CATANO, PUERTO RICO

 Site Location

TOSC assists the Catano community on the Palo Seco Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) site. In addition, the program has provided some technical assistance relative to industry (particularly refinery) discharge in the Las Lajas Creek.
 Site Description
The approximately 200-acre Palo Seco PREPA site is located on a penninsula between Boca Vieja Bay and the San Juan Bay.
 Community Partner Organization
Rosa Hilda Ramos
 University Partners
Universidad Metropolitana (UMET) of Puerto Rico leads the project with New Jersey Institute of Technology providing support as requested by the community. In addition, experts from Rutgers University, New Brunswick and Newark campuses have reviewed and commented on the technical documents.
 CONTACT INFORMATION
New Jersey Institute of Technology

Universidad Metropolitana (UMET)
 Summary of TOSC Assistance
Phase 1:

In the first stage of the project, TOSC technically reviewed numerous documents. For the Palo Seco PREPA site, TOSC reviewed and commented on the consent decree governing the Palo Seco site and several other PREPA sites. In addition, the program provided comment on the RI/FS workplan for Palo Seco. Finally, a graduate student at UMET has been working with CUCCo to help them research topics relevant to the Palo Seco site.

For Las Lajas, TOSC reviewed the Process sewer and creek assessment plans.

Upon the completion of Phase 1, CUCCo evaluated the program very favorably and requested additional assistance.

Phase 2:

In the second phase of the project, TOSC will move into education. CUCCo has requested education on environmental and other regulations, as well as training in conflict resolution. A training program is currently being designed.