the responsibility, and with the help and support of many on the island, we delivered a world-class project that for the past four months has been delivering clean, renewable energy for Puerto Rico.”

“We have the financial capability and the proven expertise to contribute more to Puerto Rico’s energy diversification agenda,” he said.

San Francisco-based Pattern Energy Group LP operates 44 windmills spread throughout 3,700 acres of land in Santa Isabel, of which about 20 acres are permanently impacted by the installation of the massive structures. Some 280 acres were temporarily disrupted during construction of the $250 million project, which company officials said have been “restored to the original condition… [and] agricultural activity continues to take place in the whole region exactly as before.”

“We’ve employed nothing but the best local and international resources for the responsible development and long-term operation of Finca de Viento Isabel. We are methodical in our commitment to excellence in all we do, particularly in securing the input of the local community and delivering on it,” said Collie Powell, senior developer for Pattern.

The company’s top executives traveled to the island this week to host a township celebration to thank the people of Santa Isabel for their support of the 101.2 MW wind energy facility in the southern municipality.

Local farmers, community leaders, and Gov. Alejandro García Padilla administration officials were on hand Monday to offer remarks at Pattern’s celebration, including Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority generation director Carlos Castro-Montalvo and Energy Affairs Administration Executive Director José Maeso.

“We need to diversify Puerto Rico’s energy sources and promote the development of renewable technology for the benefit of our people, while at the same time fostering a culture of energy conservation,” said Maeso during his remarks.

“Evidently, there’s consensus in Puerto Rico about the importance and the benefits of continuing to develop renewable energy alternatives, and Pattern stands ready to continue to commit its resources and expertise to help Puerto Rico along in that effort,” said Garland.

Helping the community
As part of its continued commitment to the Santa Isabel community, Garland announced a $500,000 Pattern donation to the Santa Isabel Medical Center. The funds will be used by the municipality to revamp its primary care facility, which today serves a growing 2,000 patients a month.

The contribution will be specifically used to expand the facility, acquire hospital beds and medical equipment, build a new X-ray, imaging and clinical laboratory, as well as improve the parking facilities.

“The use of the medical facility has increased considerably since last year, but still many citizens do not visit it because it lacks critical emergency services, such as X-ray imaging. We worked with Pattern for the past years trying to identify a key community need that they might contribute to, and we are pleased that they decided to support us in this project which will greatly benefit santaisabelinos,” said Mayor Enrique Questell.

“EPA is thrilled to honor the work of these environmental trailblazers,” said Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “These Puerto Ricans have had a major impact on protecting the environment in their communities and inspire us all to work for a cleaner, healthier environment.”

In Puerto Rico, the recognitions went to:
Corriente Verde Environmental Magazine, which provides reference and educational material for schools, universities, professionals, businesses, government agencies and the industrial and manufacturing sector. It features materials written by academics and government professionals and has a readership of more than 200,000 people.

The Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences Public Health Program, which has been a leader in environmental awareness and public health promotion in Puerto Rico. The school frequently collaborates with EPA, state agencies, universities, non-profit organizations and the general public to promote environmental and public health. Many of its programs are designed to benefit low-income communities such as Caño Martin Peña in San Juan.

Madre Tierra Atabey, a nonaprofit organization that serves the residents of Guayanilla and southern Puerto Rico by working to improve their environment. It has organized numerous forums and initiatives that educate the public and promote awareness of environmental issues in Southern Puerto Rico. It also spearheaded the first environmental education program developed exclusively for students affected by chemicals listed on the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory. This program has taught 600 students about their role in toxic emissions and how to reduce and mitigate those effects.

The Three Kings Workshop, an organization that has been collecting and recycling used toys for needy children for the past 20 years. Relying heavily on sponsors and volunteers, the Three Kings Workshop has recycled over 90,000 toys. Not only does this work brighten the holidays for untold numbers of children in Puerto Rico, it also recycles toys instead of sending them to landfills.

SanSe Recicla, an organization created to improve recycling at the San Sebastian Festival, the largest festival in Puerto Rico. With the help of 200 volunteers from the San Juan Bay Estuary Program and the Sierra Club, SanSe Recicla set up 10 recycling stations in Old San Juan. Altogether, nearly 70 tons of recyclables, more than double the previous year, were collected and recycled. They also recovered 1,500 gallons of oil.

Meanwhile, in the USVI, the agency honored several individuals — Harold Mark and Marcia Taylor — for their contributions to environmental wellbeing in the neighboring islands, as well the Virgin Islands Montessori School and International Academy for its in-house initiatives to protect the environment.

EPA presents the annual awards during Earth Week to individuals, businesses, government agencies, environmental and community-based organizations and members of the media in EPA Region 2, which covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the USVI and eight federally recognized Indian Nations.

Borrego Solar’s project list includes the Sierra Community College District in California.

California-based Borrego Solar Systems Inc. plans to enter Puerto Rico’s renewable energy market through a pair of solar-powered projects to produce more than 23 megawatts of power, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

The projects could represent about $100 million in investments, Juan Rodríguez, a senior project manager and professional engineer with the company said.

The sites for the future solar parks were not disclosed.

The company plans to build two of the projects — to produce 2.3 MW and 1.2 MW of power — over the next 12 months, and a third one in 2014 to produce 20 MW, Alex Sarly, senior project developer told Bloomberg.

Borrego Solar, which has designed and built more than 1,000 solar energy systems in the U.S. mainland, is looking to capitalize on renewable energy subsidies available in Puerto Rico, where it has been doing business since 2011. It is also looking to benefit from the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s net-metering policy, he said.

“There’s very strong potential for solar here in Puerto Rico for a number of reasons, not least the new net metering rules,” Sarly told Bloomberg. “It also benefits from a very high cost of power, which is a function of it being an island grid with about 70 percent of generation from oil.”

PREPA’s net-metering system benefit solar farms that produce more than 5 MW, which can also seek reimbursements for as much as half of the cost of a project.

Over the past three years, Puerto Rico has become home to several large-scale renewable energy projects using both solar and wind power.

The Saving vacant lots, participatory installation of ecological community gardens” was one of last year’s seven projects that received Ford environmental grants.

Ford Puerto Rico announced Monday the 12th edition of its “Conservation and Environment Grants Program” to help individuals and nonprofit organizations on the island in projects that promote environmental welfare.

Since the program’s launch, Ford has awarded more than $400,000 in grants to more than 65 local organizations to promote their environmental initiatives.

This year, Ford will grant a total of $40,000 to eligible participants who have until May 17 to submit their application, said Mark Buzzell, director for Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Central America Ford International Business Development.

Last year, the company benefited seven local groups through the program, that Buzzell described as “one of the largest in the world dedicated to environmental conservation.”

The 2012 list of winners included projects covering a broad range of areas related to the conservation of the environment and aim to address issues such as ecological education, restoration of waste lands, coral preservation, conservation of water sources and island keys, as well as use of compost for community sanitation.

For more information on the application process, visit www.ford.com.pr.

the EPA will host a Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention Workshop for marina owners and operators at Marina Puerto del Rey in Fajardo. (Credit: www.puertodelrey.com)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made a series of recommendations to marinas in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that will reduce pollution, compiled in a manual the agency has written with assistance from the Puerto Rico Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, Puerto Rico SeaGrant, the Sea Grant Program of the University of the Virgin Islands and Blue Flag.

The publication has been provided to more than 40 marina operators and offers recommendations on ways marina owners and operators can reduce pollution through more efficient use of materials, energy and land.

“Marina operators need to work to protect the health of our coastal waters and beaches,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Because marinas are located at the water’s edge, chemicals used in boat maintenance can flow into the water and cause serious damage to the marine environment.”

“The EPA is working with the marina industry to ensure that marina operators are aware of the best ways to reduce pollution in this sensitive water environment. Towards this end, we also recommend that marina facilities participate in certification programs to achieve high standards in environmental management and safety,” she said.

Key recommendations for preventing water pollution from boat operations and maintenance include:

• Regularly inspect above-ground fuel storage tanks and associated piping for leaks, and ensure that these tanks have secondary containment areas to contain spills.
• Store spill containment and control materials in a clearly marked and easily accessible location near the fuel dock. Keep oil absorbent pads and pillows available at the fuel dock for staff and customers to mop up all drips and small spills.
• Avoid underwater boat bottom cleaning or hull scraping to remove antifouling paint from boat hulls.
• Collect wash water, treat it and either dispose of it at a sewage treatment plant or reuse it.
• Perform as much boat repair and maintenance as practicable inside work buildings. Where an inside workspace is not available, perform abrasive blasting and sanding within spray booths or tarp enclosures.
• Use cleaning products that are less toxic or nontoxic and contain lower concentrations of volatile organic compounds, ozone depleting chemicals and toxic materials. Always clean with water and a coarse cloth first.
• Permanently seal floor drains in maintenance areas with concrete if they do not connect to a sewer or holding tank. Sweep or vacuum floors often and immediately before floor washing.
• Minimize impervious areas on the marina site by paving only where absolutely necessary. Plant a vegetated buffer between impervious areas and the marina basin.

On April 2, the EPA will host a Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention Workshop for marina owners and operators. Among the topics the EPA will cover at this workshop are: on-site boat maintenance, fuel management, stormwater management and regulatory requirements, emergency planning for the hurricane season and green marina certification programs.

The workshop will take place at the Puerto Del Rey Marina in Fajardo from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Punta Lima wind farm has a power purchase and operating agreement with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority.

Gestamp Wind Energy North America announced Monday the sale of the 23-megawatt Punta Lima wind farm outside Naguabo to Sovereign Bank, N.A., a subsidiary of Banco Santander.

The operation is the first in Puerto Rico for the company, a division of Spain’s Corporación Gestamp. The Punta Lima project consists of 13 wind turbines that have been in production since October 2012, and have the capacity to meet the energy demands for 9,000 homes in several towns along the east.

The project cost $82 million to develop and created about 130 jobs when inaugurated last year by members of the former Gov. Luis Fortuño administration as part of its push toward renewable energy.

A multi-disciplinary renewable energy team from New York-based CohnReznick LLP, along with key members of Reznick Capital Markets Securities, helped Gestamp pull off the sale and leaseback transaction.

“We’re pleased to be working closely with CohnReznick and Reznick Capital Markets Securities, who we selected as a direct result of their proven track record of advising us on a total of four wind farms to date,” said Gestamp Wind CFO Alejandro Burgaleta. “Their expertise in renewable energy transactions and comprehensive financial and accounting services was critical throughout this complex financial transaction.”

The Punta Lima wind farm has a power purchase and operating agreement with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, which contracted 100 percent of the energy produced along with the renewable energy credits.

“Our team was able to continuously evolve its approach as we worked with Gestamp Wind to help navigate the challenges associated with financing a wind farm in Puerto Rico,” said Robert Sternthal, Reznick Capital Markets Securities. “As a result of our depth of knowledge in the renewable energy space, we were well positioned to overcome related obstacles and challenges and provide the leadership to successfully finalize this deal in a short time frame.”

EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck (Credit: http://youtu.be/pjk-_C3sbls)

Federal and local government officials joined the U.S. Green Building Council in San Juan Wednesday to announce new guidelines developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designed to take the Puerto Rico climate into account in determining energy efficiency for homes.

“An Energy Star-certified home means that the buyer will get an energy efficient place to live and will save money on energy costs over the long-term,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “By committing to build Energy Star homes certified for the Caribbean, builders in Puerto Rico can lead the way in providing home buyers with a choice that is both good for the environment and for their wallets.”

Enck made the announcement at the EPA’s office in Guaynabo accompanied by Puerto Rico Department of Housing and Urban Development Office Director Efrain Maldonado, San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz-Soto and U.S. Green Building Council Caribbean Chapter President Vincent Pieri.

Energy Star for new homes helps homebuyers identify residences that are significantly more energy efficient than standard construction. As code requirements have become more rigorous and builder practices have become more efficient, the EPA has periodically modified the guidelines to ensure that homes certified as energy efficient represent a meaningful improvement over homes that are not certified.

The Energy Star guidelines for the Caribbean reflect specifications for Puerto Rico’s tropical climate and year-round moderate temperatures, agency officials said.

Energy Star homes in Puerto Rico will feature a combination of energy-efficient systems that work together. These include completely enclosed systems to seal in air, high quality installation and high-performance windows.

They also include high-efficiency systems for heating, ventilating and cooling; comprehensive water management systems to protect roofs, walls and foundations from moisture damage; and efficient lighting and appliances that perform well, last long and keep utility bills low.

Homes built to Energy Star guidelines are typically 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes. Puerto Rico has some of the highest electricity rates in the country at 29 cents per kilowatt-hour by some estimates.

Over the past 20 years, the Energy Star program has helped people save a combined total of nearly $230 billion on utility bills across the country, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 1.7 billion tons.

Last year alone, people across the nation saved about $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 33 million vehicles, the EPA said.

Alexis Miranda, co-founder of energy consulting firm Gvelop and former director of engineering at the Energy Affairs Administration.

Hundreds of professionals representing the green energy, construction, and recycling industries, as well as local and national environmental organizations got together in Puerto Rico this week to present alternatives for sustainable development.

During the first edition of the “EcoExpo Puerto Rico” event, participants discussed ways to strengthen their operations based on eco-friendly solutions, while urging the government and private sector to invest in efficient and renewable energy projects.

Among the guest speakers was former Secretary of State and author of laws in favor of energy development on the island, Kenneth McClintock, who reaffirmed the recent direction the island has taken and emphasized the need to continue developing more solar and wind power projects in Puerto Rico.

“We must continue to promote the construction of wind farms like the ones in Naguabo and Santa Isabel, and other locations in Puerto Rico. We must continue to create large solar farms like the largest in the Caribbean in Guayama and like the second largest to be built in Loíza, and those planned for other locations,” said McClintock.

“We must use our already constructed areas to place hundreds of thousands of solar panels that do not require occupying land with farming potential,” he said. “We must take advantage of built-out areas to place panels on every rooftop of each individual house, which is a potential location to generate solar energy.”

Meanwhile, Alexis Miranda, co-founder of energy consulting firm Gvelop and former director of engineering at the Energy Affairs Administration, said companies need to take a step forward toward energy efficiency and renewable energy to ensure a more stable operational future and be able to shave off thousands of dollars in electricity costs that could be reinvested in other important areas for the business.

“Energy efficiency is a step in the right direction for companies today. The volatility of energy costs forces us to take measures to reduce energy costs in offices, industries and commerce in general,” Miranda said during his presentation.

“As entrepreneurs and building owners, we should conduct studies to find out about our consumption and areas of opportunity that we could develop to our benefit, as well as for our customers and employees,” he added. “There is a wide range of products that allow us to replace our inefficient equipment with high efficiency ones that offer a quick return on investment. It is vital to our economy.”

Finally, Architect Ricardo Alvarez, of Alvarez Diaz-Villalon, the firm that is developing an energy efficiency project at the Minillas Government complex in Santurce, is betting on more energy performance contracting in the future. Through this type of agreement, businesses and government buildings reduce their energy costs significantly, create thousands of jobs and also experience a quick return on investment.

He used the Minillas project as an example, saying once completed, the building will have energy savings of more than 40 percent, which could translate into millions of dollars annually.

Four Points by Sheraton Caguas raise the flag announcing its “Green Key Eco Label Award” certification.

The Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino on Wednesday became the second hotel in Puerto Rico to receive the “Green Key Eco Label Award” environmental certification, an international recognition awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, an organization that currently certifies more than 2,000 tourism businesses in more than 38 countries worldwide.

FEE is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable development through education that is represented locally by the Organization Pro Sustainable Environment.

“The Green Key program is a voluntary eco-label for tourist facilities, which aims to contribute to sustainable development in tourism,” said Lourdes Díaz, vice president of FEE and Green Key program coordinator for the Caribbean. “It recognizes, through certification, those inns, campgrounds and other attractions that implement and promote good environmental management practices.”

She said the criteria for landing the “The Green Key” in Puerto Rico are based on common international standards mandatory in all countries. In the Four Point’s case, environmental management, human capital participation, information to guests/customers, water management, use of chemicals in cleaning, solid waste, energy use and management, food and beverage, indoor, parking and adjacent areas, green activities and administration, and management all influenced in the recognition, Díaz said.

The distinction is voluntarily requested by the company and after its evaluation is granted for one year, during which monitoring visits are conducted to verify that the rules are being carried out and the criteria are being met.

“The benefits for tourism businesses who choose voluntarily to be part of this program, include cost savings in water, energy and waste management, improved environmental image and marketing, as well as advantages and a better environment for customers and members personnel,” Díaz said. “The Green Key also acts as a management tool, which for many is one of the most important advantages of the program.”

Wetlands in Loíza and Canóvanas. (Credit: Wikipedia)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $249,487 to the Puerto Rico Department of Environment and Natural Resources to support wetlands protection across the commonwealth.

“Wetlands provide enormous environmental benefits and serve as essential habitats for fish and wildlife,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Wetlands reduce and filter runoff that pollutes local waterways, particularly in urban areas, and control flooding by absorbing rain. This EPA funding will enhance the ability to assess and protect Puerto Rico’s wetlands.”

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources will use this EPA grant to test new procedures to evaluate the condition of Puerto Rico’s wetlands. Wetland experts in Puerto Rico are currently refining a method for assessing wetlands in a Caribbean environment.

The DNER will use the refined method to evaluate the potential impacts of human activity and climate change on Puerto Rico’s wetlands and to evaluate its effectiveness. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources will contribute $100,000 toward the total cost of this project.

Since 1990, EPA’s Wetland Program Development Grants have provided financial assistance to help build or refine state and local government wetland programs. These funds provide opportunities for environmental agencies to conduct research and help build the science behind comprehensive wetlands programs at the local level.

Recipients of these grants are required to contribute a minimum of 25 percent of the cost of the project.

(Credit: Wikipedia)

The annual U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report on the amount of toxic chemicals released to the land, air and water by industrial facilities in 2011 showed an 11 percent decrease for Puerto Rico over the past reporting year.

The “Toxics Release Inventory” report issued today by the EPA covered 114 Puerto Rico facilities that are required to report their releases to the EPA. Total releases to land, air and water by these facilities decreased from about 5.3 million pounds in 2010 to about 4.7 million pounds in 2011.

“This report informs the public about the types of pollution in our communities and where they come from,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “It is an invaluable tool that we all can use to better understand pollution problems and guide actions to protect health and the environment. The data is a stark reminder that we need to work toward preventing pollution at its source.”

A major factor in the reduction was a 10 percent decrease in total air releases in Puerto Rico from 2010 to 2011. These included releases of sulfuric acid aerosols at power plants, the agency said.

The likely reasons for these decreases include a shift to lower sulfur-containing fuel oil, the increased use of natural gas to generate electricity and the installation of control technologies over the past several years.

Since 1988, “Toxic Release Inventory” data has been provided to the public annually to help people learn more about the chemicals present in their local environment and gauge environmental trends over time.

The inventory contains the most comprehensive information about chemicals released into the environment reported annually by certain industries and federal facilities. Most of these facilities have permits issued under federal regulations that set limits on the amount of chemicals that they are allowed to release into the air, water or land.

Facilities must report their toxic chemical releases by July 1 of each year. The EPA made a preliminary set of data for 2011 available on July 31, 2012. Nationally, over 20,000 facilities reported on approximately 682 chemicals and chemical categories for calendar year 2011.

Coral reef ecosystems throughout the Caribbean are being damaged by a growing number of problems such as overfishing, sediment runoff, pollution, disease and climate change, which causes the water to become warmer and more acidic. (Credit: Wikipedia)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has formed an inter-agency effort to protect coral reefs off the shores of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Group, which will consist of the EPA and other government agencies, will coordinate efforts to protect coral reefs.

This will ensure that resources are used wisely and work from one agency complements the work of another.

“The coral reefs of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are renowned for their beauty, and their ecological and economic value,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Unfortunately, these treasures are being destroyed. By working with our fellow governmental agencies, the EPA will help make sure coral reefs continue to contribute to the region’s economy and ecology for generations to come.”

Coral reef ecosystems throughout the Caribbean are being damaged by a growing number of problems such as overfishing, sediment runoff, pollution, disease and climate change, which causes the water to become warmer and more acidic. By implementing measures to reduce those stresses that can be controlled locally, coral health can be improved and reefs can become more resilient.

The Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Group, led by EPA Region 2, will facilitate a closer working relationship among its member agencies to coordinate more effective government strategies in protecting coral reefs.

On February 25th, the Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Group will be hosting a public “listening session” in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Representatives from the EPA and the Coral Reef Protection Group’s other member agencies will be in attendance to hear the discussions and concerns of community groups and citizens regarding the state of coral reefs throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Details of the meeting, which is open to the public, will be announced in February.

In addition to the EPA, the Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Group includes the following governmental agencies: The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Coral Reef Conservation Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey.