....FOR THE NATION'S ESTUARIES
PROCEEDINGS
of the
PUERTO RICO PUBLIC MEETING
NATIONAL ESTUARINE POLLUTION STUDY
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
April 22. 1968
Puerto Rico Bar Association Building
Santurce, Puerto Rico
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION • U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
SOUTHEAST REGION ATLANTA, GEORGIA
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PROCEEDINGS
of the
PUERTO RICO PUBLIC MEETING
NATIONAL ESTUARINE POLLUTION STUDY
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
April 22, 1968
Puerto Rico Bar Association Building
Santurce, Puerto Rico
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
MONDAY MORNING SESSION, April 22, 1968
Call to Order and Invocation, Mr. John R. Thoman I
Statement of Purpose and Introductions, Mr. Thoman 1
Preliminary Remarks:
Mr. Orlando Gonzales, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Aqueduct
and Sewer Authority, Representing the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico 2
Mr. Ramon Garcia Santiago, President, Puerto Rico Planning
Board 10
Statements:
Dr. M. Cerame Vivas, Department of Marine Sciences, University
of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez 11
Discussion . 15
The Honorable Manuel Mendez Ballester, Natural Resources
Commission Chairman, Puerto Rico House of Representatives ... 17
Dr. Lucila Zapata, League of Women Voters, Mayaguez 18
Mrs. John C. Pinto, League of Women Voters, San Juan 21
Discussion 22
Dr. E. A. Montalvo Durand, Public Health Council of Puerto Rico
Medical Association and American Academy of Neuro Medicine .. 22
Discuss ion 25
Dr. Jose A. Alvarez de Choudens, President, Puerto Rico Medical
Association 25
Mr. Luis F. Negron Garcia, Director, Institute of Urban Law,
School of Law, University of Puerto Rico; Rio Piedras Campus,
University of Puerto Rico; and Puerto Rico Bar Association .. 30
Discussion 3T
Dr. Antonio Santiago Vazquez, Director, Water Resources
Research Institute and Director, Civil Engineering Depart-
ment, College of Agriculture and Applied Mechanics,
University of Puerto Rico 40
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£i
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
PAGE
Discussion . b9
Recess ^9
MONDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. April 22, 1968
Call to Order, Mr, John. R. Thoman 50
Statements:
Mr. Luis A. Passalacqua-Christian, Corporation for the
Development of the Caribbean ... . . . 5C
Discussion 55
Dr. F. G. Lowmati, Puerto Rico Nuclear Center 56
Mr. Charles H-.Reid, Insular Clean-up Committee of the
Exchange Clubs of Puerto Rico 6l
Mr. Danibal Charles, Committee Against the Pollution of Air
and Water in Guanica . 62
Mr. Roberto Morciglio, President, Fisherman Union 65
Discussion 66
Mr. Ernesto Almodovar * 66
Discussion 63
Mrs. Rosa Navarro Haydon, Garden Club of Puerto Rico JO
Mr. Pedro A. Gelabert, Geological Society of Puerto Rico j6
Mr. Frank H. Wadsworth, Natural History Society of Puerto Rico
and Puerto Rico Council, Boy Scouts of America 78
Discussion < 80
Mr. Ernesto Mieres Calimano, President, Association of Property
Owners of Brenas. find Dorado , 8l
Dr. Nelson Biaggi, Medical Sciences Campus and School of
Medicine, University of Puerto Rico; Caribe Council, Girl
Scouts of America; and the Puerto Rican Planning Society .... 33
Mr. Gilberto Cintron, for Mr. Gustaro Candelas, University of
Puerto Rico .. 35
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iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
PAGE
Mr. Ramon M. Guzman, School of Medicine, University of
Puerto Rico .., 87
Discussion 89
Closing Remarks:
Mr. Garcia Santiago 90
Mr . Thoman 91
Adjournment 91
ATTACHMENTS
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PUBLIC MEETING
NATIONAL ESTUARINE POLLUTION STUDY
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
Puerto Rico Bar Association Building Santurce, Puerto Rico
April 22, 1968
The public meeting directed toward obtaining contributions from
Puerto Rican interests regarding the National Estuarine Pollution Study
being conducted by the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
convened in the theatre of the Puerto Rico Bar Association Building,
Monday morning, April 22, 1968, and was called to order at 9:35 d'clock
p.m. by Regional Director, John R. Thoman, Southeast Region, Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration.
MR. JOHN R. THOMAN: Would you please be seated. We still don't
have the microphones for the table, but we figure that rather than delay
any further, we would just get started.
One of the customs in the southern part of the United States that
I rather like is to start public meetings off with a very short prayer.
So if you would all rise for just a moment. This is a very ancient
prayer from the Byzantine Rite Mass of the Roman Catholic Church.
Oh Lord, Who dost bless them who bless Thee and dost sanctify them
who trust in Thee, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Give
peace to Thy world, to Thy churches, to our government, to our armed
forces and to all Thy people.
For every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from
Thee, ofi Father of Lights. And to Thee do we render glory, thanks-
giving, and worship now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
I am John R. Thoman, the Southeast Regional Director of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration in Atlanta, Georgia.
I want to welcome all of you to our fifth public meeting together
to gather information for the National Estuarine Pollution Study.
Other meetings have been held in Mississippi, Georgia, Florida,
and just last week in the Virgin Islands.
Most of you already know the specific purposes and reasons for
this meeting. For some of you who may not, let me outline them
briefly.
The National Estuarine Pollution Study was authorized under the
Clean Water Restoration Act of 1966. In that Act, the Congress directed
the Department of the Interior to make a comprehensive study of pol-
lution problems in the coastal and estuarine areas and to report to the
Congress recommendations for future management programs.
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This study is to be completed and a report made to Congress by
November of 1969. We in the Southeast Region are the first to conduct
public meetings for the study, to obtain the views and opinions of
public and private groups and individuals who have an interest in the
use of Puerto Rico's estuarine and coastal waters.
Many of you were invited to make statements here today. However,
this does not mean that anyone, invited or not, may not express his
views. Anyone who wishes to make a statement, who has not already; so
indicated, should let Mrs. Brown or one of the girls at the registra-
tion desk know, and we will get you on the program.
We are cooperating with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in holding
this meeting. Governor Sanchez has directed Ramon Garcia, Chairman of
Planning Board of Puerto Rico, to represent the Commonwealth's interests.
Mr. Santiago will be a member of our panel today to hear your
statements and perhaps ask some questions for clarification.
The other member of the panel, besides myself, is Mr. Paul Traina,
who is the Director of Technical Programs in our Southeast Water
Laboratory in Athens, Georgia.
I would like to express that this meeting is yours, not ours. We
are here to listen and to learn. What you say is important, in that
it will become a part of the report to Congress.
It will contribute to the development of the national policy for
estuarine management. It will help us to determine the various bene-
ficial uses of our invaluable estuarine and coastal waters and their
interrelationship and to plan for their uses so that the maximum public
good may be achieved.
The meeting record will be held open for 15 days following today
to receive any statements that any of you may wish to make or any
clarifications or additional statements you may wish to submit.
Mr. Tom Crites will be making a verbatim record of the trans-
cript, and these will be available in about a month to six weeks.
One thing I would like for you to do is to please identify your-
self very slowly so that Mr. Crites will be able to get your name
correctly.
As our first witness today, I would like to call on my very good
friend, Mr. Orlando Gonzales, the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico
Aquaduct and Sewer Authority, who will be speaking for various agencies
of the Commonwealth government. Mr. Gonzales.
MR. ORLANDO GONZALES: Mr. Thoman, members of the panel, ladies
and gentlemen: My name is Orlando Gonzales. I am Executive Director
of the Puerto Rico Aquaduct and Sewer Authority.
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I am representing the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. I would like
to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico. We are fully aware of the importance of your mission here, and
assure you of our earnest desire to cooperate, as we have in the past,
to help make your mission a success.
Your study of the factors that contribute to pollution of our
estuaries and coastal waters will, no doubt, be of great benefit to us.
For our part, we want to offer what we can in terms of information,
idea$ and viewpoints to contribute to the solution of this problem, not
only in Puerto Rico, but throughout the United States.
I believe that, in saying this, I am expressing not only the wishes
of the Commonwealth government, but also of the great majority of our
manufacturers, civic groups, ancf individuals, many of whom have taken
time from their busy schedules to appear before you today.
To this end, we are preparing compLete and detailed information
for you on the entire question of estuarine and coastal atea pollution
in Puerto Rico. The information is now being gathered by the Planning
Board and will shortly be made available to you.
Let me add that an important part of this information is based
on the excellent work accomplished by your own staff in the report on
"Water Pollution Control Needs for Puerto Rico's Coastal Waters",
which you completed in June of last year.
Your being here today will help us once again call public atten-
tion to the fact that progress, in Puerto Rico or elsewhere, has its
price. Public awareness of this fact, and public willingness to pay
the price required to rid Puerto Rico of the harmful effects of pol-
lution, is a basic starting point for effective action.
As you will be able to judge,during the remainder of this hearing,
we are encouraged by a growing public awareness on the dangers of
pollution.
In some ways, our fight against pollution has only just begun.
The accelerated population growth and the need to match such growth
with accelerated industrialization have severe implications for
policies concerning water pollution here.
Industrial wastes will continue to increase as more new factories
are added under the Bootstrap Program.
Urban sewage, garbage, and other wastes will have to be treated
on a massive scale, if we are to avoid wholesale contamination of our
waters. There is no doubt that this problem requires, and that is has,
the full concern, interest, and determination of the Commonwealth
government.
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It would be well to ponder for a moment the costs involved in
massive antipollution action. In your own report of last June, you
estimated that solving coastal water pollution problems in Puerto
Rico during the next decade would require a capital outlay by
industry and government of at least 130 million dollars.
These figures may seem out of proportion, compared to the problem
we face in Puerto Rico, yet our studies clearly show that at our pres-
ent rate of papulation expansion, we shall have, by 1975 -- only seven
years from today -- a population density of almost 1,000 persons per
square mile.
This is comparable to packing the entire population of the earth
into the continental limits of the United States. To maintain the
rate of industrial growth required by this population expansion,
Puerto Rico will have to have, by 1975, more industrial plants per
square mile than the United States.
Population in our urban areas along the coast is now growing five
times faster than our total population. By 1975, Puerto Rico's urban
areas will hold 65 per cent of our people, compared with only 30 per
cent in 1940.
On the other hand, in the face of such vigorous growth, we still
have a per-capita income that is one third of that of the United States
average, and half that of Mississippi, the poorest of the states.
Between 11 and 12 per cent of our work force remains unemployed,
and there is, despite our impressive progress, still legitimate and
serious poverty in Puerto Rico.
To give you a meaningful example of the kind of problems this
presents, I can point out that the operational agencies of the Common-
wealth government, after receiving instructions to request funds for
only necessary and essential public works, submitted a combined budget
request to the Planning Board, a request for 224 million dollars for
the coming fiscal year.
The Board, analyzing these requests in the light of estimates of
funds to be available next year, was only able to recommend a total of
less than 85 million dollars, about a third of what the agencies indi-
cated was urgently needed.
I bring these statistics to form a backdrop to our consideration
of estuarine pollution and to indicate the kind of obstacles we must
overcome.
The progress we have been able to achieve to date in the fight
against pollution has been considerable. But the problems we face in
the future are more formidable than any we have yet known.
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The technical, administrative and financial aid provided by agen-
cies of the Federal government has been a key factor in our efforts to
date. We are confident that this will continue to be true in the future.
In specific terms concerning estuarine pollution, it is a reality
that the Federal, state, and commonwealth governments are just begin-
ning to develop the very specialized knowledge required to understand
the estuarine environment and the harm done to it by pollution.
In Puerto Rico, we are not quite certain whether the values derived
from the use of our estuaries economically justifies the investments
required to properly deal with the problems.
As I mentioned before, we are missing the information required to
reach this determination. However, the extent to which estuarine pol-
lution diminishes the following falues and uses is the extent to which
we shall consider antipollution measures necessary, desirable, and
economically justified.
1. Aesthetics. This is a consideration often related to tourism,
but our position of the need to prevent the destruction of the
aesthetic qualities of our estuaries goes beyond the immediate
economic consideration of tourism.
The garbage dumps and open sewer outfalls along the periphery of
San Juan Bay are receiving immediate and effective attention, as
I shall later describe.
The turbid waters at the mouths of many streams, industrial out-
falls spewing wastes onto island beaches, and the unpleasant odors
along the waterfronts of many municipalities are prime targets for
action in the Commonwealth's antipollution program,
2. Preservation of natural phenomena. Certain coastal areas,
such as the phosphorescent bays in La Parguera and Vieques, the
portion of the Mayaquez coast line that will house the proposed
Marine Biology Laboratory, and other coastal sectors of valuable
and unique marine life are also receiving special attention.
A master plan for the development and preservation of the phos-
phorescent bays is being drawn up with the expert aid of the
National Park Service, and several Commonwealth agencies are
actively engaged in studies to determine standards for the use
and preservation of the other areas I mentioned.
3. Bathing and other water-contact sports. This use has,
admittedly, not received the attention it deserves, principally
because of the overwhelming problems in other more crucial pol-
lution areas.
Yet, as our progress continues and leisure time grows among the
general population, pollution effects on our beaches and harbors
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will become a serious detriment to sane and healthy public
recreation.
We are now bringing this factor into sharper focus in our plans
for the future.
4. Commercial fishing. Puerto Rico has surprisingly little com-
mercial fishing activity, considering the fact that we are sur-
rounded by water. Our limited bays and estuaries are not considered
important fish-spawning environments, although some 11 million
pounds were fished commercially in 1967, including some commercial
shellfishing, principally at Rincon Bay in Boqueron.
The exact effects of waste discharges on fish and shellfish propa-
gation are not well known. Some nutrient build-up in San Juan Bay
seems to favor fish productivity, while toxic waste discharges in
Guanica Bay have caused fish kills.
More information is needed in this area to determine the extent
of public action to be taken. However, it is possible that anti-
pollution measures undertaken with other goals in mind will also
improve the situation with respect to this use.
5. Industrial water, supply. Use of Puerto Rico's coastal waters
for industrial purposes is presently limited to cooling thermal
power and petro-chemical plants.
Some slime problems have recently appeared, particularly in
Tallaboa Bay, where high pollution exists. The future possibility
of being able to economically convert sea water to drinking water
will require a more thorough look into the problem of slime and
other damaging effects to industrial plants that can be traced to
pollution.
Sanitary surveys conducted by the Commonwealth Health Department
have uncovered the most serious estuarine pollution problems in the
bays of San Juan,.'Guanica, and Tallaboa, and to a lesser extent in
La Parguera Bay.
In addition, heavy estuarine pollution is found in the Condado,
San Jose, and Rincon lagoons, as well as at the mouths of the Yaquez,
Loiza, and Camuy rivers.
Considerable pollution also occurs along the coastal areas of
Palo Seco, Arecibo, Mayaquez, and Ponce. The sources for such pollu-
tion are varied.
One principal source that is growing is municipal solid wastes
that are either carried by streams and rivers to the estuaries or
dumped directly into coastal waters.
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Efforts are under way to develop more rational and safer garbage
disposal systems for Puerto Rico's municipalities, perhaps by combining
garbage collection operations of several adjoining municipalities to
economically support efficient sanitary fill or incineration operations.
In this regard, the municipality of San Juan is pioneering with
the construction of a disposal plant that will convert much of its daily
refuse into a marketable compost product.
The sucess of this operation would be a significant step forward
in this problem. Municipal slaughter houses, responsible for consider-
able estuarirve and coastal pollution, are also studied with the purpose
of combining the present small operations in each municipality into
several larger modern facilities with adequate waste treatment.
The major obstacle to carrying out the plan is one of available
funds in the light of other more pressing public needs.
In the case of industrial pollution, there are several new
mechanisms that prevent the establishment of new factories in Puerto
Rico that do not, or cannot, control their waste products.
Our new water quality standards for inland streams and coastal
waters give us the yardstrick from which to judge the appropriate
pollution control resources required for any new industry in Puerto
Rico.
The laws and regulations in Puerto Rico regarding water quality
expressly prohibit harmful waste effluents in our waters. At present,
we are also developing a complete system of industrial performance
standards to cover not only water pollution dangers, but other types
of industrial nuisances, such as smoke, gases, noise, vibrations,
glare, et cetera.
The system will allow us to determine in advance, through expert
analysis of factory plans, equipment, specifications, foal, and raw
material to be used, as well as other data, exactly what nuisances are
to be produced, which ones are to be controlled, and which ones are
permitted in certain specified zones of the island.
This new system, which will form part of our zoning regulations,
should actually encourage cleaner industrial operations by offering
better zoned sites for industries that can and are willing to control
their production of community nuisances, including their wet waste
products.
As for new residential building, there is a procedure for assuring
that proper treatment facilities are provided, either by the Cotnmonv-^
wealth or the private builder, before use is permitted of the new
construction.
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As with industry, we have learned that the cost of preventing pol-
lution can and should be borne by those who would produce it. There
are times, of course, when we face the dilemma of significant economic
or social benefits to be derived from a new project, as opposed to the
detrimental pollution effects it can produce.
However, as technology in the field continues to increase and
economic feasibility becomes more practical, these types of programs
will hopefully no longer be with us.
Thus, in a very real sense, we can anticipate effective, meaning-
ful control over the growth of pollution problems in Puerto Rico's
coastal areas and estuaries, provided, of course, that technology in
the field is able to eliminate potential sources of pollution at
reasonable costs.
Here, of course, is a whole area of research and development that
requires vigorous public and private action. I know of the Federal
government's intense interest in this endeavor.
For our part, we have moved into more active cooperation with
university and professional researchers, both here and abroad.
The commonwealth's Economic Development Administration maintains
an industrial laboratory and is moving ahead with land acquisition and
site plans for an impressive scientific community to be established in
Mayaguez.
The Commonwealth government has committed acreage to Associated
Universities, Inc. for the establishment of a Marine Biology Laboratory
to be funded by the National Science Foundation.
And my own agency, the Aquaduct and Sewer Authority, as well as
the Department of Health, the Planning Board, Fomento, and others are
developing scholarship and training programs to upgrade government
personnel concerned with pollution problems.
We still have far to go, but a healthy and vigorous start is being
made. The most challenging problem that remains, in our opinion, just
as vital as safeguarding against increased pollution in the future, is
that of the harmful effects of pollution that exist today.
In the case of industry, this requires extensive negotiations,
studies, and investigations to determine how a particular industry can
be made to conform to present water quality standards that were not in
effect when the industry first began its operations here.
The problem is particularly acute, for example, in the case of sugar
mills, who are principal polluters, but who simply cannot afford to
purchase the equipment necessary to prevent such pollution.
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This is in area presently receiving priority attention from the
Commonwealth's Health Department.
Pollution from rum plants also requires more intensive study to
devise ways to neutralize the dangers to coastal water quality from
this important local industry that presently supplies a full 17 per
cent of our General Fund revenues each year.
Equally needing study are ways of preventing or prohibiting pol-
lution from the literally thousands of boats and vessels that move in
and out of our bays, from Federal facilities that dump raw or semi-
treated wastes along our coasts, from the growing run-off of agricul-
tural pesticides and insecticides and other sources of estuarine and
fresh-water pollution.
Existing domestic wastes are still another great problem. When
the Commonwealth undertook its original water pollution control program
in 1945, there was not a single secondary treatment facility in use
anywhere in Puerto Rico.
Today 75 per cent of the island's 76 municipalities have at least
primary facilities, and 27 secondary treatment plants have been con-
structed. The new Ponce facility, now being built at a cost of more
than 11 million dollars, will be the largest secondary treatment plant
in all of Latin America.
At this moment, we have another 13 secondary treatment plants
scheduled for construction in fiscal 1969, and 30 more being programmed
for the immediate future.
Our goal is the elimination of all septic, Imhoff tank, and raw
sewage discharges around the island within the shortest possible time,
meaning the next few years.
In addition, the San Juan Metropolitan Sewer Project, being built
at a cost of 50 million dollars, is now about two-thirds completed.
The extension of the treatment plant at Puerto Nuevo and a sizable
upgrading in the degree of treatment it can offer will have direct
beneficial results in its improvement of water conditions in the San
Juan Bay and Condado Lagoon.
We have also begun a construction program for the collection and
disposal of sanitary sewage in rural communities. The first project in
this program, which will have lateral sewers and a secondary treatment
plant, is to be jointly innaugurated by Federal and Commonwealth officials
tomorrow in the community of Florida in Barceloneta.
The next project on the list is at the community of Loiza AIdea,
which will contribute to clearing the Loiza River estuary of some 6f its
pollution sources.
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We are still aware of the great need to move quicker and do more
to assure Puerto Rico the benefits of economic and social progress in
a safe, healthy, and sound environment.
We, in Puerto Rico, are fortunate to be blessed with one of the
world's finest climates and with abundant and inspiring natural scenic
beauty. Despite the very real concerns that exist for public action
on many fronts, we know that, because of the God-given attributes of
our island, we have more to lose than most other areas from the blight
and damages of uncontrolled estuarine pollution.
It is, therefore, the understanding and firm resolution of the
Commonwealth government to cooperate fully and completely in any and
all efforts to guarantee the success of the National Estuarine Pollu-
tion Study, and the work of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration.
Thank you very much. (Applause)
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much, Mr. Gonzalez.
Mr. Ramon Santiago has arrived, and I believe he would like to
make a few preliminary remarks.
MR, RAMON GARCIA SANTIAGO: My name is Ramon Garcia Santiago, and
I am President of the Planning Board, and I am here participating as a
representative of the Commonwealth government of Puerto Rico.
I want to say that those of you who wish to present your papers
this morning may do so. I believe this is a recognition that we must
make to Mr. Jack Thoman and to his staff and his office, located in
Atlanta, Georgia.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Administration has made it
possible so that you may express yourselves in either English or
Spanish. So the public may make any comments in Spanish, if they so
wish.
For those of you who do not know Jack Thoman, I want to say that
Jack is one of the ablest Federal officials that I have known, and I
also want to say that Jack is a very good friend of Puerto Rico.
He has shown this to all of us who have met him before. And I
know he will be helpful to Puerto Rico in the area in which he is
responsbile, and this is in relation to water pollution.
I consider myself a good friend of Jack, and I know that Puerto
Rico has a good friend in Jack Thoman and all of his staff.
I am sorry, but because of some work I was doing for the Adminis-
trative Assembly that is meeting now, I wasn't able to be here at
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9:00 o'clock. I regret very much that I could not be here, Jack, but
please know that All of us in the Commonwealth, government are very,
very grateful to you, and we want to offer any cooperation that you
might wish.
Just ask, and we will give it to you.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much, Ramon. I think after all of
those very kind remarks, we ought to stop the record at that point.
We don't need to have the meeting.
Next, I would like to call on Dr. M. Ceramie Vivas, Department of
Marine Sciences at the University in Mayaguez.
DR. M. CERAME VIVAS: I beg your indulgence. Most of my presen-
tation depends on the showing of a movie, and we have not been able to
darken the room sufficiently so that this may be shown properly.
The projector is set up in the back of the room, so if you will,
turn your necks while I'm speaking and watch back there. Thank you
very much.
The quality of Puerto Rico's coastal waters as a marine environ-
ment where a priceless diversity of marine life worthy of study abounds
has been the reason why Associated Universities, Incorporated.has chosen
the southwest coast of Puerto Rico as the best site for the Tropical
Marine Sciences Center.
This is after having examined localities on the Atlantic sea-
board, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The University of Puerto Rico
at Mayaguez, 14 years ago, had chosen the southwest coast, namely
La Parguera, for the establishment of its own marine laboratory.
This area represents a unique oceanographic and biological region.
The president of Associated Universities, Incorporated, Dr. Keith
Glennan, after many conversations with Puerto Rican government officials,
addressed the President of the Puerto Rican Planning Board, Mr. Ramon
Garcia Santiago, indicating to him that the southwest coast of Puerto
Rico had been chosen as the site for the largest and most sophisticated
marine laboratory in the world.
In a letter of May 12, 1967, Mr. Garcia Santiago expressed to
Dr. Glennan that our government's interest in having Puerto Rico be
the site for their project was such that it was willing "to establish
orders against the pollution of marine areas where studies are con-
ducted and where the facility is sited."
This was an easy commitment for Mr. Garcia Santiago to make under
the protection of Sanitary Ruling Number 127 of 1967, and Law Number
142 of 1950.
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However, the Planning Board pays little attention to the Commiti-
ment made by its president on behalf of the Puerto Rican government,
especially when industry which wishes to establish in Puerto Rico must
seek Planning Board permission.
Principally, permission is granted industry once industry commits
itself to abide by all present and future legislation against pollution
of our coastal waters.
The fact remains that not only does the Puerto Rican Planning
Board look the other way, but the Secretary of Health, himself, who
has the duty and the power to watch that the water quality establish-
ment in his own sanitary rule, Sanitary Ruling Number 127, be main-
tained, admits that he has never enforced his ruling and that he is
incapable of enforcing it now;
The recent disaster of the Ocean Eagle in San Juan Harbor, where
several million gallons of raw pertoleum were spilled, finally con- a
vinced a few that the threat of large-scale marine pollution was real
and that it was not something that merely happened elsewhere.
Fortunately, the Ocean Eagle disaster was handled in a much more
effective way than was the Torrey Canyon. Most of our affected beaches
are clear again.
Even here, however, we saw moments of heistation when the owner
of the shipment, the two Federal marine agencies, and a local agency
fought separately against the oil; in some cases, one g^oup cancelling
the efforts of another.
Even today the shore west of Arecibo is still being threatened by
oil from the Ocean Eagle,bfecause? in spite of our scientists' advice,
the oil was not sunk as far offshore as recommended.
Everyone agreed that the condition of our shores during the Ocean
Eagle disafcter was a tragic one,land that it should not be allowed to
happen again.
These are the shores near the region where the Ocean Eagle dis-
aster occurred.
MR. THOMAN: For the record, at this particular point in time, I
would like to indicate that disasters such as the Ocean Eagle are
extremely difficult to cope with.
In view of the fact that you don't know when they are going to
happen or where they are going to happen, to be able to muster men
and materials to do a real good job of cleanup is extremely difficult.
But I would like to point out that the Secretary of Public Works
sprang into very rapid action, and in point of fact, oil came on the
beaches to the east of Arecibo Friday, and I personally saw over 100
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men and many, many machines cleaning up out there on Saturday morning.
So I think that in the face of very great adversity, the Department
of Public Works did an extremely effective job on their part.
DR. CERAME VIVAS: For the record, the only interest I have in
showing this particular movie is the fact that the shores that are being
demonstrated here as being affected by a disaster of the magnitude of
the Ocean Eagle compare very favorably with the shores along our south-
west coast situation, where there is a 24-hour-a-day, every-day condition.
Our oceanographers have carefully examined Guanica Harbor and have
found that, aside from the pollution due to toxic substances and sus-
pended solids that reach the harbor, the high temperature of the efflu-
ent has generated a very stable condition where a surface layer of warm
water effectively blocks the diffusion and passage of atmospheric
oxygen into waters below it.
This, of course, has a tremendous effect on the fishes that live
there and this condition promotes a smothering by asphyxia of fishes
and organisms as well.
The industries guilty of the destruction of Guanica Harbor admit
that they are aware of Sanitary Ruling 127 and that they are polluting.
They say that to stop pollution would be costly and would place them
in an unfavorable position of competition for their product in the
market.
Besides, they have never been requested not to pollute, so "why
go into all of that expense?"
This that you're viewing now shows one of the open gutters via
which flows one of the effluents of one of the chemical concerns in
Guanica Harbor. This comes into the bay via this pipe line which we
are now looking at which runs under a sidewalk, and it goes right into
the bay.
Needless to say, there is very little fishing that goes on in
Guanica Harbor, and most of the fishermen that live there have to
fish elsewhere. The temperature at this effluent is 28 degrees
Centigrade.
A little further to the east of Guanica, larger and more powerful
industrial concerns dump into the ocean petrochemical wastes, which are
both toxic and of high temperature.
The temperature that one of the effluents reaches the ocean at is
38 degrees Centigrade at a rate of something like 6,000 gallons per
minute. One of the petrochemical industries established in Tallaboa
Bay has contracted a study of the marine ecological conditions in their
area because of public pressure accusing them of badly polluting the
environment.
-------
The study In question emphasizes ideal conditions southeast of the
effluent opposite where normal currents and drift conditions carry the
industrial wastes.
However, the study is very generous in vague statements when it
disucsses the areas that are affected by the effluent. The report from
this study includes a long list of organisms captured near the area
which is totally lacking in specific localities, relative proportions
of species, and in conditions of normal species assemlages.
Our ichthyologists have made an extensive study of the area, and
they have ample evidence to show that the fish population there and
their low species diversity are indicative of very badly polluted waters.
In order to show that the study was done downstream, or rather up-
stream from the effluent, actually, we did an experiment which is being
shown on the screen now.
We have released some dye at one of the petrochemical plants and
we are able to follow where the dye goes. Our physiologist has been
able to assay petrochemical pollution by means of a precise examina-
tion of the behavior of carbonate ions in sea water in the presence
of petrochemical compounds and has been able to establish that the
amount of pollution in the water of Tallaboa Bay, Guayanilla Bay, and
Guanlca Harbor have four to five times more organic compounds than the
normal amount of organic matter in normal sea water.
He has been able to show, for example, that the concentrations of
petrochemical compound carried in the effluent streams of the companies
in Tallaboa and Guanica daily are similar to the concentration of petro-
chemical compounds in solution in San Juan Harbor during the Ocean
Eagle disaster.
In January of 1968, the National Science Foundation research
vessel "Eastward", operated by Duke University, was made available
to our Department of Marine Sciences to make a comprehensive study of
bottom conditions along the southwest coast of Puerto Rico from Ponce
to Cabo Rojo.
By different means of dredging and bottom sampling, we were able
to establish that there is a marked decrease both in populations and
species diversity of bottom organisms as one approaches Guayanilla Bay.
In the region of Palo Seco, a liquor distillery and a thermo-
electric generating plant dump their effluents nearby.
The region of La Parguera has been designated as Sb under the
classifications outlined in Sanitary Ruling Number 127. This means
that the waters there shall not contain "floating solids, sedimental
solids, oils, and silt deposits attributable to sewage or industrial
waters -- sewage or similiar effluents which have not reached necessary
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purification so that the waters into which they are dumped may be uti-
lized in the manner designated by the uses to which they have been
destined."
The Department of Marine Sciences, several years ago, brought to
the attention of government authorities that the proliferation of
clandestine structures in La Parguera was not only destroying the man-
grove, but that the sewage resulting from these 50-odd shacks was
degrading the biological environment in the channels.
A government agency informed us that the services of a warden had
been contracted and that he would prevent any further construction or
the enlargement of the existing ones.
Today 120 clandestine structures and a government-sponsored hotel
still dump into the mangrove their untreated effluents. Some of these
structures now boast a second story.
We understand that the warden is still on the municipal pay roll.
Extreme cases of disrespect to existing laws and natural resources are
the pourings of concrete over some of the offshore reefs for the
establishment and construction of clandestine structures there.
The Mayaguez tuna canneries who have obtained from the Planning
Board permission to operate by guaranteeing their obedience to sanitary
regulations are shown here in the process of doing so.
We do not bring to these hearings magic formulas nor voluminous
proposals of new legislation to prevent the abuses to which our waters
are subject. We merely come here with a plea that the existing regula-
tions be enforced.
Thank you. (Applause)
MR. PAUL TRAINA: Doctor, I would like to ask one question: Does
your department have sufficient data on the biology of these waters to
give us at least a qualitative description of the various estuarine and
coastal waters?
DR. CERAME VIVAS: Yes, we have information going back 14 years.
MR. TRAINA: I would like very much for that data to be made
available to us.
MR. THQMAN: Dr. Cerame Vivas, Senor Ramon Garcia Santiago would
like to ask a question.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: At the beginning of your statement, you
made reference to a letter that the Chairman of the Planning Board
sent to Dr. Glennan, Executive Director of Associated Universities,
Incorporated, in relation to the establishment of a biological labora-
tory on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico.
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I want to say for the record that the quotation made here is a
correct quotation. It is a letter sent, I think, sometine during 1967.
My question is, the cases that you are referring to in relation
to the factories authorized and so forth, like the refinery at Guanica,
do you know when this factory was established in this area?
DR. CERAME VIVAS: Yes, sir, about 14 years ago.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Fourteen years ago. Do you know if by then,
for example, the quality criteria were enforced?
DR. CERAME VIVAS: No, sir, there were no quality criteria.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: You also mention the fact of La Parguera.
Do you know If there has been any recent study completed by the National
Park Service and the Puerto Rico Planning Board in order to develop a
comprehensive plan to preserve the exceptional quality of beauty of
La Parguera?
DR. CERAME VIVAS: Yes, sir, I am aware of these plans, and I have
seen them myself.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Do you know if this report has been completed
or if it is in the process of being completed?
DR. CERAME VIVAS: To my knowledge, it hasn't been completed.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Are you aware of the fact, in order to
enforce a plan, you need to have a plan?
DR. CERAME VIVA: My point was that the enfrocement of existing
laws not requiring new plants was in order,
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: I wanted to make this clarification, 'because
I think that the distinction should be made between a situation that is
there, that nobody can deny is existant, and the fact that there is now
definite disposition to all action that might be required in order to
improve the present situation.
This is only proper in order to five the adequate perspective to
visitors from the mainland — I think you have done well in presenting
one point, but I think it is important to present the other point, what
action, if any, has been, taken for solving these problems in the long
run, because none of them can be solved in the short run.
DR. CERAME VIVAS: For the record, I am aware of the interest of
many water officials in solving this particular problem, but it dis-
turbs us as e whole that nothing is being done about it in a positive
way.
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We know of many meetings, we know of many plans, but the actual
enforcement of this law that I am referring to, 127, from the Health
Department, is zero.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Do you know, as in the case of the factory
that is operating in Guanica, there have been plans forthe discontinu-
ance of its operation?
DR. CERAME VIVAS: Yes, this has been mentioned to me. I under-
stand that the particular installation has had financial problems many,
many times in the past and that there is a possibility that they may go
out of business completely sometime this summer.
MR. THCJMAN: Thank you, again, Dr. Cerame Vivas.
Our next speaker is the Honorable Manuel Mendez BaHester, Chairman
of the Natural Resources Commission of the House of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
THE HONORABLE MANUEL MENDEZ BALLESTER: I am here on behalf of the
Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico and also as Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Puerto Rico faces today a great responsibility and an even greater
challenge, the preservation of our natural resources. At present, we
are experiencing the effects of the degradation of the environment,
which in the future, if no corrective measures are taken, will inhibit
the economic and urban development of our Commonwealth.
A dynamic population explosion of an already overpopulated island,
a shrinking allotment of space per person,rarid an increasingly degraded
environment will destroy all the efforts that for the last 25 years
have been devoted to the enhancement of our living conditions.
Thus, the preservation and enhancement of the quality of the
environment is of paramount importance.
It is evident the high degree of pollution in some of our bodies
of water, especially the confined waters in harbors, channels, lagoons,
and rivers exists.
The sanitation of these bodies of water must be achieved to pro-
vide safeguards for the public health, to maintain aquatic life, to
preserve the ecological environment required for natural phenomena,
such as the phosphorescent bay at La Parguera in Lajas, arid to provide
for the relaxation of mind and soul of our ever-increasing population.
In San Juan, where most of our population is concentrated, we are
faced with a heavily polluted bay, inhibiting its use for recreational
purposes, in an area where very little park area is in existence.
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The Condado Lagoon, bordered by numerous hotels and apartment
buildings, along which many people travel every day, is partially used
for recreation, and cannot be used to its full extent because of
pollution.
The people who dare to use the lagoon for fishing and water sports
do it with great danger to their health, due to the actual levels of
pollution in the water.
At par with our continuous urban expansion and industrial develop-
ment, we must also devote technical and economic resources fro the
preservation and reconditioning of our natural resources, if we want
to maintain a livable environment for our children and grandchildren.
It is my belief that the rapid increase in mental illnesses, drug
addiction, and juvenile delinquency is in great part attributable to
the lack of an adequate environment, that may be enjoyed and utilized
by the majority of the people without any impediments.
I am completely hopeful that today's public hearing will be a
major step toward a joint effort between Federal, Commonwealth, munici-
pal and private entites for the erradication of pollution in our estu-
aries and bodies of water, which will eventually lead to great improve-
ments in our natural environment.
Thank you. (Applause)
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much.
I would next like to call on Dr. Lucila Zapata, who is repre-
senting the League of Women Voters. Dr. Zapata.
DR. LUCILA ZAPATA: Gentlemen, I am very pleased to have the
opportunity to be here to represent the League of Women Voters,
Mayaguez area.
Upon receiving the invitation, I was asked by Mrs. Estrella
Fabregas, President of our League in Mayaguez, to represent her. I
gladly accepted the responsibility, because I knew that the experience
would be beneficial because of what I might learn from the valuable
experiences of all you experts in the matter, and because I can later
share this experience with the other members of the league and the
students under my direction at the Mayaguez University campus.
In reference to the challenging subject of these meetings, public
meetings, which include what would be most enlightening in the organi-
zation of a program which would include the administration of resources
in estuarine areas, I will limit myself to making comments in relation
to urgently avoiding, in both short- and long-term plans, the pollu-
tion of the above-mentioned area.
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It is also important to avoid the excess of sedimentation which,
in one way or another, affects the development of the area.
I would also comment on what pollution means for the sanitation in
areas^-whichj for their beauty and usefulness, are used for residences,
for recreation, and for commercial activities, such as fishing zones,
in the estuarine and sport areas in our bays and known by everyone.
If I would go into more details in relation to each of the develop-
ment areas, my comments would be endless. I will limit them to indi-
cate the importance of the estuarine areas as fishing zones and the
negligence due, many times, to ignorance and forgetuflness in the con-
servation of these areas viiich affect so much the possible activities
of the area.
We know the limitations of the fishing zones in the Caribbean.
Factors of a physical ftature, such as the location of the region,
currents, temperatures of the ocean (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit in the
Caribbean), depth, and salt content are some of the factors which
affect, partially in a negative way, the development of the fishing zone.
The polluting influences of man also affiect the physical environ-
ment in the estuary. Man's agricultural activities, industrial develop-
ment, and development of new residential zones, the incorrect location
of municipal waste areas which pollute our rivers, lakes, and bays, are
polluting activities of the human element which play an important role.
Lakes and estuarine areas, meaning deltas of the rivers where the
effects of the tide are evidenced and where waters of the ocean and
river are mixed are very fertile, and with good conservation measures,
the highest yield of these regions can be obtained.
Rivers and areas close to them have great mineral resources and
contain other nutrients tthich influence the productivity of their region.
Thanks to the consciousness about this which has been created, a
new point of view has been developed. Man's attitude changes.
The most important nations, from the fishing point of view, such
as the United States, have many experts studying the important fisheries.
Enormous spawning grounds are maintained, and they replenish the
shore line and island's bodies of water. In those regions, fish obtain
the characteristics of a culture (aqua culture) and then oysters and
other mollusks are planted -- eggs and fish hatcheries -- especially
in estuarine areas with fresh water and in shallow bays.
Periodically, the mature fish are captured. The most promising
regions for this culture are the bays and the estuarine areas, because
the waters are protected and fenced in are accessible from land.
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This viewpoint has made the scientists think about the creation
of the proper environment for the culture. It is the several govern-
ments' responsibility to contribute and establish laboratories and
experimental stations in relation to fishing in several areas of the
island, such as has been done with agricultural experimentation.
It is also necessary to have and maintain vessels for investiga-
tion, trained personnel and technicians who would carefully and con-
tinaqusly evaluate our estuarine resources and who would formulate a
plan of action in view of past experiences -- their investigations,
observations, or comme.nts of persons interested in these problems.
I regard the scientific investigation and the timely publishing
of educational investigations as a very good factor in a project of
conservation of natural resources.
I consider myself privileged to have close at hand the resources
of the Marine Biology Institute under the direction of Dr. Cerame Vivas.
The Institute of Water Resources, with its capable Director,
Dr. Antonio Santiago Vazquez -- I want to thank him for being able to
actively participate in the educational programs of the Mayaguez
University campus.
But I regret that in spite of all the work being done in this
area, we live in an area where the estuarine areas are among the most
polluted in the island.
There is an urgent need to heed the observations and recommenda-
tions which have been made for the canalization projects, in relation
to river bed areas, such as Anasco and Yaguez and Bajura de Cabo Rojo,
alarming centers of pollution.
We can state that the real great problem is the education of our
people. How many people know what it is about? What responsibility
does each of us have in the educational program to avoid the pollution
In the estuarine areas?
In outlining a plan of action to administer these resources, we
could reorganize our pollution problem Advisory Board to include
persons whose agencies are accustomed to polluting and to prevent as
much as possible the Indirect encouragement of the pollution of our
natural resources.
A plan to educate the community in which even our students could
suggest some ideas due to the fact that it is their initiative, and
this could contribute to a higher degree of appreciation in all that
the problem means in a physical environment in which man is the forming
agent by excellence.
Thank you. (Applause)
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MR, THOMAN: Thank you very much, Dr. Zapata.
Is Mrs. David Chang present, from the American League of Women
Voters? Would you care to make a statement?
MRS. DAVID CHANG: Yes. I am Mrs. David Chang, President of the
League of Women Voters of San Juan. On behalf of the League of Women
Voters of San Juan, I am going to let the Chairman of our Water
Resources Committee, Mrs. John Pinto, make the statement.
MRS. JOHN C. PINTO: This morning I am testifying on behalf of the
130 members of the League. Since its inception five years ago, the
San Juan League has been studying water conservation and water pollu-
tion in the metropolitan areas.
In February, 1968, we began a study of the pollution problem of
the Condado Lagoon. We have questioned members of the Department of
Health, Aquaduct and Sewer Authority, Puerto Rico Industrial Develop-
ment Corporation, and the Institute of Health Laboratories, all of
whom were helpful in compiling the facts I toishi to bring before you
today.
In the period between February 28 and March 3, we took five samples
from the lagoon from two places, Delcasse Street and the dock of the
Flamboyan Hotel,
These samples were placed in sterile containers, packed in ice
and brought to the Institute of Health Laboratories where they were
analyzed for coliform bacteria.
The coliform count considered safe for water used for bathing
purposes is 1,000 per hundred milliliters. In all of our samples, the
count was over 11 million per 100 milliliters.
An unbelievable figure? No! At the end of Delcasse Street, you
can see raw sewage floating into the lagoon. The area is filthy.
Toilet paper is caught on twigs and branches; fecal matter is evident;
refuse is thrown around; and bugs crawl.
I am sorry that the pictures I have with me are not large enough
to exhibit.
As far back as 1953, a study by Dr. Nelson Biaggi of the School
of Tropical Medicine showed a coliform count that ranged between 2,300
and 24,000.
In 1967, the Department of Health submitted their own study to
the Department of Tourism, showing the coliform count varied between
2,400 and 24,000 and stated that as a result, the lagoon must be
classified as very polluted and unsuitable for any use where the body
comes in direct contact with the water.
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This is an interesting point, as it is obvious that the lagoon has
been very polluted for at least 15 years, yet the activity on the
lagoon, rather than decrease because of the continued problem, has
increased due to the fact that the lagoon lies in the heart of the
tourist area, and I am sure many of the users are unaware of the problem.
The lagoon is used for swimming, boating, skiing, even parachuting,
and when it is working, a fountain sprays its dangerously polluted water
83 feet into the air.
There are sewers on the Ashford Avenue side of the lagoon, and I
understand all the new buildirgp on the Miramar side must pump their
sewage to the trunk line on Ponce de Leon.
The sewers exist. However, apartment houses are discharging
directly into Condado Lagoon -- why are they not required to hook up
to the existing sewers?
As there is a tremendous need for recreational facilities in the
area, it is our urgent desire that immediate action be taken to enforce
the law and prevent the illegal discharge of sewage into the lagoon.
We believe the condition is critical and feel it is no longer pos-
sible to look the other way. It has been a privilege to testify here
today. On behalf of the League of Women Voters of San Juan, I wish to
express our gratitude at being able to participate in the hearing and
to thank all the government agencies who helped us gather material for
this report. (Applause)
MR. THOMAN*. Thank you very much, Mrs. Pinto and Mrs. Chang, for
being here with us today. If Mr. Gonzalez were here, he might wish to
comment on certain portions of your statement.
But 1 would, for the record, like to indicate that there is an
extremely large construction program under way at the present time,
and discussions are being held with Mr. Gonzalez a little later this
week on future programs in the San Juan area, hopefully that will
alleviate some of the problems to which you refer.
There have been some new engineering reports recently received.
I would next like to call upon Dr. E. A. Montalvo Durand, who is
representing the Puerto Rico Medical Association. Dr. Montalvo Durand.
DR. E. A. MONTALVO DURAND: Good morning, gentlemen. My name is
Eladio A. Montalvo Durand. I am a surgeon and a doctor, past president
of the Public Health Council of the Medical Association of Puerto Rico,
past president of the American Academy of Neuro Medddine, and I repre-
sent both entities.
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Before I statt reading my pages, I would like first of all to
talk about, or inform you, that I was invtied here to present my point
of view regarding the optimum steps to be taken for the development of
the National Estuarine Study here in Puerto Rico.
I have studied in detail everything related with the pollution of
the estuarine areas in Puerto Rico.
In accordance with the invitation which you extended to me to
present my points of view on this matter in our island, after studying
and discussing in detail this matter with the technicians experienced
in this subject, I have arrived to the conclusion that from the point
of view of Paragraph 5, Title II of Federal Law 89-753, dated November
3rd, 1966, and from the viewpoint of gepnorphology, there does not
exist in Puerto Rico areas which entirely match the description and
characteristics assigned to an estuary.
In our island, rivers are of a small volume, and in general, do
not openly go into the ocean. To the contrary, they stop before they
get to shore without greatly affecting the environmental conditions
of the area surrounding them.
This is a permanent situation which only changes during the season
of torrential rains, when in one or two cases the river discharges its
water into the ocean, but this is for a relatively short period of time.
Due to these facts, the situation which could introduce changes
or typical and lasting environmental characteristics, is not produced.
On the other hand, the tides in Puerto Rico are low, and for this
reason, they do not flood the delta of the rivers nor have any other
bodies of fresh water near the coast.
So, the necessary natural condition for the formation of an
estuary such as is known in other countries does not exist. Neverthe-
less, I do not fail to admit that areas such as San Juan Bay, la
Laguna Torrecillas, la Laguna del Condado, la Bahia de Guanicia, la
Laguna Rincon de Cabo Joro, and la Bahia de Jobos.have some of the
characteristics of the estuaries and suffer the effects of pollution.
The projection of all the surface bodies of water, including the
river delta regions and the oceans close to them, from the effects
of pollution, is provided for in the program planned by the Health
Department.
Law Number 142 of 1950, and Regulation 127, 128, and 129 grant
the Health Department legal authority to plan the activities for the
protection of all the waters in Puerto Rico, such as subterranean,
superficial, internal, and coastal bodies of water.
The activities for the protection of all the waters in Puerto
Rico are as follows:
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1. Study all the bodies of waters., both inland and coastal 9 to
determine the existing degree of pollution.
2. Carrying out of the permanent sampling operation of coastal
waters surrounding the island to determine temperature, dissolved
oxygen, acidity, and bacteriological status.
3„ Study and investigation of claims and complaints from the part
of our affected community.
4„ Location of sources of pollution and determination of the neces-
sary measures to avoid or eliminate them.
5. To avoid the pollution by new industries. A coordination has
been established between the development company, the planning
committee and the Health Department in order to acquire the instal-
lation and operation of new industries without their becoming new
sources of pollution tor the bodies of waters in the island.
6. Educational programs. This activity has been designed so that
it will distribute among the citizens knowledge about the impor-
tance of our waters for the general welfare and about the dangers
which pollution represents to this natural resource.
Suggestions: Besides these activities which are already being
carried out, I only have to make the following suggestions for the pro-
tection of all the bodies of waters in Puerto Rico to establish an
alertness between the medical and the paramedical personnel of the
agencies which watch over the health of the people and between the
private physicians of each locality to report and identify health con-
ditions, sporadic diseases or epidemics among the people which could
be caused by the pollution of these bodies of waters to give the authori-
ties the power to eliminate and control such causes as soon as they
present themselves.
The displaying of signs by government agnecies around the bodies
of water such as should be protected from pollution in an obvious and
general way, so as to avoid contamination, especially by those matters
which could affect the health of the population and the animal life in
the area.
Conclusions: In Puerto Rico, there are no estuaries, as such.
Nevertheless, I have mentioned some areas which, in. some ways,, have
some of the characteristics of an estuary.
For this reason, I recommend that the benefits of the studies
which are being planned for these estuarine regions be brought before
Puerto Rico to be applied to these areas or other similar ones which
are being affected by the pollution of their bodies of water.
Thank you. (Applause)
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MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Jack, the representative from the Medical
Association has brought the problem of the definition of what is an
estuarine area. He quoted from the law, and on the basis of the law,
he made the statement that he doesn't think that in Puerto Rico there
are any estuarine areas as defined by the law.
Yet, he mentioned certain areas which participate of the charac-
teristics of some of the elements included in the definition, and I
just wanted to make the statement, and I want you to correct it if you
find it inadequate, that this is a study the Congress apparently took
the position that in the case of any doubt, the doubt should be resolved
in favor of considering an estuarine area, certain parts which might
necessarily participate of all the elements as defined in the law.
Would you care to make a comment on this, because I think that
this is an important point in order to give the adequate orientation
to the participants.
MR. THOMAN: Would you care to comment on that, Paul?
MR. TRAINA: The doctor read the legal definition of an estuary
out of the legislation that authorized this study, and I believe --
and I'm not a lawyer -- but I believe that the definition does cover
all coastal waters, harbors, and bays and all tributaries thereof.
Now, one of the problems that we have had in the past, as far as
defining an estuary, is not so much the down end of it, the bay area,
but where does it begin upstream.
Now, there could be some legal question here. To the best of
interpretation so far, that point is usually where the tide ends or
begins, however you want to look at it.
But I believe if you read the law, it would cover all the coastal
waters of Puerto Rico.
MR. THOMAN; Thank you very much, Doctor. One question: Did
your statement cover Dr. Jose Alvarez de Choudens1 — is Dr. Jose
Alvarez de Choudens here? Would you care to make a statement, too?
DR. HOSE A. ALVAREZ de CHOUDENS: I have a statement to make.
MR, THOMAN: Please come forward, Dr. Alvarez de Choudens.
DR. ALVAREZ de CHOUDENS: Good morning. I am Dr. Jose A.
Alvarez de Choudens, President of the Puerto Rico Medical Association.
Dr. Montalvo Durand was presenting the views of the Council on
Public Health of the Puerto Rico Medical Association.
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Modern technology has the object of using the natural resources,
converting them in materials, substances, tools, and energy for multi-
ple uses and maximum usefulness.
Once this matter and energy are used, the rest constitutes wastes
or undesirable remains that man does not yet know what to do with.
The solution, until now, has been to return this waste to the
environment from which it came so that the elements will dispose of
themselves in a natural form.
Modern technology has not, as yet, developed the necessary methods
for properly disposing of the wastes which humanity produces. The more
highly concentrated the pollution is, the larger the pollution poten-
tial becomes, especially if the population is organized in a usual way,
which means that the people are as close together as possible, occupy-
ing homes, factories, public buildings, garages, dry-cleaning plants,
and motor vehicles.
The routine urban activities, such as driving a car, cooking out,
burning trash in incinerators, or open burning of pastures, and even
wastes, accidental fires, motor-operated lawn mowers, et cetera, are
sources of pollution of the enrivonment.
The amount of water available to dispose of soluble wastes is
unimportant. How much air and wind there seems to be to dispose of
violatile wastes does not matter.
The capacity of the environment to eliminate waste is definitely
limited. Once the natural system of self-purification of environment
is over-loaded, the situation of pollution will be created which will
undoubtedly produce first, discomfort, damage, and finally, irreparable
losses to individuals and the general community.
Unfortunately, the section of the population most susceptible to
environmental pollution is logically that of the lowest resistance,
such as the chronically sick, the aged, and children.
This group can suffer temporary or permanent damage to their
health, while healthy adults do not, apparently, suffer or may suffer
from a temporary discomfort.
Once they are created, the problems of environmental pollution
have a very difficult solution. The control and prevention of air
pollution is not easy,
A coordinated effort on the part of various technical and scien-
tific disciplines is required to evaluate the magnitude of these prob-
lems and to determine their ecological impact and design and carry out
programs of adequate control and correction.
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The sugar and rum industries are the principal sources of waste
in the island. At the same time, the requirements for the control of
waste in many of the new industries leave much to be desired.
The drainage systems and the means to eliminate wastes are out-
dated and inadequate. These existing industries, as well as the new
ones in Puerto Rico, empty their wastes without any chemical treat-
ment in the nearest stream or on the beach, thus polluting the water.
The waste goes directly to the beaches, where, in general, there
are tourists and visitors. These vessels anchored in the parks and
bays have the bad habit of throwing overboard the waste and garbage
originated onboard.
When the Medical Association of Puerto Rico attended the public
meetings held in 1967, in the Health Department on the quality require-
ments to be met by the coastal waters of the Free Associated State, the
Medical Association stated:
"We understand that the quality control of the coastal waters
of Puerto Rico is carried out with an objective of guarding the
health of our people.
"For this reason, we recommend that the guarding of our
beaches be much more strict and effective. We have the knowl-
edge that in Puerto Rico there are municipalities which have the
habit of emptying their wastes on the beaches.
"This waste is, in time, carried by the rising tides and
taken to other places, thus endangering the quality of our
coastal waters.
"It is due to our climate on our beaches that tourists come
to Puerto Rico, and already, on different occasions, they have
complained about this in referring to the sanitation conditions,
especially after a picnic of our own fellow citizens.
"We recommend more strictness in sanitation laws and, of
course, that these disorderly acts be made punishable.
"We are also conscious of the attraction of our phosphores-
cent waters in La Parguera. The present sanitation conditions,
both in this beach and its surroundings, leave much to be desired
and also keeps many people from taking their guests there.
"The unlawful construction of cabins and boat sheds close to
the phosphorescent waters is well knows. Consequently, the garr
bage and other wastes of human origin go into these waters and
then are carried by the current to other places near these tourist
attractions.
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"This situation can force this attractive panorama to disap-
pear. We recommend that not tmly the sanitary conditions of'our
beaches be intensified, but also beautified,
"The southern industries, such as Corco-Shell, et cetera,
must be watched."
The Sanitary Regulation Number 127 recently modified in its
Articles II, III, V, and VI (Sanitary Regulation Number 128), demands
specific quality standards for the coastal waters of Puerto Rico.
These requirements are transmitted to the industry by our govern-
ment, and these industries cannot establish themselves in Puerto Rico
unless they meet the requirements set out by the Secretary of Health
and the Planning Committee.
There are places in Puerto Rico where water pollution has attained,
or exceed, the maximum permissible" limit. Such is the case of the Bays
of San Juan, Mayaguez, and Guanica.
The industrial areas of Puerto Rico, Nuevo, and Guayanilla,
apparently present an actual and real problem of air pollution. To
avoid an increase in the already-existing pollution and its extension
to other areas and its generalization, it is imperative to establish
the necessary measures of control as soon as possible and that sani-
tary regulations, Regulations 127 and 128, be carried out to their
fullest extent.
It has been necessary in the past that the administrative organi-
zation of the government assume the responsibility of providing neces-
sary resources, both natural and artificial so that our defenseless
population of our island could pass from a mere subsistence level to
a normal way of life, which includes the right and the possibility of
a continuous improvement for each individual.
We believe that at the moment it is necessary to carry out a
reevaluation of the philosophy and the future plans of our government
to make ourselves familiar with one of the basic principles of the
administration of public health services within a system of the demo-
cratic government.
This establishes that the government shall provide health services,
using public funds in those service areas in which voluntary or private
agencies of the community lack the facilities to provide all of these
health services.
Actually, in Puerto Rico, there are the technical capabilities,
the administrative capabilities, the genuine interests,'and the eco-
nomic means necessary within the voluntary and/or private agencies of
the community to develop the medical hospital services on a level with
the needs of Puerto Rico.
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That which our community lacks is sufficient technical personnel,
special equipment, specific assigned funds, adequate legislation, and
an administrative organization to face the true reality that our
environment is being polluted in an uncontrolled and progressive way,
aggravated by an overwhelming growth in our population.
Water pollution; air pollution; unsanitary conditions in restau-
rants; poor sanitary qualities of milk, meat, and other foods; the
accumulation of wastes in yards, sidewalks, avenues, empty lawns, and
beaches; free sale in the market of potentially harmful products; the
exposure of laborers to health and safety hazards in their jobs; these
and several other situations which directly affect health, welfare, and
productivity of the population of Puerto Rico are part of the picture
in the continuous growth in the environmental pollution in the community.
The control or solution of the environmental pollution problems
requires a common, organized effort of every level and sector of the
community, especially the effort and the interest of the numerous
government agencies which represent different fields of science and
technology.
The Medical Association of Puerto Rico offers its unconditional
cooperation and admonishes the citizens of Puerto Rico to unite their
efforts to face the situation, analyze it^ and outline specific actions
to be undertaken and carry them out.
Our goal should be to maintain the purity and beauty of our
island, encourage its industrial growth without hindering the environ-
ment, and using our natural resources to their fullest extent without
the penalty of diseases, suffering, and loss of product by the pollu-
tion of the environment in which we live.
As a conclusion, we want to repeat the following words by President
Lyndon B. Johnson:
"The science that has increased our abundance can find ways
to restore and renew an environment equal to our needs. The time
is ripe to set forth a creed to preserve our natural heritage --
principles which men and women of good will will support in order
to assure the beauty and bounty of their land.
"Conservation is ethically sound. It is rooted in our love
of the land, our respect for the rights of others, our devotion
to the rule of law.
"Let us proclaim a creed to preserve our natural heritage
with rights and the duties to respect those rights: The right to
clean water and the duty not to pollute it; the right to clean
air and the duty not to befoul it; the right to surroundings
reasonably free from man-made ugliness and the duty not to blight
it; the right to easy access to places of beauty and tranquility,
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where every family can find recreation and refreshment and the
duty to preserve such places clean and unspoiled; the right to
enjoy plants and animals in their natural habitats and the duty
not to eliminate them from the face of the earth,
"These rights assert that no person or company or government
has a right, in this day and age, to pollute, to abuse resources
or to waste our common heritage.
"The work to achieve thses rights will not be easy. It can-
not be completed in a year or five years, but there will never
be a better time to begin."
Thank you. (Applause)
MR, THOMAN: Thank you very much, Dr. Alvarez. Are there any
questions? If not, agdin, thank you.
I would now like to call on Mr. Luis Negron Garcia, Professor of
Law.at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law.
MR. LUIS F. NEGRON GARCIA: May name is Luis F. Negron Garcia,
Professor of Law at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law.and
Director of the Institute of Urban Law of said Law School.
I was appointed by the President of the Puerto Rico Bay Associa-
tion, William Fred Santiago, as the representative of the insular Bar
in this hearing. I was also named by the Chancellor of the University
of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Abrahan Diaz Gonzalez, to repre-
sent that campus.
Lastly, the Institute of Urban Law of the University of Puerto
Rico School of Law also received an invitation to participate in
these proceedings.
This paper was prepared by the staff of the Institute, primarily
Mr. Angel G. Hermida and myself, and is offered in representation of
the three institutions mentioned above.
For the opportunity to express our views on such an important
matter, I thank you on their behalf.
We have imposed on ourselves certain a priori limitations as to
the scope of this paper. First, our analysis will be primarily legal,
and we will not emphasize scientific, economic, or factual information.
We shall, on occasion, make reference to facts and other considera-
tions, but this will be only to illustrate some point, rather than to
convey comprehensive information.
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Secondly, our paper aims to devfelop some brief recommendations,
which we hope will be useful in the preparation of your report to "
Congress.
Therefore, our focus has been determined by the 6cope of your
investigation, particularly to Section 5(g)(3)(C) of the Federal Water
Pollution Act -- hereinafter referred to as the Federal Act -- which
refers to recommendations as to the respective responsibilities of
Federal, state, and local governments in the control of estuarine
pollution.
Consequently, we have not attempted a detailed analysis and
criticism of the existing local legal structure functioning and
implementation for dealing with pollution problems.
We have made reference to that structure, but only for the pur-
pose of illustrating for you as to its functioning and its inherent
limitations.
Furthermore, the comprehensiveness and adequateness of the
Federal Act makes it difficult to recommend additions or revisions
to its basic conceptual scheme.
Since these hearings form part of the investigation that will
result in a report to Congress on the estuaries of the Nation, and
since Congress may decide to approve legislation for the control of
pollution in such estuaries, it is necessary to briefly make an
inquiry into the authority Congress may have to legislate as regards
the waters of Puerto Rico.
Congress presumably acquired control overtthe waters of Puerto
Rico in 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War tmd the Treaty
of Paris.
However, in 1917, Congress -- by virtue of Section 8 of the Jones
Act -- ceded its control over "the harbor areas and navigable streams
and bodies of water... in and around the island of Puerto Rico" to the
government of Puerto Rico.
That same section provided, however, that "all laws of the United
States for the protection and improvement of the navigable waters of
the United States and the preservation of the interest of navigation
and commerce, except so far as the same may be locally inapplicable,
shall apply to said island and waters."
In 1950, and by virtue of Public Law 81-600, the Jones Act --
with some changes not relevant here -- was renamed the Puerto Rico
Federal Relations Act and readopted as part of the compact between
the United States and the people of Puerto Rico, leaving unaltered
Section 8 of the Jones Act.
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Therefore, it may be reasonable to conclude -- apart from the
possible validity of various arguments to the contrary — that by vir-
tue of Section 8 of the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act, Congress
retained the power to legislate in order to control pollution in Puerto
Rico's navigable waters. Estuaries certainly fall within this criteria.
By definition, any river which opens to the sea has an estuary.
Not all rivers, however, will have a true estuarihe zone. In Puerto
Rico, in particular, many rivers will oepn to the sea in such a direct
manner, and without the formation of any bay or other system of mixed
fresh and salt water, that there will exist no estuarine zone to speak
of.
However, some other rivers will form some sort of estuarine zone,
from a very simple one, such as that of the Humacao River, to the very
complex system of bays, canals, lagoons, marshes, and mangroves around
San Juan, into which several rivers drain.
We may obtain an idea of the condition of Puerto Rico's rivers and
estuaries by considering the following data taken from Department of
Health reports.
The Rio Grande de Loiza, at a point within its small estuary,
shows a biochemical oxygen demand, BOD, of 9.4, and a coliform index
of 67,800.
The Espiritu Santo River, which opens to the Atlantic Ocean and
has extensive marshland surrounding it near its mouth, shows -- at a
point approximately one mile from its mouth -- a BOD of 6.3 and a
coliform index of 35,827.
Guanica Bay, which is fed by the Loco River and opens to the
Caribbean, has a BOD below five and an average coliform index of $(,500.
The Rio Piedras River, which drains into San Juan Bay, shows, at
one-half mile from its mouth, a BOD fo 12.9 and a coliform index of
1,560 near its mouth.
It is hardly necessary to add that the above data reflect, in
general, rather heavy pollution.
As for San Juaa Bay, there exist a series of yearly reports dating
from 1963-64. The stfrne testing tee were used evety year, so that the
dita is directly comparable.
Unfortunately, all of the testing stations are on the main bay,
and there is no available data as to the connecting lagoons, channels,
et cetera.
The data for 1963-64 shows a median coliform index ranging from
10,220,000 to 9,950.and a median BOD ranging from 9.0 to 3.0. 'For
1964-65, some sites improved, while athers grew worse.
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The median coliform index now ranged from 1,060,000 to 50,300, and
the median BOD ranged from 7.8 to 3.1. On various occasions, however,
coliform counts rose to the tens of millions, and BOD rose to 30 and
40 ppm.
By 1964-65, coliform counts very frequently reach the tens of
millions, and on various days surpassed 200 million. The highest median
value is now 1,500,000.
Correspondingly, the BOD frequently rises above ten ppm during
this period. The median value ranged from 9.3 to 3.7.
The largest survey, that for 1966-67, again shows coliform index
frequently going into tens of millions and on many occasions surpassing
200 million; and the BOD often going above ten, and in various instances,
above 20.
Median values now range from 3,500,000 to 21,500 for coliforms and
9.95 to 3.15 for BOD.
There are in Puerto Rico at least 13 different agencies having
some statutory authority over some aspect of water resources. These
are the Planning Board, Department of Public Works, Department of
Agriculture, Department of Health, Aquaduct and Sewer Authority, Water
Resources Authority, Land Authority, Economic Development Administration,
Public Service Corasnission, University of Puerto Rico, and Transportation
Authority.
We shall, however, refer only to those that have, or are supposed
to have, an important role in pollution control of estuaries.
The first and most important of the Commonwealth agencies that
deal with water pollution is the Health Department.
It is the agency specifically designated by law to represent Puerto
Rico as regards any Federal program in water pollution control (24 Laws
of Puerto Rico Annotated, Section 592) and has general power to estab-
lish pollution control regulations in Puerto Rico (24 L.P.R.A. 599).
Its jurisdiction extends over all the waters of Puerto Rico, includ-
ing the ocean (24 L.P.R.A. 591).
This agency has already submitted to the Federal government water
quality criteria concerning coastal waters, as provided in Section 10
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. We shall return
to these criteria later.
The Public Works Department also has an important role in water
quality problems. It is necessary to obtain a permit from said depart-
ment in order to extract sand from the sea on the seashore (28 L.P.R.A.
201).
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Although this is not in the field of pollution proper, such
activity can have a dedided impact on water quality of adjacent estua-
rine areas.
The Public Works Department also has general authority for the
draining of mangroves and swamps (28 L.P.R.A. 84 and 12 L.P.R.A. 671
to 678). Again, this can have an impact on adjacent estuarine areas.
The Agriculture Department is in charge of a general erosion con-
trol program 112 L.P.R.A.; 124). It also has authority over water pol-
lution, and its permission must be obtained as a condition for the
discharge of any industrial or agricultural waste into a body of water
(12 L.P.R.A. 61).
This licensing power is expressed in broad terms and roughly
parallels that of the Health Department under 24 L.P.R.A. 599.
However, it appears in an article aimed at the protection of fish,
crustaceans, and mollusks, and could be interpreted as referring only
to the control of substances harmful to such organisms.
The Planning Board has authority to establish regulations for
"the development of beaches and other bodies of water" (23 L.P.R.A,
8(11) ) and to adopt projects regarding, among other, water resources
districts (23 L.P.R.A. 12).
There are a number of other lavs which impinge on water use and
water quality: the "Water Law", a Spanish law dating from 1879, and
made applicable to Puerto Rico by royal decree of April 5, 1886, (12
L.P.R.A. 501 to 1084); Chapters 153 through 161 of the Puerto Rico
Civil Code (31 L.P.R.A. 1311 through 1396); the Docks and Harbors Law
(23 L.P»R,A. 381 through 434); and several other less important laws.
It shouLd be noted that our constitution also has a provision
applicable to the problem at hand. Article VI, Section 19, states:
"It shall be the public policy of the Commonwealth to con-
serve, develop, and use its natural resources ia the most effec-
tive manner possible for ttre general welfare of the community."
From what was said in Section 111, it is obvious that these vari-
ous legal Instruments have been insufficient by themselves for an
adequate control of water pollution, at least with regard to certain
rivers and bays.
It is necessary to determine why this has been so, and what can
be done to remedy the situation.
One must say, first of all, that there exists in Puerto Rico suf-
ficient statutory authroity for the development of a satisfactory
system of regulations and programs for the control of water pollution,
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with the important exception that the Planning Board lacks regulatory
power over the rural zones of the island, a power that is urgently
needed.
Also, the multiplicity of agencies having jurisdiction over some
aspects of water resources can be a confusing element, and though con-
siderable improvement could be had through a more efficient coordina-
tion by the Planning Board of the total governmental effort (23 L.P.R.A.
3), the Secretary of Health has power, under Law 142 of 1950 (24 L.P.R.A,
591 through 601), for the adoption of standards and regulations suffi-
cient to control water pollution in Puerto Rico.
It is misleading, however, to view the problem in such simple
terms. It would be easy, but incorrect, to say that the Secretary of
Health is solely to blame for the deplorable condition of Puerto Rico's
waters.
There are many problems, and water pollution is only one of them,
which are not amenable to solution by the simple expedient of laws and
regulations.
There are a nuufoer of facts, inherent in Puerto Rico's situation,
which make the water pollution control problem very difficult. For
example, many of our rivers have a very limited flow capacity, in
proportion to the number of people they serve.
Of the rivers mentioned above for which low-flow dat^ is available,
the Rio Grande de Loiza has 6 low-flow rate of 37 cubic feet per second,
the Espiritu Santo River has 17 cfs, the Loco River dries completely,
and the Bayamon River has seven cfs. As a consequence, self-purification
capacities are correspondingly low.
Of course, pollution could still be avoided by a) forbidding all
discharges into our streams, or b) thoroughly purifying all discharges.
For obvious reasons, neither solution is practicable.
Sewage from the cities cannot be stopped, and to summarily for-
bid all industrial pollution would very seriously impair the indus-
trialization program, which is essential to the island's economic
development.
On the other hand, the cost of a massive development of purifi-
cation facilities is beyond Puerto Rico's budgetary capabilities.
These realities are dramatically revealed in the latest water
quality regulations adopted by the Health Department for coastal waters,
and which were submitted to the Federal government as provided in Sec-
tion 10 of the FWPCA.
These regulations, as regard the bays of San Juan, Ponce, and
Mayaguez, set no limit whatsoever as regards bacteriological contami-
nation.
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Thus, it is necessary to emphasize that emission regulations by
themselves will not eliminate the pollution problem facing Puerto Rico's
estuaries.
The preparation and adoption of a comprehensive plan for the con-
trol of water pollution -- integrated to other policy decisions regard-
ing other natural resources and primarily containing value judgments
as to the hierarchy of pure water when confronted with decisions that
result in polluting it -- is at the heart of a successful application
of the regulatory power.
Thus, on one hand the insular government, through the exercise of
the control mechanism, may greatly reduce the pollution of water. On
the other, it needs to develop an integral plan -- with detailed pro-
gramming and fixed priorities — for the prevention and control of water
pollution.
In the latter, regulations will operate within its framework and
may certainly be more exitous than functioning alone.
The Federal financial assistance in this basic phase is of utmost
importance, for once the administrative structure is set up, research
for the identification of pollution problems, their causes, possible
remedies^and the elaboration of a comprehensive plan to deal with
water pollution, will necessarily follow.
This plan will form the basis for subsequent financial Federal
grants, especially for construction works.
Although the Federal Act eontemplates Federal assistance in the
preliminary phase of organizing the State Water Pollution Control
Agency (Section 3(c) ), it may not exceed 50 percentum of the admin-
istration expenses of not more than three years.
Due to the importance of this phase, we think a higher percentage
would operate as a greater stimulus to the local authorities.
Also, several budgetary limitations might make it advisable to
distinguish among the different states according to their financial
capabilities. The above is true in the Puerto Riean situation.
Recommendations: From the foregoing, it is evident that Puerto
Rico needs help in its battle against the pollution of waters.
Congress has, in Section 5(g) of the Federal Act, ordered this
study of the effects of pollution
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1. In terms of the exercise of the regulatory power, in the case
of Puerto Rico, the direct responsibility for the control of pol-
lution of the estuaries should be at the Commonwealth, rather
than at the Federal level.
The control mechanisms must be applied not only at the estuary
itself, but all along the rivers which feed it. Thus, the
extension of Federal regulatory jurisdiction to Puerto Rican non-
navigable waters might be undesirable and may unnecessarily raise
a serious problem in terms of the political status question.
2. In terms of financing, the Federal government should shoulder
the bulk of the research effort in this area, for any such
research will be beneficial to all of the states, the burden
should not rest in any particular one.
Thus, the programs provided for in Section 5 of the Federal Act
should be greatly strengthened.
3. Congress has already recognized Puerto Rico's limited finan-
cial resources in Section 7(b)(1) of the Federal Act by expressly
placing the island in the highest "federal share" category.
However, even the proportion there established is not enough for
Puerto Rico, particularly as regards a program such as that
established in Section 7, whose proper functioning is a prerequi-
site for participation in the construction grants program of
Section 8 and of Section 3(c) that provides help for establishing
the administrative structure which will elaborate Section 7 pro-
grams and others.
In. such a situation, Puerto Rico's severe budgetary limitations
could make it very difficult for us to receive the desperately
needed aid of subsequent programs.
Thus, in this and any similar future legislation, Puerto Rico
should benefit from a higher Federal contribution to any local
pollution control program.
4. Lastly, we are of the opinion that the Oil Pollution Act of
1924, should be considerably strengthened. Oil tankers have the
potential for discharging immense amounts of pollutants into a
bay, as was so tragically demonstrated when the tanker "Ocean
Eagle" broke right on the mouth of San Juan Bay just a few weeks
ago, spilling millions of gallons of 611 into the bay and sur-
rounding beaches.
These are our recommendations. Thank you.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you, Professor. Two comments: One, it is
quite interesting to note that you feel that the legal statutory
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authority for the control of pollution rests with the Commonwealth, and
in the third recommendation you recommend increased Federal participa-
tion in financing activities and in the construction of needed treat-
ment works.
Let me assure you that the Congress of the United States usually
doesn't give money away without exacting some measure of control. In
the case of water pollution, they have been trying over the years to
see that the states, and in this case, the commonwealth, exercise their
correct authority and proper prerogatives.
Unfortunately, the states and the commonwealth have not always
exercised their responsibilities. As a consequence* it seems to be a
fact of political science that whenever a lower level of government
doesn't perform a function, a higher Level of government usually steps
in and takes over.
I hope that comments of people such as yourself will stimulate the
Commonwealth into even greater efforts in this field. Thank, you very
much.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Jack, I would like, if I may, to make some
remarks on Professor Negron Garcia's statement. As a matter of fact,
I must say that I am happy that he has brought some of the statements
he has made, and I wonder what -- whether it would be proper for us
to ask Dr. Negron Garcia to furnish further statements on the legal
aspects he mentioned.
From the viewpoint of the Commonwealth government, I think this
is a very important point. I am just wondering if he could submit :
some further statement trying to rectify the jurisdiction as he would
envision it on the light of the assumption that the Commonwealth
government should retain jurisdiction over control of the estuarine
areas as it regards poLlution.
Frankly, 1 must admit that this is probably one of the most
important points that has been brought to our consideration this
morning, and I would like that this p6int might be further explored
and a ftnrther statement should be submitted to us, if you don't mind.
I think it is very important.
MR. THOMAN: We would be very pleased to have it for the record.
We would ask that you get it in to us aa quickly as possible, sir.
MR. NEGRON GARCIAj I can submit it and also supplement it with
an amortization of this point. Let me point out just briefly that
the Federal Water Pollution Act established In Section 10, paragraph 2,
that the primary authority for the control of pollution of estuaries*
if not of estuaries proper, of all of the pollutlonal sources, rests
within each state and then establishes a mechanism by which even the
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state government can deal effectively, according to Paragraph (d), and
then the Secretary will publish regulations, and, if necessary, pro-
mulgate such regulations containing the standards for water pollution
that did not apply in that state.
I think that this is the situation here, also, in Puerto Rico.
MR. THGMAN: May I interject. Did I understand you to say that
we were going to set standards?
MR* HEGRON GARCIA: No, I just
MR. THGMAN: Well, the primary policy in the Federal Act -- it
states that it shall be the duty, or the responsibility, of the states
to control their own pollution. That is correct.
MR. NEGRON GARCIA: Yes, but if the states fail to do it, then
the government establishes the mechanism by which the state can
promulgate --
MR. THOMAN: That's correct.
MR. NEGRON GARCIA: That's the situation which also applies in
Puerto Rico, except with regard to not having waters that are also
covered by the Act or could be covered by the Act, depending on how
you define estuaries, as vfls mentioned before, in Puerto Rico.
Specifically, in Puerto Rico, that would bring the problem of the
whole political established question, because, according to the Federal
Navigation Act, Congress has authority to retain authority over navi-
gable waters and not over normavigalbe waters.
So that was my main line of argumentation.
MR. TRAINA: Professor, I would like to make one comment. I think
it would be in order to repeat some of the remarks that Mr, Thoman made
initially.
This particular section of this Act, calling for this three-year
study; the purpose for it is, at this time, to recommend to Congress
how estuaries should be managed and controlled and what the respec-
tive responsibilities of all levels of government should be.
Of course, the idea of these meetings is to get expressions such
as yours as to what these responsibilities should be so that this
information can be given to the Congress for whatever action they may
or may not want to take.
So I think we have here ia this meeting Slid in this .study a very
unique opportunity on all our parts to be involved in planning some
long-term control and management programs for estuaries in the country.
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MR. NEGRON GARCIA: Well, I would like to mention one last point.
I made a difference — I tried to differentiate between the control
power that the states and the Federal Congress has through regulation,
and the whole incentive that belongs to programs -- more specifically,
to construction works and so forth — and that difference should be
clearly stated, because with regard to construction works, there is
clear relationship with regulation.
Secondly, if it doesn't accept the regulation, then that is the
basis for the whole construction of works. You won't get it. So it's
really a very unique type of relationship.
MR. THGMAN: Thank you. I would next like to call on Dr. Antonio
Santiago Vazquez, Director of the Water Resources Research Institute
at the University of Puerto Rico,
DR. ANTONIO SANTIAGO VAZQUEZ: I am Antonio Santiago Vazquez. I
am Director of the Water Resources Research Institute {IIRA) at the
University of; Puerto Rico.
The University of Puerto Rico is very honored and pleased by the
invitation to participate in these public heatings.
My presentation recommends and collects ideas on the topic shared
by Engineer Luis A. del Valle, Brofessor of SSnitatioh Engineering of
this Department 6f Civil Ea^ifte^Jrlog of the.'College bf Agriculture and
Applied Mechanics (CAAM). and Associated Researchers of the IIRA,
I am Director of the IIRA and of the Civil Engineering Department
of the CAAM. We all recognize the great importance of estuaries which
abound in the coastal zones of the various continents.
In these areas, estuarine regions constitute a sizable part of
the coast. Approximately 80 per cent of the coast of the East
Atlantic and the Gulf is formed by estuariesj -whereas, in the Pacific
Chey only account for ten per cent.
In Puerto Rico, on the contrary, the situation is different due
to the geometrical configuration of our coast, which tends to be more
or less straight, and due to the small volume of the rivers, the
estuarine areas are tiny.
This states our doubts about the importance of the estuaries, as
such. On the other hand, it is fact that our coastal regions, where
although In Small scale the interrelationship between fresh and salt
water still^persists; are of a vital impdrtimce for the social and
economic development 6f this ^ifel&Ad tfnid for Puerto Rito life in general.
Due to the above stated, our cossnents will refer not to the eetu*
aries only, but to out coastal zones in general*
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Problems of pollution: An unfortunate consequence of the great
progress undergone by the island of Puerto Rico is the pollution of
its bodies of water by waste, both domestic and industrial.
Many municipalities still unload their back waters without treat-
ment into rivers and bays. In some areas of our island, it has been
necessary to permit a certain degree of pollution by industrial debris
for the sake of a greater economic development through the growing and
necessary industrialization.
There is no doubt that there exists among government officials
and the community a growing concern for the need for natural resources,
especially water, to recieve a greater protection than they now receive,
if Puerto Rico is to continue to enjoy its present economic development.
The problems inherent to the unloading of waste in the bodies of
water are the reduction of the oxygen content dissolved in the water
with the resulting death of fish by suffocation, and the toxic sub-
stances, the resulting unpleasant odors, the creation of conditions
unpleasant to human smell, the pollution of water by organisms which
produce diseases, and the destruction of different forms of water life.
These problems are common to both fresh and salt water. The water
is thus damaged and the quality requires more elaborate and costly
treatments when they are necessary for municipal or industrial use.
The bodies of water which have been polluted by substances harm-
ful to health cease to be available for recreational uses, thus
destroying one of the values in which we should be able to count at
every meraent, which Is tourism and also the recreation of the local
citizens.
As we have previously stated, there exists in Puerto Rico a great
number of towns which discharge their back waters without any form of
treatment into the coastal waters close to them.
There are also some rivers which receive back waters of some
towns and then pour them into the ocean. A sample of the first situa-
tion is Mayaguez.
A sample of the second situation is San German, which discharges
its waters into the Rio Guanajibo, which finally unloads exactly in
Mayaguez Bay,
The river problem in itself becomes more severe during the dry
season, which, added to the particular hydrology of Puerto Rico, crem-
ates a situation of extremely small volume, which does not offer the
opportunity for the pollutants to dissolve themselves.
These rivers end up by becoming mere sanitary sewers. The
Mayaguez River in the west of the island is a sad example of the
situation.
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Recommendations for the control of pollution for municipal black
waters:
1. To control the pollution in rivers, lakes, and lagoons, it is
indispensable that plants be provided for the full treatment,
including the disinfection of the effluents, for all the black
waters which flow into these bodies of water and also for the
modification of the existing plants when necessary.
It is necessary to state that even though we admit that the bodies
of water have a certain capacity for self-depuration, a matter
which is now under investigation by the Institute of Water Resources
of the University of Puerto Rico, we can't permit the full use of
this phenomenon.because our bodies of water are small and the con-
centration of population arid industry gfows daily With the pollution.
2. FGr the pollution control of the coastal waters, it is equally
recommended that the black waters be adequately treated before
flowing into the ocean.
It is indispensable that this treatment be followed by an effective
disinfection, if we want to preserve our beaches in the state of
sanitation necessary for their use as a recreational facility.
The adequate design of the hydraulic systems of emission of efflu-
ents into the ocean should be taken into account. The most modern
methods which are being developed at present should be taken into
account so as to obtain an effective dispersion of these effluents
into the ocean without the risk of pollution.
This requires hydraulic and hydrographic studies of our coasts to
determine currents, temperatures, water density, et cetera.
3. Measures should be taken to increase the low volumes in the
rivers during the dry season. This could be obtained through the
storage of part of the water during the dry season, and it could
be later released in a controlled way during the dry period to
maintain an adequate volume at all mements.
These storage basins would also provide water and would raise the
level," thus increasing the volume of the subterranean waters.
These could be very useful in the solution to the problems of
water supply.
This has been done in Puerto Rico in a somewhat limited form, but
there is no doubt that this should be expanded.
4. It is necessary to keep the mouths of the rivers open to avoid
the stagnation of their waters with the resulting sanitary problems
produced by this cause.
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The closing of the mouths can be avoided through the construction
of"jetties adequately designed, or it could be controlled through
the periodical removal of sediments which are deposited in the same.
Recommendations for the control of pollution from wastes of sugar
mills: In recent years, we have been worried by the nature of the pol-
lution originated by the waste from sugar mills.
This worry is even greater when we recognize the economic limita-
tions in which this industry is developing, which makes it difficult
to impose on it regulations which would require the use of purifying
equipment which would be, in many cases, sufficiently expensive to
aggravate their situation.
It is possible that in some cases the government might have to
assume some responsibility with respect to the cost of the purification
or disposal of the debris from these mills.
Recommendations for the control of pollution by industrial debris
(other industries):
1. It is recommended that studies be made on the possible pollution
of waters by the debris from industries which operate in Puerto Rico.
This would serve as a basis to regulate the disposal of this waste,
both in already established industries and of those which might be
established in the future.
2. For those industries which are located in zones where the exis-
tance of valuable water resources, such as recreation areas and
marine specie hatcheries, would be in danger, we recommend that
they be required to adequately treat their debris so as to preserve
the natural state of the body of water.
3. In industrial areas, the possibility of utilizing treatment
facilities common to all the industries in the industrial complex
should be considered.
This would help to distribute the cost of waste treatment, thus
making it more economical. With this, the attitude of industry
toward pollution control regulations would be improved.
4. Our coastal areas should be zoned in such a way that industrial
zones would be separate from recreational areas and bays which have
great aesthetic attraction.
So far, industry waste goes into urban surroundings where the
laborer lives. Socially, this seems adequate, because it tends
to improve the standard of living of Puerto Rico.
Nevertheless, insofar as heavy industry is concerned, the risk of
generalizing pollution through the dissemination of these types of
industry throughout the island is really alarming.
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We should begin to think in terms of transferring the workmen
from all parts of the island to the industrial zone by means of
adequate mass transportation.
We believe this to be highly feasible, since it is already being
done in other parts of the world where distances are much greater.
The concentration of heavy industry in one area has another advan-
tage, such as obtaining greater economy and supplying access
facilities, water, common treatment of debris, et cetera.
5. Industries should be placed far from areas which might have a
great importance from the biological and marine point of view.
6. The location of these industrial areas should be planned
taking into consideration the ocean currents so that any polluting
agents which by accident might reach the waters will affect as
little as possible the areas to be protected.
7. It should be required that industrial wastes be treated com-
pletely, taking into account that the possibility of extracting
useful substances during the treatment process always exists.
The duplication of the essential equipment is very important,
due to the fact that a failure in the equipment should never become
a pollution risk.
8. We admit that not all the possible polluting substances can
be economically or technically removed in their entirety from the
industrial effluents. We also admit that accidents do occur.
From there stems the pressing necessity for the industrial zoning,
as we have mentioned in the above statements, and the need to be
prepared with the adequate equipment and technicians so that when
these undesirable events occur, they can be remedied by the neces-
sary speed and perfection which will evade the development of the
problem into an uncontrollable disaster.
Pesticides, weed-killers, et cetera: The pesticides which are now-
adays applied to the soil or to the crops generate pollution problems
which give us great cause for worry.
While the amounts of pesticides used increase at an unbelievable
speed, we also realize the ability that the plants have for concen-
trating these substances.
The magnitude of pollution of coastal waters, due to pesticides,
is up to a certain point unknown and perhaps the most appropriate step
to be taken is making an exhaustive study to determine the seriousness
of the problem.
We can't forget the constant danger to our limited estuaries and
to our coastal waters, the destructive action of man in his plans for
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expansion and in his programs to claim the land where on one side he
destroys mangrove^ which could be attractive recreational areas and
the favorable environment for the development of marine flora and
fauna, but on the other hand he contaminates the environment with the
disposal of garbage and sanitary unloading of homes which have been
built on the shore lines.
The authorities should also take a stricter attitude against the
growing use of our rivers and estuaries as a place for the disposal of
waste.
Other more adequate ways should be provided for the disposal of
wastes. With the exception of the compost plant which is being built
in San Juan, we do not know of any other place on the island where sani-
tary methods for treatment and disposal of wastes are provided.
Need for research: Every project should be made for the future
and should be planned to satisfy future needs. Those projections should
be somewhat more than an extrapolation of past situations, of popula-
tion increase curves, or of socioeconomic or technological changes.
It is necessary to look for new knowledge and new methods. Many
research experiences and discoveries can be imported and applied, but
the greater part of our problem is typically Puerto Rican -- of an
accelerated situation combined with a tropical environment -- and there-
fore, makes them impossible to be directly applied to Puerto Rico as
their methods and experiences develop greatly in the continental states.
What knowledge do we have about estuaries in Puerto Rico? Really,
none -- ecology, currents, sedimentation, and hydrological changes.
Recommendations:
1. To provide the IRRA, already established in the Mayaguez
campus, or any other organization or group or individual of well-
known capacity for scientific research with funds to carry out
investigations in the fields of estuaries.
These funds should be provided in various ways. First of all, the
Federal funds should be available or they should be increased in
any way they can be increased.
2. Matching of Federal funds.
3. To grant research assistantships and research fellowships to
graduate students so they can carry out sutdies, either in Puerto
Rico or outside of Puerto Rico, in the various fields related to
water resources.
4. To sponsor seminars, lectures, et cetera, which might stimu-
late study and research in this field.
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5. To sponsor a local kind of research on individual problems,
which would not qualify for other Federal programs.
6. Finally, the approval of something, such as a Water Resources
Act, for Puerto Rico which would supplement and, in some cases,
complement Federal laws.
Even in a way consistent with our economic resources, the govern-
ment of the Associate Free States should immediately move in this
direction.
In this report we have seen the lack of information about each and
every one of the problems here mentioned, and the state of scientific
knowledge existing in almost every one of our problems.
Small investments now can offer excellent benefits in the future
for the administration and preservation of our water resources, includ-
ing the estuaries.
There exists in Puerto Rico, the same as in the Federal government,
a situation which practically every government agency manages and super-
vises or in some way has control over one or several phases of the use
of water resources in the island.
Experience and logic teach us that in a situation such as this,
no matter how efficient the good will of each of these agencies is,
it is impossible to have effective administration, effective manage-
ment, and effective planning.
During and after the '40s, there have been great changes in the
socioeconomic structure of the island. These changes demand fewer
and more complex responsibilities.
New organizations are necessary to face these new situations. We
generally accept that there exist four basic responsibilities for a
state which is determined to carry out and develop administration pro-
grams for water resources in an organized and efficient way.
These are as follows:
1. To determine the needs of the state in order to provide guide-
lines toward the establishment of standards and objectives.
2. To provide means for the implementation of standards through
state cooperation and coordination with both the Federal and
municipal governments,
3. To construct the necessary leagl structure to carry out these
demands.
4. To concentrate responsibilities of the development of standards
and coordination of programs in only one agency, although other
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agencies might be in charge of the management and operation reLated
to water resources.
This state has the responsibility to determine the needs and pre-
pare programs and regulations to satisfy those needs, making the best
use of the water resources, such as subterranean waters, superficial
waters, coastal waters, et cetera.
For this, it is necessary to have not only the organization, but
also the investment of money for the project which might be needed to
carry out the programs.
Recommendations:
1. To immediately accelerate the studies which we admit have
already begun, to plan an organization which deals with water
resources, interior and coastal.
2. Admitting the difficulty in planning an organization which
can efficiently function with the government structures already
established and involved with water resources in one way or another,
we recommend that a working committee be named which, within a
reasonable period of time, would prepare a project proposal to cre-
ate this organization.
3. Among the duties of this organization should be:
(a) Compile or see to it that facts about water resources
be compiled;
(b) Planning of water resources;
(c) Development of regulations;
(d) Effective administration and observation so that regula-
tions and laws will be carried out;
(e) To maintain the legal aspects under continuous study and
adaptation to social and technological developments;
(f) To carry out negotiations with the Federal government;
(g) To coordinate local, state, and Federal programs;
(h) To coordinate research activities with state universities,
and sponsor them if necessary.
(i) To see to it that water pollution control programs are
carried out under the already standard regulations.
(j) To stimulate education in the University in the areas in
which the need for personnel might arise, and provide edu-
cational programs for the public with the objective of
creating a consciousness in the citizens of the problems
they have to face in relation to the changing situation
such as ours.
Lack of personnel: One of the greatest difficulties of the pre-
vailing situation of the socio-economic and industrial development of
Puerto Rico is that a great demand for technical and scientific person-
nel has been created in areas of knowledge where it didn't exist before.
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We have created problems of insufficient use of our water resources,
problems of water and air pollution, management needs, and effective
administration of our natural resources.
To successfully face these problems, we need scientific and profes-
sional personnel. We admit that it is possible to import personnel,
but experience has shown that it is difficult to keep them.
It is the job of the University to prepare the necessary personnel
to fill these needs, and it is the job of the government to provide
funds So that the University can carry out this subservice need.
In the area of natural resources, there is an urgent need to pre-
pare technical and scientific personnel in the areas such as water
resources (including sanitation engineering, hydrology, hydraulics,
oceanography, coastal engineering, water planning, and geology), as
well as in air pollution.
We only mentioned areas related to natural resources, since this
area is our responsibility, but there are numerous areas in education
which require consideration and study to face the problems which stem
from our progress.
Recommendations:
1. Since the need for personnel is urgent, it is at present most
important that:
(a) The University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez campus, estab-
lishes programs oriented toward the preparation of per-
sonnel educated in the evaluation and the preservation
of our natural resources. In the specific case of water
resources, this committee believes that we are at the
right moment to offer a Degree in Water Resources, cover-
ing the areas of sanitation engineering, hydrology, and
all those aspects related to water resources of vital
importance to Puerto Rico.
(b) Since the University has serious obligations already con-
tracted with its people and admitting the present limita-
tion of funds, this committee recommends that sufficient
funds be provided to the University so as to carry out
the study programs.
(c) It is the opinion of the committee that it is not only
necessary to train technical and scientific personnel,
but that it is indispensable to retain this personnel
through adequate pay, through encouragement of profes-
sional improvement,¦ and through the utmost use of that
natural resource, which is our local professional people.
Thank you. (Applause)
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MR. THOMAN; Thank you very much, and we certainly appreciate
your kind statement.
MR. TRAINA; Doctor, may I ask you one question? Have you or your
staff any ideas on the total amount of money that would be required for
research in Puerto Rico to look into some of the problems that you have
discussed?
DR. SANTIAGO VAZQUEZ: Yes, sir.
MR. TRAINA: Do you have those figures, and would you like to put
them into the record?
DR. SANTIAGO VAZQUEZ: Well, it is very difficult to come to any
figure, but thfere is no question but that we need a lot of money.
MR. TRAINA: Would you say it is in the order of a million dollars
a year or half a million?
DR. SANTIAGO VAZQUEZ: I don't know. It is very difficult to
measure the figure, but there is no question that there is a lot of
money needed.
MR. THOMAN; Doctor, would you and your colleagues at the University
of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez possibly talk this over and give us a figure
in writing as to what you think you could do and what you could ade-
quately absorb?
One of the things, probably, that will come out of this study will
be recommendations to the Congress as to some level at which research
activities should be funded, and the best advice of people such as you,
Doctor, and other will be most valuable to the Congress.
DR. SANTIAGO VAZQUEZ: We will be pleased to do so.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much. I think we would like to break
at this particular time for about an hour for lunch. With your permis-
sion, we will begin this afternoon's session at 1:30
(Whereupon the session recessed at 12:35 o'clock p.m.)
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AFTERNOON SESSION
April 22, 1968
The afternoon session of the public meeting directed toward obtaining
contributions from Puerto Rican interests regarding the National Estuarine
Pollution Study being conducted by the Federal Water Pollution Control Ad-
ministration convened in the theatre of the Puerto Rico Bar Association
Building April 22, 1968, and was called to order at 1:45 o'clock p.m. by
Regional Director John R. Thoman, Southeast Region, Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration.
MR, JOHN R. THOMAN: Mr. Passalocqua, are you ready to give your
statement in English?
MR. LUIS A. PASSALACQUA-CHRISTIAN: Yes.
MR, THOMAN: Mr. Luis Passalocqua-Christian, representative of
Caribbean Development Corporation (CODECA)
MR. PASSALACQUA-CHRISTIAN: Mr. Chairman, chairman of the Planning
Board, ladies and gentlemen: Before entering into this subject matter
of my statement, it would, I think, be desirable to establish the setting
against which the economic corporation which I represent must consider
the problem of estuarine pollution.
CODECA is a public corporation of the commonwealth government. Its
terms of reference include the rendering of the technical assistance in
the economic development of other countries of the Caribbean region, the
carrying out or economic development planning on a regional scale, and
a development of regional projects and programs of interest to a broad
range of countries in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico.
We do not, however, have a direct part in the internal development
and planning for Puerto Rico unless and until such planning extends into
the Caribbean area beyond the territorial waters of Puerto Rico,
Thus, the purpose of our exposition today will be to set the question
of estuarine pollution in the broader regional framework. In the explana-
tory memorandum sent to us, with a letter of invitation to appear before
this commission, it was postulated that, and I quote, "Estuaries can't be
considered apart from their hydrographic basins or their continental
shelves"„
It is to this premise that we should like to address ourselves and
around which we shall develop our thesis. The premise that estuaries can't
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be considered individually of their continental shelves is particularly
germane to the Caribbean.
In this region, we are, as you know, dealing with an archipelago
formed by a sunken mountain chain extending from the Yucatan Peninsula to
the coast of South America, near Trinidad, with a northerly spur to Cuba.
The continental shelf related to this chain of islands, which, inci-
dentally, is shown on the map in blues is cut only by a few narrow chan-
nels forming a continuous area.
In addition to this continental shelf, the region of our concern
presents a foreland of limestone and sediment which links the Caribbean
system into another large group of islands outside the mountain range.
Among them, the Bahamas, Anguilla, Barbados, Germuda, Basse Terre
exist. As a result of this geographic fact, and of further facts, the coun-
tries included within this continental shelf are, in general, seeking to
climb out of the slough of despondence; that is, partly by developing
all of the resources provided for them by a none-too-generous nature, and,
being islands, much of their progress depends on maritime transportation
and exported trade; so it can easily be conjectured that we are faced
with a strange paradox.
One of the few resources readily available to the island, both as
food and as a tourist attraction, is fish. It is generally agreed that
the depth limit for commercial fishing is the 100-fathom line.
This is shown on the map in a lighter blue. However, since much of
the commercial fishing done Cor local markets is by unsophisticated methods,
it generally takes place within, the 10-fathom line and close by the estuaries.
This is also shown by the map, but unfortunately, it is so close to
the coast line that it cannot be distinguished from where you are sitting.
These estuaries and coastal marshes, including mangrove swamps, play
a critical role in maintaining coastal fishery production. To feed the
fish population that must provide food for an increasing number of human
beings in this region, it takes many billions of pounds of plant food.
This food is produced in the marshes and estuaries, and to a lesser
extent, in shallow sunlit offshore waters, all of which serve also as
breeding grounds for fish.
Food supply, then, is the key to the question of the value of marshes
and estuaries. Food supply for the fish, of course, but ultimately food
supply for humans -- that is the key.
If the estuarine and coastal feeding grounds for fish are destroyed,
the fish population will dwindle and vanish as it already has in some areas.
Loss of plentiful supply of fish has additional meaning if one considers
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the use of fish by-products as fertilizers and livestock feed.
With this, we have established the first element of our paradox.
Now, let us move on to the second.
It is unquestionable that as the countries of the Caribbean progress,
port development will have to increase, both in terms of traffic and in
terms of docking and industrial facilities.
Because these countries are islands, relatively small islands, the
bulk of their trade is maritime. As an example, 60 percent of Puerto
Rico's trade moves through the Port of San Juan.
In other areas, the figure is even higher. All countries in the
region are now expanding or planning to expand their port facilities.
Interestingly enough, most of these ports are to be found off of the
Caribbean Sea, rather than the Atlantic Ocean.
Thus, they open onto the wider side of the continental shelf. These
ports are now served by approximately 150 shipping lines. The net cargo
tonnage moving through these ports, which is increasing at the rate of
about three percent a year, represents 12 percent of total world trade.
Increased industrial development has also affected port development
in the Caribbean. In some areas, a highly developed industrial complex
is rising in port areas.
In others, particularly mining and petroleum refining, or producing
areas, the industrial complexes are developing their own port facilities.
In either case, estuarine systems are being altered drastically.
Normally, governments have taken little note of the effects of indus-
trial and chemical wastes, to say nothing of sewage which is pumped into
the estuarine system.
Normally, the commercial fishing industry,, especially where highly
industrialized, has raised only feeble objection. This can be understood
if one realizes that 95 percent of the annual world harvest of fish,
shellfish and aquatic plants, is taken by only 12 countries.
The remaining five percent is taken by some 120 countries. The large
commercial fishing fleets roam the globe in search of new grounds as the
older ones are depleted.
The small-scale local fisherman is the one really affected and often
knocked out of the economy by the. loss of his fishing grounds. This, then,
is the other element of the paradox.
Let me now cover the ground once again to consider the effects of the
paradox. First, all the countries of the Caribbean are interested in the
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development of a local commercial fishing industry.
As evidence of this interest, many countries of the area, including
Puerto Rico, are now participating in a joint program with the United
Nations development program and the food and agricultural organization
to develop fishery resources and training.
In addition, many areas, Euerto Rico and the Dominican Republic,
for example, are attempting to develop fishing cooperatives.
Again, economic assistance and incentives are provided to encourage
the purchase of fishing gear and marine equipment, including motors.
Second, most of the countries of the area, particularly Puerto Rico,
are at some stage of industrializing and expanding their port areas or
creating industrial or mining complexes which require the development
of new port facilities.
In some areas, and again Puerto Rico is outstanding, the rapid growth
of urban complexes, particularly in coastal areas, is striking.
As a result of these things, the destruction of coastal marshes,
mangrove swamps, coral beds and reefs, as well as coastal lagoons and
the estuarine system, will be rapid and thorough unless regulated.
In some cases, it is hard to judge the right from the wrong procedures.
One can object to water pollution by raw sewage, mining or refining waste,
or chemical and industrial refuse, but what about the parallel problem of
destruction of mangrove swamps and marshes to eliminate mosquito-breeding
grounds and new residential areas, or to expand port facilities?
What about the alteration of lagoons to provide tourist attractions
and homes with private marinas, or the destruction of coral beds and reefs
to improve harbor and shore approaches, or beach facilities for tourist
recreation?
These twin problems of pollution and physical destruction are comple-
mentary ones and should be attacked together. I might point out, some
things, in the case of Puerto Rico, would appear to stem from the problem.
In the Boqueron area, a once-plentiful oyster-feeding ground dis-
appeared with the draining of mangrove swamps for industrial development.
The once enormous land-crab population, which provides one of our national
dishes, which depended on coastal marshes and mangrove swamps for much of
its food, has dwindled to the point that it may disappear.
The fishing cooperative at Patillas must go far afield as Cayaguas
and Silver Banks to the north and Sombrero Bank to the south to obtain
sufficient catch to cover their cost and have a meager living.
This calls for arrangements with other governments in whose terri-
torial waters these fishing grounds are.
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Distilled to its essence, the paradox comes to this. In order to
provide food for a growing population, the countries of the Caribbean
must increase their harvest of fish, shellfish and marine plants.
Yet, in order to provide purchasing power and other necessities for
this same growing population, there must be a rapidly increasing maritime
trade and industrial growth that, by pollution and physical destruction,
adversely affect the estuarine system and the coastal waters but must
supply the food for the fish resources to be harvested.
The result is the creation of pockets of depression as a traditional
fishing community is pushed out of the market -- increased imports of fish
and fish products from abroad, using up scarce currency resources.
For example, in 1966, Puerto Rico imported 35 million dollars' worth
of fish and fish products and higher prices for seafood and other crops
that use fish by-products as fertilizer, including livestock feed, thus
raising the cost of living of people whose earnings are meager.
Now, while CODECA has made no in-depth study of the particular
problem of the destruction of the estuarine system and its effects on
the fishing industry in the Caribbean, the question has come up again
and again in the course of our work on maritime transportation, import
substitution, port development and industrial development of the area.
The constant liaison with the U. N„ fishery program and the Puerto
Rican cooperative have also served to alert us. While we do not pretend
to have a solution, we feel that there are several steps that can be
taken in the right direction at various levels.
At the local level, consideration should be given to the protection
of estuaries, coastal marshes and reefs. Destruction for industrial
development purposes should be planned and regulated to prevent unneces-
sary loss.
Puerto Rico is now taking steps in this direction. The other countries
of the area must be encouraged to do the same. Industrial development,
including the refining of petroleum and mining, should contemplate the safe
disposal of waste.
For this, an incentive program at the federal and local level might
be considered in view of the extremely high cost of the disposal of these
wastes.
Where it is not already being done, steps should be taken to prevent
the discharge of raw sewage into the estuarine system.
At the federal level, joint federal and Commonwealth programs should
be taken to determine the most efficient method and regulations for the
control of pollution in the estuaries and along the coastal waters.
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Study programs designed to increase the fishery resources of the is-
land should be undertaken. Among these might be considered the feasibi-
lity of seeing new feeding areas outside of present pollution areas.
The results of these works should be shared with the other countries
of the Caribbean continental shelf. The possibility should be considered
that this work could probably and properly be carried out on a broader
scale as a companion project to the Caribbean fisheries program.
It is conceivable that such a venture could be financed by the
Federal government, the regional governments, the United Nations
Development Program and the Federal Food and Agricultural Organization.
The experience gained in the first four steps by Puerto Rico could
easily be made available for such a project. I repeat, in closing, that
these suggestions do not pretend to be solutions, but we do feel that they
may point the way to one or another possible solutions.
It is, in our belief, necessary, not only for the well-being of Puerto
Rico, but for the well-being of other countries in the area, that this
paradox be resolved.
May I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this opportunity.
MR, THOMAN: Thank you very much, Mr. Passalacqua. That was an
excellent statement.
MR. TRAINA: One of the pieces of information that the study is trying
to get is the economic value of estuaries. Could you make available some
estimate from the fisheries standpoint what the potential, say, for Puerto
Rican waters is for commercial fishing and how much of that potential is
being realized now?
MR. PASSALACQUA: It is my understanding, and I believe that the
people at the Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico have much more
information on this than I do, that the commercial fisheries waters
off the coast of Puerto Rico are rather limited because of the narrowness
of our continental shelf.
I believe it is also a fact that they can substantiate perhaps with
more figures than I could that the catch, the fishing catch, off the coast
of Puerto Rico, has been dropping from year to year in view of the rather
unsophisticated methods.
We have some problem with our fishing communities. It is for this
reason that the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, the
Cooperatives' Administration and CODECA have been cooperating in a more
sophisticated program with this Patillas fishing cooperative, which permits
it to go some 500 miles in either direction in order to obtain a commercial
catch.
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The problem is one of whether the catch is of such a size as to permit
the fishermen to adopt better and more economically viable methods of pro-
ducing their catch,
MR. TRAINA: Thank you very much.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you, again. (Applause)
I would next like to call Dr. F. G„ Lowman, representing the Puerto
Rico Nuclear Center. Dr. Lowman.
For those of you who are yet to testify, if you would please --
because ve have a sizable group yet this afternoon -- if you could summa-
rize your statement with pertinent recommendations and submit the entire
statement for the record, it will be printed in its entirety.
Excuse me, Doctor.
DR. F. G. LOWMAN: Mr. Chairman, Chairman Garcia Santiago, ladies and
gentlemen: My name is Frank Lowman. I have lived in Puerto Rico for seven
years, and I might say, I plan to stay.
At the present time, I am head of the Radionuclides Division, Puerto
Rico Nuclear Center, professor of the University of Puerto Rico.
For the past 20 years, I have worked for the LL S. Atomic Energy
Commission on problems in marine contamination by radionuclides, and for
the past year, I have conducted a marine feasibility study for the Isth-
mian Canal Commission and the Atomic Energy Commission on the use of
nuclear explosions for canal excavation.
Granted, my experience in pollution has been rather limited, primari-
ly in radionuclides. Concerning pollution in estuaries, for practical
purposes, as far as an ecologiat is concerned, estuaries are scarce and
nonexistent in the Island of Puerto Rico.
However, the water currents around the island are of a pattern that
tends to hold surface contaminants near the shore for long distances, thus
subjecting the near shore and shore line to actual contaminants.
At the present time, the main sources of contaminants might be listed
as: (1) untreated sewage from towns and cities, and this is a bad one;
(2) erosion of products from agriculture, and this is a very bad one, al-
though it isn't usually considered as pollution; (3) organic pollutants
from ships and landbased industrial plants.
I would like to talk a little bit about these pollution problems,
and more about the future sources of contaminants and possible remedies.
In view of the experience of the last two months, I think most of us
are currently aware of the fact, or the problem, of petrochemical pollution.
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With the increased number of petrochemical plants, we will have increased
production of organics that are highly toxic to marine organisms.
On a per-gram basis, almost all of the organic toxicants are more
toxic than most of the integrated toxicants. The toxicants from petro-
chemical plants, the ships that deliver the petrochemical, usually tend
to float on the water, thus following beaches, they often produce offen-
sive odors, although these are not limited to petrochemicals.
However, we do now have a drug factory on the west coast that is
producing this type of material, and this material is being dumped into
the river. We need strong laws, with realistic fines for dumping by-
products from petrochemical plants.
Taxes and fines from this type of law-breaking should be reduced
due to preliminary continuing surveys of the environment and the contained
biota.
Another type of contaminant from this type of operation is from the
ships that deliver the petrochemicals to the plants. Principal release
here is oil and tar on the beaches, and although recently it was stated
that photo-oxidation, or photo-catalyzed oxidation, will remove this oil
from the beaches, our experience has been that this is not so.
The target fleet that was destroyed in 1946, approximately 22 years
ago, was completely loaded with oil at the time the fleet was destroyed.
Most of this oil was released and ended up on the beaches.
We were back in 1964, and other people were back again this year,
and as late as this year, the oil that was released in 1946, is still
present on the beaches.
It has turned to rock and has not been removed from the beaches. For
safety from oil release from ships, we need laws providing for containment
booms,
I think some ships are using these booms at the present time. We need
stringent control of maximum ship loading. And these ships that are over-
loaded should not even be allowed to enter or approach our harbors.
If an overloaded ship does enter a harbor, this ship should be sub-
ject to very strong fines. Emergency booms and supplies of oil absorbents
with trained crews should be available on the island at all times.
In several of the recent incidences, if emergency booms and oil absor-
bents had been available in the first 24 hours, the major part of the damage
would have been averted.
The second major source of pollution that is likely to increase in
the next few years is the increased dumping of raw sewage by cities and
towns with increased population on the island.
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It's my opinion, and only my opinion, incidentally, from my organiza-
tion, that sewage treatment plants should have precedence over ball parks,
civic auditoriums and ornate monuments, and Federal laws should be enacted
to enforce the installation of these treatment plants, provided the local
government does not do so.
The third type of sewage that I would like to talk about is that of
industrial plant-produced sewage, and this type of sewage should be strin-
gently controlled.
Several local canneries, as of a month ago, were dumping raw sewage
into the bay, one of our local bays. However, I would state, in addition
to this statement, however, that the damage from the sewage from these
canneries, I don't feel, is nearly as bad as the raw sewage that is being
dumped by the town at the cannery site.
Other contaminants that will be released into the sea and are being
released at the present time are phosphates from detergents, nitrates
from Industrial plants, fertilizers and from sewage.
In the offshore areas of Puerto Rico, we have large amounts of dis-
solved silica available in the water. If you produce phosphate, nitrate
and silicate in the near-shore marine area, you get high plant productivity.
This is one type of pollution that I don't think is all bad, and I
would like to cover this a little bit in more detail later.
There is another form of pollution that is just now beginning to
be realized, and this is the future pollution problem posed by thermal
output and power sources.
Nuclear power plants will be a reality in Puerto Rico in the
foreseeable future. These plants, cooled by sea water, produce large
amounts of excess heat, which, in areas of limited flow, might render
areas down current unfit for recreational swimming and unfit for growth
of resident animals in the area.
With proper design, these plants may be used for power and simul-
taneous desalination by vacuum distillation. This process removes
additional heat from these power stations.
In passing, I would like to state that a nuclear power station
produces more excess heat than one operating from fossil fuels, and it
is important that this extra heat be gotton rid of before it's dumped
back into the sea.
We strongly suggest that multipurpose high-efficiency reactor sta-
tions be designed to alleviate the potable water shortage and the thermal
pollution threat to our beaches.
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I fully expect that within the next ten years we will see at least
four large power reactors in a fairly small section of the island.
Another source of pollution is erosion products from mining operations,
housing developments and machine farming. In one water shed in Puerto Rico
that receives an average of 75 inches of rain per year, approximately ten
tons per acre of topsoil is washed off of this water shed.
In the tilled area of this water shed, as high as 48 and a half tons
per acre per year of topsoil is washed off into the sea. The mud in the
water and the marine water on the west coast results in poor recreational
environment for approximately one half of the available beaches.
Now, this is a form of pollution. It has been with us so long that
we have forgotten that it is pollution. But at the time the island was
covered with forest and not covered with farms, there was a greatly de-
creased amount of runoff in comparison to what there is now.
The soluble components of river water are low in amount, but the
suspended material is high, due to the high average high stream bed gra-
dient and the torrential rainfall.
Flood and erosion control programs should be initiated immediately.
This should be done even if condemnation is necessary to get these programs
started. We need immediate studies on all major rivers to determine solu-
ble and suspended loads for potential poison elements.
In this connection, I might state that the copper-mining representa-
tives have contacted our group in regard to this type of structure on all
the major rivers in Puerto Rico.
So we foresee that these studies will be done.
Another type of pollution which might come to our island which hasn't
arrived yet is that of dredge-mining of our island's shelf. About five
years ago, we were approached by representatives of a geological survey
company regarding the use of our research vessel for deep coring on the
island's shelf off the west coast of Puerto Rico.
Upon learning that plans were in the mill to survey for minerals
under sediments that were 20 to 30 meters thick in Anasco Bay, we refused
to cooperate in this project.
During the past two months, an investigation has been conducted along
and off the south and west coasts of Puerto Rico, and these studies were
done as a part of the search for submerged mineral deposits.
I am not against mining. I am not against mining the island's shelf.
However, I am dead set against mining by dredge-mining. The dredge-mining
methods I know, it is necessary to remove the surface sediment before you
get to the ore underneath.
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If you must remove 30 meters of sediment before you can get to the
ore underneath, and pump this back into the water, in limited areas, it
is feasible on a daily basis to pump so much sediment into a limited
area as is pumped -- as is added -- in an entire year by one of our
major rivers.
Strong laws should be enacted completely prohibiting dredge-mining
and removal of sand from beaches. The latter practice is still being
carried out.
Our research vessels operate off the west coast three or four
days a week, and we regularly see trucks removing sand from the beaches.
Even with treatment plants, large amounts of phosphates and nitrates
will continue to be emptied into the bays.
Increased biological productivity will occur with increased amounts
of nutrients. Florida, Louisiana and California are utilizing the increased
productivity to increase sport fishing off their coasts through the building
of artificial reefs from old automobile and bus bodies.
They dump these bodies into designated areas to provide artificial
reefs for commercial fish to spawn and live. The total catch by recrea-
tional bottom commercial fishermen may be increased by as much as an order
of magnitude -- about ten times.
Federal and Commonwealth cooperation in the removal of transportation
eyesores from the land into designated fishing areas on the island's shelf
can provide a positive utilization'of the'increased biological productivity
in the near-shore areas, resulting from pollution containing organic nut-
rients .
These automobile bodies and bus bodies are readily available. One
Sunday afternoon in a two-hour trip, I counted 43 along the roads on the
west side of Puerto Rico.
If we can get cooperative ventures by the Federal and Commonwealth
governments to collect these eyesores and move them into the offshore areas
near the island's shelf, I think we can reap some advantages from some
types of pollution.
Thank you for your patience.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much, Doctor. Any questions?
MR. TRAINA: No.
MR. THOMAN: Next, I would like to call on Mr. Charles Reid, represent-
ing the Exchange Clubs of Puerto Rico.
While Mr. Reid is coming up, I would like to note for the record
that statements are being submitted from the Mayors Association of Puerto
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Rico, from the Ponce Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Rico, from the Federa-
tion Nautica de Puerto Rico and from the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau.
Go ahead, Mr. Reid.
MR. CHARLES H. REID: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Garcia Santiago, distin-
guished panelists, ladies and gentlemen; Before I came over this morning,
I realized my knowledge of this subject was very limited.
But I didn't realize how limited it was. I am here on behalf of
the Insular Clean-Up Committee of the Exchange Clubs of the District of
Puerto Rico, and I would like to thank you for giving me an opportunity
to participate in this public meeting to discuss our national estuarine
pollution problems as they are particularly related to the waters of Puerto
Rico and politically associated offshore islands.
I am confident that ample technical and scientific data will be
presented from the group of many capable study panelists, and I will,
therefore, leave this aspect to these experts.
My brief comments will be related to local problems of water pollu-
tion and pollution control as I see them as a member of a service club
dedicated to community service and education.
The problem and control of sanitary and storm waste water in Puerto
Rico falls under the jurisdiction of many agencies of Commonwealth and
municipal governments.
Storm sewer disposal is generally handled by the Commonwealth Public
Works Department, which is divided into seven senatorial districts and
76 municipal or city governments.
Sanitary and industrial sewer disposal is primarily maintained by the
Puerto Rico Aquaduct and Sewer Authority, which also provides potable water
to most of our Commonwealth communities.
Harbor, lagoon, channel and beach cleaning is done by the Puerto
Rico Ports Authority, Ponce Municipal Ports Authority, Commonwealth Parks
and Recreation Authority, Commonwealth Public Works Department, bulk-
handling corporations, m nicipal governments and others.
More recently, the U. S. Navy and other Federal and Commonwealth
agencies have joined these groups to assist in the emergency "Ocean
Eagle" disaster in the San Juan harbor.
We feel, therefore, that a central Commonwealth agency or Department
should be established for the study, administration and control of water
and air pollution in Puerto Rico in an effort to eliminate the cited
overlapping and duplication.
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Until this new agency can be created, we would further suggest that
closer communication between existing agencies and municipalities be
developed with the cooperation and assistance of the Commonwealth House
of Representatives Committee for Preservation and Beautification of
Natural Resources.
Water pollution is a grave concern to all of us, and it is gratifying
to me to participate in a study of this nature and be aware that this mu-
tual problem is being considered and analyzed at this level.
It is my pleasure to pledge the full support of the Puerto Rico
District Exchange Clubs to your outstanding efforts. Thank you for this
opportunity to be with you.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much, Mr. Reid. We certainly appre-
ciate your statement here today. (Applause)
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: We have the names of Danibal Charles, Roberto
Morciglio and Ernesto Almodovar. Does each one of you wish to make sepa-
rate statements, or do you have a purpose of making one presentation on
behalf of the group?
They all wish to make statements, and they will hand over their
statement after they have read it. Then our next speaker is Danibal
Charles, from Guanica.
MR. DANIBAL CHARLES: I represent the Committee Against the Pollu-
tion of Air and Water in Guanica.
"The Committee for the Prevention of Air and Water Pollution in
Guanica was formed in Guanica in the month of February, 1967, with
the firm proposal of finding a solution to the grave problem of water
and air pollution, in a democratic way.
"At the same time, they act as mediator between the population
of 14,000 and the existing chemical plants.
"Today we will limit ourselves only to the pollution of the
coastal water. The pollution in Guanica Bay has existed for ten
years, because the Ochoa Fertilizer Plant fills it up with industrial
debris.
"The sanitary facilities for more than 50 people discharges
directly into the ocean, when there is a boat unloading at the Ochoa
Fertilizer dock or the one at Caribe Bay Nitrogen.
"Those sanitary facilities are used by more than 100 additional
persons; when washing ammonia, sulfuric acid and soda containers,
large amounts of sulphur potassium, urea, superphosphates, and all
these are dropped between the boat and the dock during the unloading
operations.
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"These are rinsed out by pressure and poured directly into
the ocean. When the wind in that area blows at a speed of from 20
to 30 miles per hour during the unloading of these substances, vapors
are produced which extend all over the bay.
"During the unloading operation of petroleum vessels, and when
the tubes are unassembled, petroleum is poured into the ocean.
"Beside Caribe Bay Nitrogen, poured daily into the bay are tons
of ammonia water and carbon residues.
"Throughout the years, all of this has brought about a grave
condition, the loss of our natural resources.
"Guanica is an historical town, on which the first American
troops landed on July 25th, 1898. The appearance of our beach is
that of a carbon lagoon.
"We have lost the tourist industry, as boats, yachts and other
vessels which used to visit our beach no longer approach it. Besides
these losses, the most serious one is the loss of the fishing industry
"Those most affected are the fishermen that not only suffer the
damage of their yawls and fishing arts, but they always hopefully
and eagerly go out to fish and come back with hardly a catch, and
after having gone 12 or 15 miles, only to find the pollution of
Guayanilla Bay.
"It is sad to see the disappearance of a way of life provided
by God as a support of thousands of extremely poor people in that
area. Fishing in that area was possible almost on the very shore,
and besides, it was a swimming area which could be used almost the
year around.
"All that has disappeared due to the pollution of the waters
in our bay.
"This committee is backed by the honorable Municipal Assembly,
the State Department, jointly with all the agencies of our government,
the Commonwealth government of Puerto Rico.
"We have held meetings with the management of the above-mentioned
chemical plants. We have tried to find a solution to this tremen-
dous problem, but we have not arrived at a favorable one, since they
claim it is very costly to correct the damage which has already been
done and will avoid it in the future.
"We have asked the Health Department to find them a place to
empty the industrial debris other than into our bay, but they did not
elaborate on that matter.
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"On January 3rd, 1968, we had the opportunity of presenting the
problem of water pollution to the Committee of Natural Resources
and Beatuficatlon of the House of Representatives, and they promised
to pass legislation on it and showed interest, in finding a solution
to the problem.
"The Health Department, which is the agency most directly con-
nected with this matter, claims that it has not had sufficient funds
nor technicians to deal with it.
"In the meantime, we have Sanitary Rulings 127 and 128, which
are amendments to other rulings by the same department, which are
being put into effect,
"This action could have lessened the problem while it was com-
pletely being taken care of. The honorable Planning Committee, having
knowledge of this situation, recently granted Ochoa Fertilizer a per-
mit to build an annex to the plant which will be used for the manu-
facture of agricultural fertilizer.
"The population of Guanica was opposed to that project until
the existing pollution was corrected, but we were not successful.
In the area of the Federal government, we contacted Clean Air in
Washington, D. C., and they referred our communication to Environ-
mental Health in Puerto Rico, directed by Mr. Lorenzo R. Iglesias,
who claims the same reasons as the Health Department -- 'We have
neither the funds nor the technicians for this project....1
"We contacted the Secretary of Interior, Stewart. Udall, and he
offered to visit Guanica to look closely at our complaints, but later
on, he cancelled his visit.
"His schedule for the visit to the Phillip Petroleum would be
very short and busy; but he said, nevertheless, that he would come in
the future.
"We have been in contact with the Dock and Port: Authority, and
the United States Coast Guard, and in general, their treatment has
been very excellent, since they undertook several inspection trips
to our bay, and the last one was carried out by Mr. Lomasney and his
staff of the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration.
"Mr. John R. Thoman is very interested in this problem, and he
is offering us the best assistance.
"Our recommendations on the problem are as follows:
"1. That the office of the Port Commander be more watchful of
the unloading at the Ochoa and the Caribe Bay Nitrogen Dock.
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"2. That the Caribe Bay Nitrogen not pour its industrial debris
into our bay.
"3. That purifying plants be established and made to purify the
water it uses before pouring it into the bay, in case it doesn't find
another place in which to pour it.
"4. That our beach be thoroughly dredged and its former condi-
tion reestablished.
"5. That the Health Department enforce the laws literally.
"Now, more than ever, the population of Guanica is determined
to have the situation corrected, since, in a short period of time,
the construction of the southern international airport will be begun,
and it is an opportunity for Guanica to grow economically, and we can-
not permit the pollution problem to be a main factor in avioding oppor-
tunity of reestablishing the tourist trade in this area.
"More important than all mentioned, we seek the general welfare
of the town, without opposing industry, whenever it is established
with all possible security for the people."
Thank you. (Applause)
MR. THOMAN: Thank you.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Next is Mr. Roberto Marciglio, who represents
the Fisherman Union, from Guanica.
MR. ROBERTO MORCIGLIO: I am Mr. Roberto Morciglio, president of the
Fisherman Union, whose membership right now is about 150 members, all resi-
dents of the Guanica coastal waters.
Our once-beautiful bay is now suffering daily a serious contamination
caused by the throwing of waste and petroleum from the Caribe Nitrogen,
Ochoa Fertilizer and W. R. Grace.
This has affected the life of the fishermen who depend on the industry
in order to survive. Besides the water pollution, the gases of ammonia and
other chemical products are affecting the fishermen who wake up early and
have to breathe the contaminated oxygen.
The boats and other fishing gear have been damaged severly, affecting
the economy factor of these poor people. They had to spend more money in
painting and repairing, frequently, their boats and other fishing equipment.
This situation of water pollution calls for a more direct and serious
attention by the government agencies involved with the control of water
pollution.
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Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
MR. THOMAN: How many fishermen did you say were in your union?
MR. MORCIGLIO: One hundred and fifty. That's all the fishermen in
the neighborhood of Guanica.
MR. THOMAN: Most of you operate your own boats?
MR. MORCIGLIO: That's right. After two or three months now, the nets
have to go.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO. Next is Mr. Ernesto Almodovar.
MR. ERNESTO ALMODOVAR: My name is Ernesto Almodovar, and I come to
these public meetings as a private citizen, residing in Guanica, Puerto
Rico, as a person interested in finding a solution to the grave water
pollution problem suffered by the Bay of Guanica.
Until recently, this was fundamentally an agricultural country and
society, legislation mainly based on agriculture. A very small part ot
the legislation answers the needs of an industrialized community.
As indistrialization greatly increases, we find that the existing
laws are not being enforced by the Health Department for the protection
of our natural resources and beauties.
Industires empty their industrial debris into our beaches, rivers,
lakes and all our bodies of water.
Our government never foresaw this industrial growth and never did or
presently does nothing to avoid the above-mentioned pollution problem,
but, worse still, does nothing to avoid the problem besides attracting
industry at any cost without concern for the people's health.
The famous Ruling Number 127 of the Health Department, which outlines
the way to control the quality of our coastal water, was never enforced.
The fines are so ridiculous that any of those industries can afford the
luxury of paying such a fine every day and still operate at a profit.
The cries of the population for rulings and laws to control the
pollution of our bodies of water have been ignored. For example;
(1) The case of the tanker "Andrea Palma," which spilled thousands
of barrels of petroleum when it went aground near Guayanilla Bay, polluting
with oil the beaches of Guayanilla and Guanica.
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(2) The more recent example of the tanker "Ocean Eagle," which sank
in front of San Juan Bay. What did our government do? Declare itself
helpless, since it has no experience to face these cases.
Let us now see some specific pollution cases:
(a) Corco Bahia de Guayanilla, Puerto Rico
(b) Union Carbide, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico
(c) Central Rufina, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico
(d) Central San Francisco, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico
(e) South Puerto Rico Sugar Company, Bahia Guanica, Puerto Rico
(f) Ochoa Fertilizer, Bahia Guanica, Puerto Rico
(g) Caribe Nitrogen, Bahia Guanica, Puerto Rico
All these industries have sanitary facilities without black-water
treatment; their industrial wastes, cinders, oil, carbon, chemical sub-
stances, are all poured into the ocean, and it is being done with the
knowledge of our government.
In this specific case of Guanica, the Caribe Bay Nitrogen pours
carbon, solvents, ammonia, acids, daily and directly into the bay.
The South Puerto Rico Sugar Company pours industrial wastes, cinders,
scum and thousands of gallons of: hot water every minute with acid, calcium,
and other chemical deposits.
Ochoa Fertilizer pours industrial wastes into the ocean, and to gain
ground, in this they insist, it rinses out their ammonia containers, the
vessels and ships which bring sulfur, potassium, urea, and other chemicals
for the manufacture of fertilizer, and then the water is thrown into the
bay so their boats are clean when they leave our shores to load bulk sugar
in other ports of the island.
Speaking to this corporation, the government has gone even further.
These gentlemen asked for a permit to enlarge their industrial facilities
and a public meeting was held at which the Guanica Air and Water Pollution
Committee was present, as well as other committees, and other citizens,
among whom this speaker opposed a granting of the permit by the Planning
Committee until a study was made to determine to what extent the new
facility would pollute the air and water.
That was only a show. The first speaker, an attorney for Ochoa
Fertilizer, presented reports to back him up by the Health Department,
Dock and Port Authority, Water Works, the Island Firemen Service and
the Industrial Development Committee.
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The project was approved for the construction of a tank with the
capacity of 12,000 tons of pure ammonia in spite of the fact that quali-
fied chemists assure me that in the event of & disaster, whether it be
an earthquake or hurricane or tidal wave, it coule cause the death of
every living being in a radius of eight kilometers.
This would impLy that not a single person would survive in Guanica.
It is for the reasons explained above that I believe the public policy
of the Commonwealth government on water pollution in Puerto Rico is to
attract industry at any cost with no concern for the people's health, since
they do not have money, equipment, nor personnel to face such a grave
problem.
I respectfully ask that the directors of this program classify my
town as an area which requires additional pollution study. Thank you
very much. (Applause)
I am willing to submit myself to any questions you may wish to ask
me.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: I would like to take this opportunity to ask
my friend some questions. I regret that I have to ask them in Spanish,
but I will, since the person to whom I am talking has spoken in Spanish.
First of all, you have mentioned the use of the Ochoa Fertilizer
Company. I would like to ask you, do you know whether the Ochoa Ferti-
lizer Company of the Caribe Nitrogen Company -- are these two enterprises
under one administration?
Do you know whether one owner owns both enterprises?
MR. ALMODOVAR: They have told us that one is a subsidiary of the
Caribe -- both are operated --
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Do you know whether the product to be elaborated
by the fertilizer in the amplification of the expanding process which has
been authorized would improve the actual problem which really is very
serious?
MR. ALMODOVAR: I think it is going to aggravate the circumstances,
because they are going to continue aggragating fertilizer where they are
actually elaborating, and they are going to eliminate chemical fertilizers.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Do you know whether there would be any improve-
ment in the situation, or do you believe it is going to be the same?
MR. ALMODOVAR: I don't know.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: You mentioned that the government of Puerto
Rico has done nothing regarding the other, the "Ocean Eagle" problem.
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I believe that what you refer to is that it couldn't prevent what happened
to the "Ocean Eagle", in that it didn't take any measures to prevent the
bad effects of the spreading of the oil. Is that what you're referring to?
MR. ALMODOVAR: Excuse me, if the government had greater interest --
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: So I would understand your position, when you
say that the government didn't do anything regarding the "Ocean Eagle",
what you were referring to was the work of the eliminating of the oil.
Is that what you were referring to, or are you referring to that it
should have been prevented?
MR. ALMODOyAR; What I was referring to is that the government had
the opportunity, when the trouble arose at Guanica, to carry out a study.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: No, I am mentioning the "Ocean Eagle".
MR. ALMODOVAR: Yes, but I am trying to answer your question.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: But I want you to answer the question that
I am asking you, which is, are you referring, when you mention the "Ocean
Eagle", are you referring to the work of accelerating the damage caused by
the oil which was spread, or are you referring to the prevention of the
"Ocean Eagle" accident?
Which are you referring to?
MR. ALMODOVAR: I am referring to the first one, that the government
should have prevented this situation.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: Do you know how. much the government of Puerto
Rico has spent on getting technicians from the United States Government
who sent representatives from the Department of the Interior, and, also,
we have used Puerto Rican technicians to deal with the government.
MR* ALMODOVAR: I don't know.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: I don't care to ask any more questions. I
just wanted to make this clear for the record.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much, Mr. Almodovar.
I would next like to call on Dr. Joseph Peary, representing the
Biology Department of the Inter-American University in San Juan. Dr. Peary?
Apparently, he has departed. I hope we get Dr. Peary's statement.
Next, I would like to call on Mrs. Rosa Navarro Haydon, represneting
the Garden Club of Puerto Rico.
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MRS. ROSA NAVARRO HAYDON: I, Rosa Navarro Haydon, retited professor
of the University of Puerto Rico, represent the Garden Club of Puerto Rico,
founded in 1933, with the principal objective of "trying to embellish Puerto
Rico in every possible way and preserving and protecting its flora and
its fauna."
For detailed information ia respect to the overseers and members of
this organization., please see Annex dumber I-
General recommendations on the pollution of estuarine waters in Puerto
Rico:
Recommendations are in reference to:
I. Function and relation of Federal, State and local agencies in the
management of estuarine waters:
A. To obtain that all Federal, State and local agencies work
together so as to unite their efforts, their financial resources, and
their human resources, so as to avoid mistakes by duplication, ignorance
or lack of coordination.
B. To see to it that they outline a program which would be the
product of the common effort of all these agencies, and with their approval,
to consider and make public the socioeconomic and geographic importance
of the estuarine areas of Puerto Rico.
C. To see to it that the enforcement of this program be obtained
through a total divulgation which would awaken the interest, the cooperation
and the enthusiasm of all the citizens of Puerto Rico, affected in their
condition as residents of the damaged zones.
D. To develop a program of publication to create interest in
the protection and preservation of the estuarine waters of Puerto Rico,
we should ask for the cooperation and participation of clubs, such as the
Garden Club of Puerto Rico, the Geology Club of Puerto Rico, the Ladies
Civic Club, the Club Pro-Improvement and other social and civic clubs.
II. Value of the estuaries:
A. Recreational value:
1. The potential recreational value of various estuarine
areas should be made public since numerous zones offer possibilities for
the joyful recreation both of children and of adults in urban and rural
zones.
Examples: Several bays, Condado Lagoon, the lagoons of
San Jose, Torrecillas and Finones; Rio Arriba and Bio Abajo del Manati,
d.l Rio La Plata, del Guajataca, et cetera, la Bahia Fosforescente and las
Bahias de La Parguera, Aquadilla, and San Juan, Fajardo and others; man-
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groves between San Juan and Dorado and other places, and areas which offer
recreational possibilities for boat rides, observation of aquatic and semi-
aquatic life, both vegetable and animal.
2. To select specific estuarine zones: shore, lagoons,
mangroves, keys and isles, as protection areas or sanctuaries; to stop the
disappearance of forms of life typical in these environments.
Examples: Bahia Fosforescente de la Parguera, Arrecifes
coralinos de la Parguera, and de las Croabas, Torrecillas, Laguna Cartagena,
et cetera.
3. To build walks and paths for pedestrians, cyclists and
horseback riders in specific estuarine areas.
4. To build recreational parks in specific estuarine areas*
Examples: The San Cristobal Canyon, the mouth of the
Guajataca, someplace in the northern coast between Catano and Dorado,
somewhere in the east coast and so forth.
B. Aesthetic value:
1. To take measures in order to make it possible that the
scenic beauty of specific estuarine areas does endure.
Examples: Aguadilla Bay; San Cristobal Canyon; the
mouth of the Guajataca; Phosphorescent Bay, et cetera.
2. To see to it that the industrial plants which necessarily
will be constructed in estuarine zones agree with the nature and the con-
figuration of the surroundings.
3. To prevent or diminish the deptessing and unaesthetic
effect of existing industrial plants, demanding, through a law, that by
means of live hedges, vines and trees, those parts exposed to public tho-
roughfares be covered; and to embellish the land surrounding said industrial
complexes by means of gardens, walks, small parks, fountains of ponds.
4. To demand the repair, the rennovation, and, in some cases,
the removal of deteriorated port structures which ruin the appearance of
our ports and which could harbor suspicious characters as well as rats,
mice and other harmful animals.
5. To preserve in estuarine areas by means of adequate signs,
natural features of folklore or historic meaning.
Examples: Spring in Aguadilla, Jacinto in Isabels, section
of Anasco River where the Spaniards, Diego Slacedo, died, drowned by the
Indians in 1511; Anasco lands where the first sugar mill is believed to
have been built in 1533 by Tomas de Castellon; Kings Gardens by the Toa
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River; beaches where Indians, English, Spaniards, Dutch, French and pirates
landed.
6. To preserve natural features of scientific value, such
as San Cristobal Canyon, Cartegena Lagoon, Torrecillas Lagoon, Phosphorescent
Bay, mangroves and Tortuguero Lake.
7. To determine which estuarine zones could be developed
for industrial, commercial or residential purposes and to regulate their
development so as to affect their ecological conditions.
C. Social and economic value;
1. To recognize and make known to the general public the
economic value of the sources of water, their volumes, the distribution,
their control, their treatment and their domestic, industrial and agricul-
tural uses.
2. To make public the importance of rivers and other estuarine
zones as natural environments for fish, oysters, crabs, shrimp and other
forms of sea life which are used for food.
3. To make known the role of rivers and other currents as
vehicles which carry various materials as rocks and organisms which cause
diseases, such as dysentery, typhoid fever and others.
4. To make known the function of rivers and coastal waters
as geological agents which modify the surface of the earth, forming
grounds, transporting soil, depositing soils, forming meanders, deltas,
caves and transforming beaches, et cetera.
Ill, Damages produced by estuarine pollution: The various damages
caused by polluted waters are of general knowledge.
1. Human health. Puerto Rico's overpopulation, its increasing
industrial progress, the lack of appropriate control measures, the general
ignorance of the importance of water are factors which contribute to the
daily-increasing pollution of its estuarine waters.
It is strange to find a river or brook which does not receive waste
of the domestic, industrial or government origin.
Examples of this are: Usabon River, in which the municipalities of
Aibonito and Barranquitas use the most beautiful part of San Cristobal
Canyon, the largest geological canyon in Puerto Rico, use it as a city
dump; the Toro Negro de Villalba River, which a bridge will be innau-
gurated over in April of this year, 1968, next to a dump which exists
a few yards from it.
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The following is a quote from the "El Mundo" newspaper, April 6, 1968:
"Condado Lagoon ... in which the water is not adequate for any use in contact
with the human body".
Recommendations:
1. To purify or adequately treat the residues, whether they be black
waters or any other nature, before they reach the bodies of waters, without
which they will be forbidden to be unloaded in the estuarine waters.
2. Try to remove the effects harmful to smell and sight, of residues
to be unloaded in estuarine zones.
3. The economic effect of polluted waters is obvious, since many
people live in fishing and coastal estuaries. Polluted waters usually
cause the death of considerable amounts of fish.
Examples: Article in "El Mundo," August 19, 1967: "Thousands
of dead fish in Rio Canas." It is known that someone washed drums con-
taining chemicals; it is known that on one occasion a plane apparently
sprayed weed killer on river waters.
Another economic result is the depression of property in estuarine
areas due to the misuse and rundown condition of lands, bordering rivers
and bays, producing urban ills and economic losses.
Recommendations:
1. To rennovate and rehabilitate the dock area, so that instread of
its being a dirty and outdated entrance to old and beautiful San Juan, it
will be converted into an attractive and well-planned architectural complex
in which the panoramic and geographical qualities offered by San Juan today
are taken advantage of.
2. To improve the sanitary service in the port zone and land, as well
as the bay water.
3. To prohibit the establishment of industrial or municipal dumps
in land adjacent to rivers, bays and other estuarine waters.
4. To enhance the scenic beauty of San Juan Bay, creating facilities
such as parks and walks, tree-lined walks, sidewalks for pedestrians, bicycle
paths, small docks for boats used for riding or fishing along the coast,
benches from which to watch the port movements, watch the: sunset, the enraged
or quiet sea, et cetera.
5. To attain greater coordination, cooperation, and union of funds and
human resources with the objective of integrating all the government agencies
and affected private interests, for the welfare of the society of Puerto Rico.
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6. To demand that buildings to be constructed and port areas and
estuarine zones, both urban and rural, be. in harmony with the beauty of
the place so that they enhance its harmonic value,
IV. Other recommendationss In my opinion, one of the most vital
needs to obtain a greater preservation of our estuarine waters and the
forms of life existing in them is a necessity of an educational nature.
It is absolutely necessary to educate at every level inside and out-
side the classroom, around the beauty and importance of our estuarine
waters, to develop an appreciation towards them so that that will be known,
protected and preserved better; to see that our child and adult population
adopt an attitude which will result in the development of civic conscience,
cooperation, pride, dedication, effort and sacrifice of individualistic
tendencies, will contribute to the preservation of our estuarine areas for
the present and for the future.
As a means of education, besides science and social studies courses,
from kindergarten up to the university level, educational programs through
newspapers, television, movies and hikes are, as we know, of great value.
Contests,, dramatizations, maps, graphs9 posters and other visual
aids are of great educational impact.
I also recommend the compilation of studies, research, documents,
monographs, pamphlets, photographs and articles which refer to estuarine
waters and their availability to the public to increase their knowledge,
since this would contribute to a greater information for the people about
these areas and the problems that affect them.
To develop a better program which would regulate the disposal of indus-
trial, municipal and domestic wastes, taking into account treatment of waste
before being poured into the ocean; specific places in which they can be
emptied; means of emptying them (hydraulic, mechanical and others); establish
ment of treatment plants for black waters; personnel trained in the opera-
tion of treatment plants who would know about the operating and functioning
of those plants, but also the social importance of its correct operation;
penalties for violators of the regulation; revision and amendments of the
water law in view of the present needs of an overpopulated Puerto Rico,
which is being industrialized at an increasing speed, and still sensitive
to the natural beauty of its surroundings, and in view of the most recent
technological and scientific findings.
To attain the reunion of all possible uses for lands, bordering the
rivers, so as to contribute to the enhancement and protection of our
estuarine resources and to avoid misuse and waste of same.
To leave untouched specific estuarine zones so that the ecological
balance will be reestablished and so that some already scarce forms of life
will not be extinguished, and so that places of special natural beauty will
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endure for the benefit of future generations.
A mangrove with its exotic aerial roots and its entwined natural
branches produces beautiful effects of light and shadow on the waters
from which they stem, and besides, offer adequate shelter for numerous
birds, such as herons, wading birds, mangrove chickens, ducks, which are
almost extinct, and the African heron.
To preserve the vegetation which grows alongside rivers and streams,
such as la guajana, Eneas grass, bamboo and various trees which, besides
avoiding erosion, in case of overflowing of rivers, offer shelter to birds
such as mozambique, turtle doves, redfooted thrush, nightengales and others.
To make a census of aquatic and semi-aquatic birds and accordingly
revise the hunting law.
To print and distribute phamplets in which places of beauty or
singular importance are described in estuarine zones which deserve to be
visited and known by residents and visitors.
To prohibit the extraction of coral, to preserve the bordering man-
grove of La Parguera, isles and keys and of Phosphorescent Bay.
To prepare educational walks in which properly labeled diagrams
would appear, indicating the form of life found in the surroundings,
such as in the La Parguera Bay; such as oysters, anemones, sea urchins,
starfish, snails, clams, sea worms, fish and coral.
To maintain the natural balance in the waters of Phosphorescent Bay,
avoiding even the slightest environmental changes, as it is not known how
they could affect in a detrimental way the bioluminiscent organisms which
live in it.
To make known to the public the submarine gardens in estuarine waters,
such as those in La Parguera, Las Croabas and Boca de Cangrejo, conducting
boat tours under the direction of qualified guides.
To incorporate the facts and examples pertaining to estuarine zones of
Puerto Rico into textbooks and other biology, geography, and history school
publications.
To recognize the need for Puerto Rico to have more hydrologists and
other scientists reside in the country who could devote their time to taking
care of the numerous problems related to our estuarine waters.
To promote the interests of our students and make them familiar with
new educational fields, such as hydrology, marine geology, and marine
biology and others.
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In the face of a specific population and rapid industrial growth, a
lack of territorial extension in natural resources, Puerto Rico has a need
to reduce the social costs of the pollution of its estuarine waters, to
recognize their geographical importance and to put into practice, even in
small schools, all the possibilities to growth and elevate the environmental
conditions•
Thank you. (Applause)
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much. Nexts I would like to call Mr.
George A. Seiglie, representing the Department of Geology at the University
of Puerto Rico.
Professor Seiglie? He apparently has left.
Are you Mr. Gelabert?
MR. PEDRO A. GELABERT: Yes.
MR. THOMAN: Mr. Pedro Gelabert, representing Social and Geological
de Puerto Rico.
MR. GELABERT: Mr. Chairman, chairman of the Planning Board, ladies
and gentlemen: On behalf of the Geological Society of Puerto Rico, I
wish to enter the following brief statement into the record of this meeting.
The Geological Society of Puerto Rico is a nonprofit scientific
and professional organization, the membership of which includes most
geologists resident and working in Puerto Rico.
An appreciable part of the coast line of Puerto Rico and adjacent
inland areas may be included within the estuarine zone, as it is defined
in Title II of the Congressional Act authorizing this and similar meetings.
Processes that are characteristic of estuarine zones fall within the
purview of a number of scientific disciplines, not the least of which is
geology.
The principal geologic processes that take place in estuarine zones
include erosion, sedimentation and induration in a variety of chemical
and physical forms and in continuous and intricate combination.
At most times, such processes proceed in small increments not readily
discernible on a day-to-day basis, but occasionally there occur incidents
best termed catastrophic that produce striking geologic changes over short
periods of time.
Such incidents include hurricanes and their attendant high winds and
seas and heavy rains, that can accelerate geologic processes and cause sub-
stantial modification of an estuatine environment.
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A recent catastrophic incident was the short period of extremely heavy
seas early last December that resulted in considerable shore line damage
from place to place and in frequent wetting by salt water of areas not
normally so exposed.
In sum, geologic processes are among the chief actors where sea and
land, thus salt water and fresh water, meet, so estuarine and other coastal
zones are legitimate areas of geologic concern.
And as Puerto Rico's coastal areas are of great economic, scientific
and cultural value, the Geological Society of Puerto Rico considers that
studies in these areas would be incomplete and unsuitable from the point
of view of Puerto Rico without due consideration of geological factors
involved.
We urge that your report include a recommendation that geological
studies be required features of programs dealing with the resources and
problems of estuarine zones.
In urging this, however, we wish to make clear that we are not merely
promoting the fortunes of the Geological Society of Puerto Rico and its
members.
There presently is more work here than can be done by geologists
now in Puerto Rico. We recognize that for at least the next decade or
more, most geology in Puerto Rico will be done by geologists from else-
where .
In closing, the Geological Society of Puerto Rico wishes to offer
the services of its Council and membership for advice and consultation
on geological aspects of estuarine studies in Puerto Rico.
With the permission of your committee, the Society wishes to submit
a technical report at a later date dealing with the geological factors
and problems that might affect the pollution of estuarine systems. (Applause).
MR. THOMAN: Thank you, Mr. Gelabert. Will the Society's report be
available within two weeks?
MR. GELABERT: We will try to have it in two weeks.
MR. THOMAN: It is possible that we could delay an extra weeks but
we do try to get the transcripts out as quickly as possible. We will
look forward to receiving it. Thank you, again, sir.
I have cards here from two ladies, Hilda F. Torres and Cecilia S.
de Alfano, representing the Costa Azul Luquillo. Are they in the audience?
Apparently they have departed. They indicated this morning they wished to
speak.
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Is Mr. Donald S. Erdman here from the Commonwealth Department of
Agriculture? There was a question as to whether or not -- Mr. Erdman?
MR. DONALD S. ERDMAN: I am available if anyone wants to ask ques-
tions .
MR. THOMAN: I see. I think Mr. Garcia Santiago is going to ask the
Secretary of Agriculture to submit a report for the record. Thank you, sir.
Next, I would like to call Mr. Frank H. Wadsworth, representing the
Natural History Society of Puerto Rico. Mr... Wadsowrttw .
MR. FRANK H. WADSWORTH: My name is Frank H. Wadsworth. I represent
the Natural History Society of Puerto Rico', a group of 80 citizens inter-
ested in the conservation and education of the public concerning natural
resources, and I also represent the Puerto Rico Council of the Boy Scouts
of America.
Mrs. Haydon covered so well some of the natural features of the
natural features of the estuarine zones that I, in the interest of time,
am going to shorten still more of what I had to say.
Puerto Rico estuarine zones, including salt marshes, intertidal areas,
bays, harbors, lagoons, inshore waters and channels, as defined in Public
Law 89-753, are extensive.
Coastal lowland soils characteristic of such areas cover about 67,000
cuerdas. Lagoons, estuaries and protected bays add about 18,000 cuerdas
of water surface, or a total of about 85,000 cuerdas of estuarine zones.
Within these zones are some 500 kilometers of shore line, enough to
encompass the entire island.
Topographic maps of Puerto Rico show 62 distinct estuarine zones of
20 cuerdas or more in area. Along the north coast there are 23, on the
south coast, 18, on the west coast, six, and on the east coast and Culebra
and Vieques Islands, there are 15.
In approximate area cuerdas, the largest areas are as follows:
Torrecilla-Pinones, 5800: Jobos Bay, 5300: San Juan Bay, 4300: Guayanilla
Bay, 2800; San Jose Lagoon, 2400: Tortuguero Lagoon, 2300.
Nine estuarine zones are of more than 1000 cuerdas in extent, and 46
are more than 100 cuerdas. Six of the largest each have more than 1000
cuerdas of land area and 15 kilometers of shore line.
Forth-eight have open water, of which 21 have more than 100 cuerdas,
and four have more than 1000 cuerdas.
The estuarine zones of Puerto Rico have been used since the first
days of settlement. Columbus is believed to have drunk water from one in
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1493. The protection these zones afforded ships first made possible
the settlement and later made necessary the defense of the island.
Today they are vital to commerce and transportation and important for
tourism, boating, fishing and shellfishing, and the extraction of salt.
Our use of estuarine zones has modified them. Open water areas have
been dredged and wharfs built to accomodate shipping. From the land side,
about 50,000 cuerdas of mangrove, or three fourths of the original mangrove
area, have been destroyed, including their complete elimination from 13 of
the 62 estuarine zones.
Most of this area has been drained and used for agriculture, but part
is now urban. Roads, ditches and land filling have changed the water level.
Extraction of sand from foredunes which formerly protected estuarine zones
has in places exposed mangroves to the full destructive force of the sea.
The lagoons and mangroves, looked upon as ill-smelling bodies of water
surrounded by foul, impenetrable morasses of ooze teeming with all sorts
of creatures and mosquitoes, have appeared to deserve our trash, garbage
and sewage.
The estuarine zones of Puerto Rico could be made much more useful and
attractive than they are at present. Commercial and industrial uses of
the areas can be expected to increase.
Fishing and salt extraction are of continuing importance. The inter-
est in boating and tourism in these areas is only beginning to develop.
The potentialities of recreational use of the mangroves for their natural
beauty, bird rookeries and their interesting plant life have hardly been
given thought.
The public must take a growing interest in our estuarine zones. Parti-
cularly is it important that there be a general understanding of the critical
relationships between land and water in these areas.
The fact that mangroves build up and stabilize estuarine shores, and,
in fact, actually produced the 50,000 cuerdas we appear to have "reclaimed"
from the swamps must be recognized.
The need for conservation of estuarine zones is greater than ever
before. Pressures to change or destroy basic natural features of these
areas are growing.
Swampy areas are considered undeveloped and, particularly near cities,
are looked upon as something to reclaim, whatever the cost.
Although much of the coast line and about half of the remaining man-
groves are publicly owned, most of our estuarine zones are in private own-
ership and subject to little or no: guidance for development in the public
interest.
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Our only conserved estuarine zones are the 8500 cuerdas of mangrove which,
as state forests, have been protected for more than 50 years. However,
even these lands are now subject to planning for purposes which conflict
with their conservation.
The interests of the two organizations that 1 represent are mainly
with the conservation of the attractive natural features of our estuarine
zones. We recognize that further modifications of some of these areas
may be necessary.
We believe, however, that all future development of these areas
should be in accordance with plans in the long-range public interest.
We believe that toward these ends, the following should be done:
1. Make an inventory of our estuarine zones to determine their values
for all prospective uses, including enjoyment of their natural features.
2. Identify those specific estuarine zone areas where natural features
should be of primary interest, and especially areas such as the Phosphores-
cent Bay, where such features are in jeopardy.
3. Conserve important natural features of our estuarine zones by
continued protection of those 8500 cuerdas of mangroves in state forests
and public acquisition or zoning of other critical areas against adverse
development. Utilize all available Eederal assistance for these activities.
4. Expand investigation of the natural history of our estuarine zones,
including relationships between land, water and animal and plant life. Publi-
cize the results to improve public understanding of the importance of con-
serving the natural features of these areas. Solicit outside assistance to
share the support for this program.
5. Encourage rational use of mangroves by Puerto Ricans and visiting
tourists, and especially by schools and other youth groups for their re-
creational and educational values.
Simple, well-planned facilities for access, which neither destroy the
natural character, of the mangroves, nor attempt to provide mass recreation,
are needed. Boating tours in the Torrecillas Lagoon area appear to be a
good prospect of this type. (Applause)
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much, Mr. Wadsworth. Mr. Traina would
like to ask you a question.
MR. TRAINA: Mr. Wadsworth, we are, again, in the National Study,
trying to get some ideas' of the zones throughout the country. Could we
get a listing from you of the 62 zones and some geographic descriptions
as to what they cover?
MR. WADSWORTH: I would be very happy to do this. I must admit, under
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pressure, the study was made on the basis of a grid analysis of topographic
quadrangle maps and is subject to an individual basis to some error.
MR. TRAINA: We would like to get as much information as we can to
make some judgments as to where the estuarine zones are.
MR. WADSWORTH: I would be glad to send you a map and what data I have.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you, again, Mr. Wadsworth. We appreciate your
being here.
Is Ernesto Mieres Calimano here?
MR. ERNESTO MIERES CALIMANO: Yes.
MR. THOMAN; Would you please come forward?
MR. CALIMANO: Please allow me to make my statement in Spanish. My
name is Ernesto Mieres Calimano. I am an adult, married and am a lawyer.
I live at Number 1 Taft Street, Apartment 10, A Condominio Playa Grande de
Santurce, Puerto Rico.
I appear at these meetings in answer to an invitation extended to
me by the Honorable Roberto Sanchez Vilella under the direction of John
R. Thoman.
I make this appearance as a citizen interested in the solution of all
the problems which might affect Puerto Rico. Among them, and of the
utmost importance, the great water pollution in our rivers, as well as in
our beaches, and as president of the Association of Property Owners of
Brenas, Dorado, Puerto Rico.
In accordance with that required in the outline given to me, I have
sent a copy of the statement I would present here to the Director of the
Technical Program of the Southeastern Water Laboratory, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, in the city of Athens, Georgia.
The Association of Property Owners of Brenas, Dorado, Puerto Rico,
Is a group of owners of houses on the beach, which was organized with the
main objective of preserving the Brenas Beach, which was totally destroyed
by the unlawful construction of a breaker by the Dorado Beach Hotel, and
among its members there are doctors, lawyers, engineers, businessmen, manu-
facturers, all individuals of great prestige and worth in the community of
Puerto Rico.
We have always endeavored for the preservation of our beaches and to
avoid water pollution. A few years ago, the Dorado Beach Hotel closed the
Mata Redonda Lagoon and installed a pump to extract the water when its level
rises and unload that water in the ocean.
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This water is polluted by all the insecticides used by the hotel for
keeping the lawn and the golf course. For a few years, we have always been
noticing the presence of petroleum in the beach waters, a fact which we
brought to the attention, of the Honorable Guillermo Arbona, Secretary of
Health, December 7, 1965, and to the attention of all the government agen-
cies .
We present a photocopy of the letter addressed to the Honorable
Secretary of Health and a photocopy of the letter sent to us by Mr. Ruben
Sanchez, Administrator pro tem of the Administration for Economic Develop-
ment, in which it is admitted that through a technical report by the Section
of Minerology and Geology, it has been discovered that there are insecticides
in the Mata Redonda Lagoon and crude oil in the waters.
In the letter which we addressed to the Honorable Secretary of Health,
we make known to him the burns suffered by my daughter Enid, age 14 at the
time, and the skin rash suffered by a daughter of Dr. Arturo Flores
Gallardo.
In that letter we asked for an investigation of the procedures of
that oil and the avoidance of the unloading of those polluted waters from
the Dorado Beach Hotel which were harmful to the health of the persons
who used that beach.
Copies of those letters were sent to Mr. Ralph Durand, Administrator
of Economic Development, and to Mr. Ramon Garcia Santiago, President of the
Planning Commission of Puerto Rico and also to Mr. Hector E. Pineiro,
Director of Tourism.
In May of 1965, I was forced to send a telegram to the Honorable Miguel
A. Hernandez Agosto, asking for an investigation due to the fact that thou-
sands of fish were found on the beach.
The Honorable Secretary of Agriculture never informed me of the results
of the investigation undertaken by his department, if one was ever under-
taken, and he limited himself to sending me a photocopy of a telegram which
he sent to the Honorable Secretary of Health, informing him of the complaint
I had brought about in reference to destruction of fish life.
As a result of a complaint sent to the Secretary of Health, about the
pollution of waters by the Dorado Beach Hotel, dated May 13, 1966, I re-
ceived a letter from Mr. Rodolfo Lara, head of the Water Pollution Control
Program, photocopy of which I present here, and which I was told ihat as a
result of the pertaining study and interviews with the preservation engineer
at the hotel, they promised to discontinue the unloading of the waters,
both from the houses belonging to the hotel seashore, as well as of the la-
goon within the hotel property.
Due to the fact that the water pollution continued to the extreme that
many people suffered infections and others were admitted to hospitals, we
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again insisted on an investigation of the beach waters and on February
15, 1966, Dr. Fernando Padro, Director of the Health Department (pro tem),
addressed a letter to Mr. G. Bland Hoke, general manager of the Dorado
Beach Hotel, informing him of the investigation conducted on the water
pollution in Brenas and the presence of oil in the waters unloaded from
the lagoon and the difficulties as known (pesticides) found in the lagoon
waters.
These investigations were carried out by the Institute of Health
Medicine of the Medical Center of Puerto Rico. A photocopy of the letter
is included and is part of this statement.
In spite of all the steps taken in the past three years, we have not
managed to attain the discontinuing on the part of the Dorado Beach Hotel
of the unloading of those polluted waters which reveals a lack of coordina-
tion existing between the agencies which deal with this problem.
We trust that once all the facts which contribute to the pollution of
waters have been studied, legislation will be passed in a way to avoid the
enormous pollution of waters. Thank you. (Applause)
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much. We appreciate your statement.
I was saving the last place today for a good friend of mine, Mr. Ramon
Guzman, but I understand his boss is here. Professor Biaggi, would you like
to make a statement? You have precedence over Ramon.
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: I would like to say that the statements Mr.
Calimano has made are completely new to me.
DR. NELSON BIAGGI: Mr. Chairman, Mr. Santiago, ladies and gentlemen:
My name is Nelson Biaggi. I am representing the Directorship, Medical
Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico; Dean of the School of Medicine
of the University of Puerto Rico; Caribe Girl Scout Council; and the Sociedad
Puertorriquena de Planificacion.
I promise to be real brief. I have only five points.
1. Many estuaries in Puerto Rico are heavily burdened by pollution,
either of fecal or industrial origin or both. The cities of Arecibo, Isabels,
Aguadilla, Mayaguez, Ponce, Guayama and Arroyo dispose of their raw or
untreated sewage directly into the sea.
Metropolitan San Juan disposes of some 38 million gallons of primary
effluent in the San. Juan Bay. The pollutional effect in all cases of this
indiscriminate disposal of raw or settled sewage is of a rather critical
nature.
The San Juan Bay waters, for example, reveal a condition of eutrophica-
tion as observed from the photosynthetic activity and the benthal demand
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excerted by the bottom sludge. The aesthetic degradation of these waters
goes without saying.
2. It seems urgent for the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority to:
(a) expedite toward secondary treatment for all the communities'
sewage wastes that so demand.
(b) examine the financial implications of such enterprise and
establish the methodology to effectively comply with it.
(c) stress optimal managerial operations of the existing sewage
treatment plants to assure the best possible results.
(d) develop master plans for the collection, treatment and disposal
of sewage for metropolitan areas, thus preventing excessive number of small
installations that eventually lead to problems.
3. The great potential value for transportation purposes, aesthetical
considerations, and others of the San Jose Lake, the Martin Pena Channel
and the San Juan Bay justifies studies in depth on means and ways to recu-
perate these waters from pollution.
4. Many rivers in Puerto Rico suffer from periodic clogging of their
disemboguement, thus preventing their discharges into the sea. As a result,
of this anomalie, and due to the pollutional load of the rivers' waters,
anaerobic decomposition does develop with the resulting foulness and anti-
aesthetic conditions.
Also, mosquitoes do multiply in epidemic fashion. The Rio Grande of
Arecibo and the Rio Yaguez of Mayaguez are good examples of this. The
need exists to establish whose responsibility it is to cope with the problem
and to see to it that the rivers maintain their flow in continuous discharge
to the sea.
5. There are some sugar mills which dispose of their liquid wastes in
mangrove swamps and these eventually flow into the sea. It must be recog-
nized that the sugar mill wastes exert a very high BOD load and that these
mills are among the most important sources of pollution in some of our es-
tuaries .
Additional studies on mill wastes are required before any effective
abatement program can be implemented. Thank you. (Applause)
MR. THOMAN: Thank you, Doctor. Are there any questions?
MR. TRAINA: No.
MR. THOMAN: Mr. Gustaro Candelas, University of Puerto Rico. Mr.
Candelas, we didn't overlook you, but I had a note that you had already gone.
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MR. GILBERTO CINTRON; I am not Mr. Candelas. I am Gilberto Cintron,
a student at the University of Puerto Rico.
"The government of Puerto Rico has always assigned a considerable
part of the budget for the purpose of education. Part of this budget
is assigned to the University of Puerto Rico for its many needs.
"One of these needs is, of course, research. Since its establish-
ment, the University has been crowded by an ever-increasing number of
students and an always-increasing demand for teaching more and more
diverse courses for more and more students.
"So it is not surprising that the amount of money assigned for
research, especially in the sciences, has been really insignificant.
Not only lack of funds, but the unusually heavy load in teaching which
the University professor has to carry has reduced the time to embark
on research programs.
"In spite of all these problems, the University's science depart-
ments have become more and more research-minded. This is so since it
has become definitely clear that for the University to acquire the
quality that all of us want, it must become more and more involved
in research.
"Some funds derived from a planned economy in teaching have be-
come available for research and the academic load for those interested
in research has been reduced.
"This has bepn done through the creation of larger lecture
sections and the elimination of some courses not essential for the
preparation of our students.
"At present, all the science departments of the University of
Puerto Rico at all of its campuses have graduate programs at least
to the Master's level.
"Therefore, there is available the manpower necessary, not only
in terms of professors, but also in terms of graduate students to
carry out the research activities that are needed.
"Biological research has followed an ever-increasing trend. Unfor-
tunately, due to its late beginning, it is behind the urgent needs
of our community.
"Frequently, many government agencies are in need of information
to develop policies or to solve immediate-problems rooted in biological
knowledge, and the information they need is unavailable.
"It was very unfortunate that our government has conceived the
industrialization of the Island without a solid program for the develop-
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merit of local basic scientific research.
"It is essential for the government to realize this and assign
special funds towards the creation of a program to foster basic re-
search.
"One of the important trends of our times is the efficient exploi-
tation of the sea and other water resources. Because of this and be-
cause they are integral parts of the adjacent shelf areas, the study
of estuaries has become vital =
"As far as we know, no intensive biological research on this
habitat has been done in Puerto Rico, and a search through the litera-
ture has shown that very little has been done in tropical estuaries.
"An unpublished work done at the Biology Department of Rio Piedras
for the Planning Board has shown that our estuaries do contribute
significantly to the adjacent marine environment.
"For example, the Torrecillas-Pinones Lagoon complex exports a
net load of sediments toward the shelf in the order of 31 tons per
day of sediments.
"These sediments are rich in organic matter. Also, this export
represents a rich addition of dissolved nutrients to the shelf area.
"We have studied the movement of one of these vital nutrients
in a preliminary way, and we have found that in the Laguna Grande
in Fajardo, phosphorous is concentrated from three to sevens-times
the value in the coastal area. Therefore, there may be a flux of
water rich in phosphorous toward the shelf with the tide.
"In the same area, we have found that chlorophyll is concen-
trated almost four times its value in the shelf and slightly higher
than in the adjoining bay.
"Although all rivers export dissolved and suspended matter to-
wards the shelf, those estuaries and lagoons populated by mangroves
seem to make the most valuable contributions.
"The rapid growth of these plants provides the estuary with a
constant source of fallen leaves, twig§, branches and, of course, the
large number of seeds that fall during the year.
"Of the total number of seeds that fall, only a small percentage
germinates- All the others make a valuable addition of nutrients
to the estuary.
"We cannot neglect the varied animal population that is associated
with these areas. These, too, contribute by enriching the water with
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their wastes, and eventually, with their own carcasses.
"The mangrove swamp uses solar energy to maintain these commu-
nities, and it does it efficiently. Its chlorophyll content of .36
grams of chlorophyll a per square meter makes it comparable to other
forests in the island.
"In a mangrove, there are from two to four square meters of
leaves for each square meter of terrain. This makes possible an
efficient utilization of the solar radiation.
"Associated with the mangroves in some estuaries and lagoons
are Thallasia beds. Thallasia is a marine vascular plant. This
provides another habitat and another source of food for the estuarine
fauna.
"We have found in Fajardo that these beds may have a dry weight
of 3.2 tons per acre, although higher values, from 3.7 to 4.9, are
reported in the literature for the Bahia Fosforescente.
"Summarizing, our estuaries seem to make a valuable contribution
to their adjacent shelf areas, and yet very little is known about their
ecology or the ecology of the adjoining shelf.
"We must be cautious in applying to our estuaries criteria and
concepts developed for nontropical estuaries, because there are funda-
mental differences in the ecosystems.
"Therefore, we need an intensive research program in the biology
and ecology of our tropical estuaries and lagoons, if we are going to
develop sound policies for the management of these areas."
Thank you.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much. Will you please express our regrets
to Professor Candelas that we didn't get to him earlier?
Last among the speakers that I have a card on is my very good friend,
Ramon Guzman.
MR. RAMON M. GUZMAN: There should be no doubt that Puerto Rico
encounters serious water pollution control problems, at least in some
of our surface streams and coastal waters.
Some of the problems are caused by the indiscriminatory discharge of
industrial wastes and other waste waters. Although there are several
reasons which adversely affect the proper maintenance of an adequate
water pollution control abatement program in Puerto Rico, I will limit
my short presentation at these public hearings to only one of the problems
that we are facing in this respect -- the need of performance of basic
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and applied research for the treatment of industrial wastes and other
waste waters which are discharged daily to our surface waters.
There are several industries which have been established in Puerto
Rico since many years ago whose wastes have always been discharged to
our streams without any treatment.
Year after year, these discharges have been the cause of massive
fish kills, besides causing deterioration of our waters. In this group
of industries we can mention the eane-sugar and rum manufacturing, among
others.
There is no definite knowledge to dispose of these wastes adequately,
mainly because of lack of basic research which will provide the needed
information as to the economical methods for their degradation and final
disposalo
Operation Bootstrap has attracted many industries to Puerto Rico.
Its tax incentives will continue helping the establishment of new indus-
tries at a fast rate for the benefit of our economy.
But these industries will bring problems of waste treatment and water
pollution for which we must be prepared. The environmental, climatological
and economical conditions of Puerto Rico require, in many cases, different
approaches for the proper treatment of the wastes.
We could gain much by the proper solutions to these problems through
basic and applied research, or through demonstration projects. We must
be fair and admit that not too much research in waste treatment and water
pollution has been done in Puerto Rico.
It is now time to start the research to reduce the gap now existing
in Puerto Rico between the technical knowledge needed and our realities
in these problems of public health significance.
This information will help us to deal with the increasing amount of
wastes being produced and discharged by the industries established here.
I would like, at this time, to call for the need of joining efforts
to cope with the problem, with the participation of the Commonwealth and
Federal governments and the private industry established in Puerto Rico.
The Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health of the School
of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico is starting a program to
develop basic and applied research in environmental health which will in-
clude some of the aspects of industrial waste treatment, sewage treatment
and disposal, and water pollution control.
We know that the Department of Health of this Commonwealth and the
Aqueduct and Sewer Authority have recognized the importance of research
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as applied to our specific problems and conditions.
The School of Medicine will gladly cooperate with technical assis-
tance for the performance and promotion of research to deal with this
type of problem on waste treatment and water pollution now being encount-
ered by several Commonwealth government agencies and the private industry
in Puerto Rico.
Let this be a call to join our efforts and obtain the needed technical
information which is necessary to solve some of Puerto Rico's unique water
pollution control problems.
Two months ago I was operating as Chief for the Aqueduct Authority,
and in fact, the Secretary of the Water Pollution Control Advisory Board
of the Commonwealth, and I had the pleasure at that time to work with the
people of Atlanta, Mr. Thoman and Mr. Traina, and in my position -- well,
I'm sure that I, again, have the same cooperation that I had when I was
in my former position.
Speaking for Puerto Rico, I will say that we must be real happy to
have people like Mr. Thoman, MrTraina and their staff in Atlanta for
the interest they have shown in Puerto Rico„
I just wanted to add these words of thanks. Thank you very much.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you, Mr. Guzman.
MR. TRAINA; Ramon, I would like to ask you the same question I
asked earlier. Do you have any idea of the order of magnitude of the
amount of money that is required in research in this area of estuaries?
MR. GUZMAN: We at this time are making three proposals for research.
One of the proposals will be for a sewage treatment plant, but the most
important at this time that we are more interested in is in research to
the criteria for sewage treatment plants.
I think this is one we really need. On this project, we have planned,
we think it is about $70,000.
MR. THOMAN; Ramon, the question, I think, that Mr. Traina was asking,
was strictly related to estuaries. Now, whether it's the disposal of
treated effluents, ocean disposal, or this type of thing - if you would
give some thought to that and drop us a letter, we will see that it be-
comes a part of the record.
I don't believe this design criteria project would be specifically
applied to estuaries. The reason we have been asking these questions, as
I explained to Dr. Cerame at noontime, is that we are trying to develop
something in the report to the Congress that will give them some order of
the magnitude as to what research efforts will be and are required.
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This is the reason for the question. Dr. Cerame, do you wish to say
something?
DR. CERAME VIVAS; For the record, this morning it was asked about
how much it would cost, and I have here copies of two specific proposals
that have been made by staff members in ray department.
In one study is of Guayanilla Harbor, and the other one deals with
the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. The total of one study for a two-
year period came to $70,273, and for the other, it came to $84,000 for
two years.
We have extrapolated that around Puerto Rico, thinking of all our
shore lines, and mangrove and estuarine conditions, and it comes to 1.2
million dollars a year for a very thorough study of Puerto Rico.
MR. THOMAN: Thank you very much.
MR. TRAINAs Thank you.
MR. THOMAN: Is there anyone else that we have overlooked or who
did not submit a card that would wish to make a statement at this parti-
cular time?
MR. GARCIA SANTIAGO: I would just like to thank all of you that
have appeared here to give us your ideas and your recommendations and to
speak on the problem of estuarine areas and pollution of the waters of
Puerto Rico.
I believe that all of those people who have expressed their ideas
have made a very necessary collaboration, not only for the benefit of
Puerto Rico, but also to provide the necessary Information for national
estuarine interests.
I would like to thank each one of you. I would like to remind you
that if any of you wish to add any other comments that might have been
suggested in the course of the discussions here today, you may still do
so within the next 15 days, and you may do so by writing in care of Mr.
John R. Thoman, to his office in Atlanta, Georgia, at the address which
you all have and which appears in the communique which he sent you, or
you may send it through my office at the Planning Board, in which case,
I would suggest that you would mark it "Personal", because otherwise, It
would run the risk of not getting to my desk.
I would also like to thank all the friends from the Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration office who have been here through the
past few weeks, and especially today, and compliment you on the work
and the preparation of this public hearing, which, by the way, has pleased
me very much to hear such a variety of types of presentations made here
today.
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Finally, I would like to thank the Bar Association for letting us
use these facilities. I especially want to thank my friends here from
Puerto Rico who were participating in the organization of this activity,
as well as the people from the press who have operated announcing this
activity and who have been here today covering the presentations made
here.
To all of you, on behalf of the government of Puerto Rico, thank
you.
I know that Jack Thoman has to make a similar comment, so I would
not like to take all the chances, so I will give him an opportunity to
speak now.
MR. THOMAN: I was listening to the translation of Mr. Garcia
Santiago's remarks, and I don.':t believe I have much to add, because I
presume most of you understand Spanish.
Again, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all who have participated
in this meeting. And I want to especially thank the Bar Association for
making its lovely facilities available for us.
Again, I will remind you that the record is open for at least 15
days, and it will probably be closer to three weeks.
I want to thank all of you. I think out of the meeting today has
come ideas which in.the report to Congress will deserve special attention,
because of the nature of Puerto Rico, in that it is an island and it has
very unique problems both legal and otherwise.
I believe that these will have to be pointed out and taken care of
in any legislation which may result from the National Estuarine Pollution
Study.
Again, thanks to all of you for staying with us, and we appreciate
your being here, and it has been a very deep and real pleasure. Thank*you.
(Whereupon the meeting adjourned at 4:12 o,rclock p.m.)
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ATTACHMENTS
Puerto Rico Farm Bureau
Oretee Ramos - President
^ Cooperative Extension in Agriculture and
Domestic Economy Commonwealth of Puerto Rico .....
Roberto Huyke - Extentlon Director
Municipal Government of Culebra
Ramon Feiiciano - Mayor of the Island of Culebra
V'Puerto Rican Yacht Club
George A. Stuckert, Jr. - Commodore
Municipal Association
Leo Cabranes - Executive Director
V^The Geological Society of Puerto Rico
Pedro A« Gelabert - President
Commonwealth Oil Refining Company, Inc.
Teodoro Moscoso - Chairman of the Board
Ponce Chamber of Commerce ....
Manuel Aviles Toro - President
e Puerto Rico District Exchange Clubs
Charles H. Reid - Chairman
Jy-tfniversity of Puerto Rico
School of Medicine .
Nelson Biaggl - Ph.D. Profesior of Environmental Health
\--University of Puerto Rico at Mayagve*
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Geology .........
George A. Seiglle - Assistant Professor
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¦fW
TELEFONOS
722-2961 y 724-6667
PUNDADA EN 1924
AFILIADA A LA AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
APART ADO 3114
SANTURCE, PUERTO RICO, 00910
Sefior Presidente:
Deseo agradecer la invitaciOn que me ha hecho el
sefior John R. Thomas, Director Regional de la Adminis-
tracifin Federal para el Control de la Contaminacitin del
Agua,para que como Presidente de la Asociacion de Agri-
cultores de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Farm Bureau) pre-
sente en la maftana de hoy una ponencia sobre el uso op-
timo y el desarrollo futuro de Sreas estuarias en Puerto
Rico
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LOS ESTUARIOS EN PUERTO RICO
JNTRODUCCION
Todos reconocemos la gran importancia de los estuarios que abundan en las
zonas costaneras de los distintos continentes. En estos lugares las zonas estuarias
constituyen una porciSn respetable de las costas . Alrededor del 80% de la costa del
Atlantico Este y del Golfo esta formada por estuarios, mientras que en la costa del
Pacifico estos constituyen solamente el 10%.
En Puerto Rico, por el contrario, la situaciSn es distinta ya que por la configuracion
geom&trica de nuestras costas, que tienden a ser m&s o menos rectas, y debido a que los
rios son de descarga relativamente pequefia, las zonas estuarias son minusculas. Esto
hace revelar nuestras dudas sobre la Importancia de los estuarios como tal. Por otro lado
no hay lugar a dudas que nuestras zonas costaneras, donde aunque en pequePia escala
sigue prevaleciendo la inter-relacion entre agua dulce y agua salada, si son de vital
importancia para el desarrollo socio-economico de esta Isla y para la vida puertorriquefia
en general.
Por lo antes fndicado nuestros comentarios se referiran no a areas estuarias
unicamente sino a nuestras zonas costaneras en general.
PROBLEMAS DE CONTAMINACION
Una consecuencia desafbrtunada del gran progreso que ha venido experimentando
la Isla de Puerto Rico es la contaminacion de sus cuerpos de agua con descargas de
desperdicios, tanto domesticos como industriales. TodavTa muchas poblaciones deshechan
sus aguas negras sin tratamiento a los rfos y bahfas. En algunas zonas de nuestra Isla ha
habido que permitir cierto grado de conform nacifin por desperdicios industriales en aras
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de un mayor desarrollo economico mediante la creciente y necesaria industrializacion „
No hay duda de que hay entre los oficiales del gobierno y entre la ciudadanfa una
creciente preocupacion por que nuestros recursos naturales, particularmente el agua_,
reciban mayor proteccion que lo que reciben en la actualidad si es que Puerto Rico
ha de continuar disfrutando de su presente desarrollo economico.
Los problemas asociados a la descarga de desperdicios en los cuerpos de a^ua
son la reduccion del contenido de oxtgeno disuelto en el agua con la consecuente
muerte de los peces por asfixia, la mortalidad de los peces por justancias toxic, -.s la
produccion de malos olores, la creacion de condiciones ofensivas al sentido dt- la vista
y al olfatOj, la contaminacion del agua por organismos productores de enfermedades y
la destruccion de diversas formas de vida acuatica. Estos problemas son comunes tanto
a las aguas dulces como a las saladas.
Estas aguasasf deterioradas en su calidad requieren tratamientos mas elaborados
y costosos cuando se necesita su utilizacion para uso municipal o industrial. Los
cuerpos de agua que han sido contaminados por susltincias nocivas a la saiuda- dejan de
estar disponibles para uso recreativo/ destruy^ndose asf uno de los valores con que
debenamos poder contar en todo momento que es el turismo y tambien la recreacion
del ciudadano local.
Como ya hemos indicado ariteriormente existen en Puerto Rico un gran numero de
pueblos que descargansus aguas negras sin tratamiento alguno a las aguas costaneras
cercanas a el los. Hay ademas algunos rios que reciben las aguas negras de las
poblaciones a su orilla y Sstos a su vez descargan al mar. Ejemplo de la primera
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situacion es Mayaguez. Ejemplo de la segunda situacion es San German que descarga
sus aguas en el RTo Guanajibo el cual finalmente descarga precisarnente en la BahTa
de Mayaguez.
El problema de los rios en si se torna mas severo durante las epocas de sequia
que, afiadido a la hidrologia particular de Puerto Rico, crean una situacion de flujo
sumamente pequefio que no ofrecen oportunidad para la dilusion de los contaminantes.
Estos rfos terminan por convertirse en meras cloacas sanitarias. El Rfo Yaguez en el
Oeste de la Isla es un triste ejemplo de esta situacion.
RECOMENDACIONES PARA EL CONTROL DE LA CONTAMINACION
POR AGUAS NEGRAS MUNICIPALES
1. Para controlar la contaminacion de rios, lagos y lagunas es indispensable
que se provean plantas de tratamiento completo (incluyendo la desinfecci&n de los
efluentes) para todas las aguas negras que descarguen a estos cuerpos de agua, asT como
la modificacion de las plantas existentes donde sea necesario. Es menester alcarar que,
aunque reconocemos que los cuerpos de agua tienen una cierta capacidad de auto
depuracion, asunto iste que esta bajo investigaci&n en el Instituto de Agua de la
Universidad de Puerto Rico, no podemos permitir la utilizacion a cabalidad de este
fenomeno por cuanto nuestros cuerpos de agua son pequeflos y la concentraci6n poblacional
e industrial va cada dfa en aumento y con ello la contaminacion.
2. Para el control de la contaminacion de las aguas costaneras se recomienda
igualmente el tratamiento adecuado de las aguas negras antes de lanzarlas al mar. Es
indispensable que este tratamiento sea seguido de una desinfecci&n efectiva, si es que
queremos conservar nuestras playas en el estado de saneamiento necesario para su
aprovechamiento como medio recreativo. Se debe tomar muy en cuenta el disefio adecuado
de los sistemas hidraulicos de emisi&n de los efluentes a I mar, tomando en consideraciSn
las t&cnicas mas modernas que estan en desarrollo en la actualidad, de modo de lograr
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una dispersi6n efectiva de estos efluentes en el mar sin rlesgos de contaminaci6n«
Esto requiere estudios hidraulicos e hidrogr6ficos de nuestras costas para determinar
corrientes, temperatures, densidades del agua7 etc.
3. Deben tomarse medidas para aumentar los flujos bajos en los rios durante
las sequfas. Esto puede lograrse mediante el almacenaje en embalses de parte del
agua durante las 6pocas de lluvia, la cual puede luego soltarse en forma controlada
durante las sequfas para mantener un flujo adecuado en todo momenta. Estos embalses
servirfan adem6s para proveer abastos de agua y para elevar el nivel fredtico aumentdn-
dose asT el caudal de las aguas subterrflneas. Estas pueden ser mu/utiles en la soluci6n
de los problemas de abastecimiento de agua. Esto se ha hecho en Puerto Rico en cierta
forma limitada pero no hay duda que esto debe expandirse.
4 „ Es menester mantener las bocas de los rios abiertas para evitar el estanca-
miento de sus aguas con los resultantes problemas sanitarios que por esta causa se pro-
ducen. El cierre de las bocas se puede evitar mediante la construcci6n de "jetties"
adecuadamente disefiados o se puede controfar mediante la remocifin peri6dica de los se-
dimentos que se depositan en los mismas.
RECOMENDACION PARA EL CONTROL DE LA CONTAMINACION
POfe DESPEfeDlCIOS DE CENTRALES AZllCAREERS'
En los ultimos aPios nos ha causado preocupaci6n la naturaleza de la contami-
nacifin originada por las descargas de las centrales azucareras. Esta preocupaci6n es
aOn mayor cuando reconocemos las limitaciones econ6micas en que se estfi desenvolvien-
do esta industria, lo cua! hace diffcil tmponerle reglamentaciones que requieran el uso de
equipo de purificacidn a estas centrales que pueden ser en muchos casos lo suficientemen-
te costosos como para agravar la situaci6n econ6mica de las mismas, Posiblemente, el
gobierno en estos casos tendrfa que asumir cierta responsabilidad con respecto a los costos
de la purificaci6n o disposicidn de los desperdicios de estas centrales.
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-5-
RECOMENDACIONES PARA EL CONTROL DE LA CONTAMINACION
POR DESPERDICIOS INDUSTR1ALES (OTRAS INDUSTRIAS)
1) Se recomienda que se hagan los estudios pertinentes sobre la posible
contaminacion de las aguas por los desperdicios de las industrias que operan
en Puerto Rico. Esto servirfa de base para reglamentar la disposicion de estos
desperdicios tanto de las industrias ya establecidas, como de las que puedan
establecerse en el futuro.
2) A aquellas industrias que esten localizadas en zonas donde se ponga en peligro
la subsistencia de valiosos recursos de agua, tales como areas recreativas y
criaderos de especies marinas, se recomienda que se les exija tratamiento
adecuado a sus desperdicios de modo de que se conserve el estado natural del
cuerpo de agua.
3) En las zonas industriales se debe considerar la posibilidad de utilizar facilidades
de tratamiento comunes a todas las industrias del conglomerado industrial. Esto
ayudarfa a prorratear el costo del tratamiento de los desperdicios,, haciendolo
asT mas economico. Con esto se mejorarFa la actitud de la industria hacia los
reglamentos de control de contaminacion,
4) Deben de zonificarse nuestras 6reas costaneras de tal forma que se establezcan
zonas industriales que esten alejadas de las areas recreativas y de aquellas bah fas
que tienen gran atractivo estetico. Hasta el presente se ha llevado la industria a
lugares cercanos al ambiente urbano donde habita el obrero. Socialmente esto
parece adecuado ya que se pretende mejorar el nivel de vida del obrero puerto-
rriqueffo. Sin embargo, en lo que a la industria pesada se refiere, los riesgos de
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generalizes la contaminacion mediante la diseminacion de esfe tipo de industria por
toda la Is la son realmente alarmantes. Debemos empezar a pensar en terminos de7 por
el contrario, mover el obrero de todas partes de la Isla a la zona industrial mediante
medios adecoados de transportacion en masa. Esto creemos que es muy factible ya que
se hace en otras partes del mundo donde las distancias son mucho mayores. La
concentracion de la industria pesada en un lugar tiene las ventajas adicionales de
lograrse mayor economfa en proveer las facilidades de acceso7 agua, tratamiento comun
de los desperdicios, etc.
Debexi^alejarse las industries de areas que tengan suma importancia desde el punto de
vista bioiogico y merino.
Debe planearse ia locallzaci&n de estas zonas industriales tomando en consideration
las corrientes marinas de modo que cualquier contaminante que por alguna razon llegue
a las aguas afecte lo menos posible las areas que se deben proteger.
Debe exigirse tratamiento completo a los desperdicios industriales teniendo en cuenta
que siempre existe la posibilidad de la reclamacion de sustancias utiles durante el
proceso de tratamiento. Es muy importante que se provea duplicaci&n del equipo esencial
ya que en ningun momenta una fa I la en equipo debe de constituirse en riesgo de
contaminaci6n.
PECTiaPAS, YERB1CIDAS, ETC.
Los pecticidas que se le aplican a I suelo o a las plantas generan hoy d'a problemas
de contaminacion que nos causa seria preocupacion. Mientras la cantidad de pecticidas
us&ndose aumenta vertiginosamente, tambien reconocemos la gran capacidad que tienen
las plantas para concentrar estas substancias.
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-7-
La magnifud de la contaminacior de las aguas costanenas debido a los pectiiidas
es hasta cierta punto descorioctda y quizfis el paso m£is apropiado a tomarse es hacer
un estudio exhaustive para determinar la seriedad del problema*
ACCION DEL HOMBRE
No podemos olvidar el peligro que resulta para nuestros lim'tados estuaries y
para nuestros aguas costanenas la occiSn destructive del hombre en sus plcnes de
expansion y en sus programas de reclamaciSn de tierra donde por un lado destruye
manglares que pueden ser atrayentes areas recreativas y ambienfe favorable para el
desarrollo de la fauna y la flora marina/ sino que tambien contarnina su ambiente con la
disposicion de basuras y descarga sanitaria de las viviendas que se han fdo construyendo
en los liforales cosfaneros.
Las autoridades compefentes deben ademfis asumir una actitud m6s estricta contra
el creciente uso de nuestros rios y estuarios como lugar para el deshecho de basuras.
Estas no solo empeoran el problema sanitario sino que tambien reducen considerablemente
el cauce de la corriente acentuando el problema de inundaciones que existe en muchos
pueblos.
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Puerto Rico Farm Bureau
Condominium of "San Martin"
23 Parada - Santurce, Puerto Rico
Telephone
722-2981 6c 724-6867
P. 0. Box 8114
Santurce, P.R. 00910
Founded in 1924
Affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation
Mr. President:
I wish to thank you for the invitation extended me by Mr. John
R. Thoman, Regional Director of the Federal Administration for Water
Pollution Control, that I, as President of the Puerto Rico Farm
Bureau, may present a report this morning on the optimum usage and
future development of Puerto Rican estuarine areas.
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Puerto Rico Farm Bureau
Condominium of "San Martin"
23 Parada - Santurce, Puerto Rico
Founded in 1924
Affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation
ESTUARIES IN PUERTO RICO
INTRODUCTION
We all recognize the great importance of the estuaries which
abound in the coastal areas of the several continents. In those
places, the estuarine zones constitute a considerable portion of
the coasts. Approximately 807„ of the East Atlantic Ocean and the
Gulf of Mexico is formed by estuaries, while they constitute only
10% of the Pacific Coast.
On the contrary, the situation in Puerto Rico is different,
since the estuarine zones are quite small on account of the geome-
tric configuration of our coasts which tend to be more or less
straight, and on account of the relatively small discharge of the
rivers. This raised doubts as to the importance as such. On the
other hand, there can be no doubt that, where the interrelationship
of fresh and salt water continues to prevail even if on a small
scale, coastal areas are of such vital importance to the socio-eco-
nomic development of this island and to Puerto Rican life in general.
As previously indicated, our comments refer not only to estuarine
areas but also to our coastal areas in general.
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PROBLEMS OF POLLUTION
An unfortunate consequence of the great progress experienced
by the Island of Puerto Rico is the pollution of its bodies of water
by the emptying of waste products, domestic as well as industrial.
Still many towns release their untreated polluted waters into the
rivers and bays. In some areas, a certain amount of pollution by
industrial wastes has been permitted in favor of greater economic
development via the growing and necessary industrialization. There
is no doubt that there is an increasing concern among government
officials and the citizenry. If Puerto Rico is to continue to enjoy
its present rate of economic growth, our natural resources, parti-
cularly water, must receive greater protection than that which it
now has.
The problems associated with the dischargal of waste products
into bodies of water, are: the reduction of the oxygen content of
the water with a resultant death of fish by suffocation, fish's
being killed by toxic substances, the creation of conditions offen-
sive to sight and smell, the pollution by disease-producing organisms
and the destruction of diverse forms of aquatic life. These problems
are common to both fresh and salt water.
Waters so reduced in quality require more elaborate and expen-
sive treatments when they are needed for municipal or industrial
purposes. Bodies of water polluted by substances harmful to health,
have ceased to be available for recreational use. One of the values
on which we ought to be able to depend at all times, tourism and the
recreation of the local citizen, has thus been destroyed.
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As we have previously stated, a great number of towns which
empty untreated polluted water into nearby coastal waters, does
exist. In addition, there are some rivers which receive the con-
taminated waters from the towns on their shores. These rivers,
in their turn, empty into the sea. An example of the first instance
is Mayaguez. San German, emptying its waters into the Guansjibo
River which finally empties into the Bay of Mayaguez, is an example
of the second situation.
The problem of the rivers themselves becomes more severe in the
time of drought. That, added to the hydrology particular to Puerto
Rico, creates a situation of the flow being so very slight that it
offers no opportunity for the dissolution of contaminants. These
rivers end up becoming mere sewers. The Yaguez River in the east
section of the island is a sad example of this situation.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONTROL OF POLLUTION BY FOULED MUNICIPAL WATERS
1. In order to control pollution of rivers, lakes, and lagoons,
the provision of complete treatment plants (including the disinfection
of effluences) is indispensable for all polluted water which empty
into these water bodies. The modification of existing plants is also
necessary. It should be made clear that, though recognizing that
bodies of water have a certain capacity for self-purification (a sub-
ject under the investigation of the Water Institute of the University
of Puerto Rico), we cannot permit the fullest utilization of this
phenomenon, in as much as our bodies of water are small. And the
industrial and population concentration grows daily, and with it,
pollution.
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2. In order to control pollution of coastal waters, the adequate
treatment of polluted water is recommended before the water is emptied
into the sea. It is absolutely necessary that this treatment be
followed by effective disinfection, since we wish to preserve our
beaches in a state of cleanliness necessary to their use as a recrea-
tional medium. One should be acutely aware that the adequate design
of hydraulic systems for the emission of the effluences into the sea
must be considered. Also to be considered are the most modern tech-
niques which are presently in development, to achieve an effective
dispersion of those effluences into the sea without risk of pollution.
This requires hydraulic and hydrographic studies of our coasts to
determine currents, temperature, water densities, etc.
3. Measures should be taken to increase the low level of flow
of the rivers during a drought. This can be achieved by means of
storage of part of the water in dams during rainy periods. The
stored water could then be released in a controlled way during the
droughts in order to maintain an adequate flow at all times. These
dams would also be used to provide water supplies and to raise the
phreatic level, thus increasing the volume of subterranean water. That
could be very useful in the solution of the problems of water provi-
sioning. This has been done to a limited degree, but doubtlessly
could be extended.
k. It is necessary to keep river mouths open to avoid stagnation
and the resultant sanitation problems. The closing of the river mouths
may be avoided by constructing jetties adequately designed. It may
also be controlled through the periodic removal of deposited sedimen-
tation .
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RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CONTROL OF
POLLUTION BY COMMUNITY SUGAR MILL WASTES
In the last few years, the nature of pollution caused by the
discharge of the community sugar mills has caused us concern. This
concern increases when we recognize the economic limitations under
which this industry is developing. This condition makes it difficult
to impose regulations upon the sugar industry, requiring the use of
purification equipment for these community mills which, in many cases,
can be sufficiently expensive as to aggravate their economic situation.
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONTROL OF POLLUTION FROM
INDUSTRIAL WASTE PRODUCTS (OTHER INDUSTRIES)
1. It is recommended that studies pertinent to the possible
pollution of water by waste products of the industries which operate
in Puerto Rico, be made. This would serve as a basis for regulating
the deposition of these waste products, for already established indus-
tries, as well as those which may be established in the future.
2. It is recommended that adequate treatment of their waste
products be demanded of those industries which are located in areas
where valuable water resources are placed in jeopardy, in order to
conserve the natural state of the body of water.
3. The possibility of using treatment facilities common to all
the industries of the industrial group ought to be considered in
those industrialized areas. This action should help prorate the cost
of waste treatment, thus rendering it more economical. With this
step, the attitude of industry toward the regulation of pollution
control should be Improved.
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4. Our coastal areas should be zoned in such a way as to es-
tablish industrial areas which are removed from the recreational
areas and from those bays which have great aesthetic attraction.
Up until the present, industry has brought an urban atmosphere to
the nearby towns where workers live. Socially, this seems fitting
since it attempts to improve the standard of living of the Puerto
Rican worker. Nevertheless, touching upon heavy industry, the risks
of spreading pollution (by means of the spread of this kind of indus-
try) are really alarming for the entire island. We should begin to
think in terms of moving the worker to the industrial zones from
all parts of the island via adequate mass transportation. We believe
this to be quite feasible, since it is done in other parts of the
world where distances are greater. Concentration of heavy industry
in one place has the added advantages of achieving greater economy
in providing the facilities for access water, and common waste treat-
ment .
5. Industries should withdraw from areas which have great
importance from the biological and marine point of view.
6. Localization of these industries should be planned, taking
into account the sea currents so that whatever pollutant, which for
any reason, reaches the water, has the least possible effect on the
areas which should be protected.
7. Complete treatment of industrial waste products should be
required, taking into account that the possibility of reclamation of
useful substances always exists during the treatment process. It is
very important that duplication of essential equipment be provided so
that at no time would an equipment failure constitute a risk of pollution.
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PESTICIDES. HERBICIDES. ETC.
The pesticides applied to the soil or to plants today generate
problems of pollution which cause us serious concern. While the
quantity of pesticides being used grows dizzingly, we also recognize
the great capacity which plants have to concentrate these substances.
The magnitude of pollution of coastal waters due to pesticides,
is to a certain degree unknown and perhaps, the most appropriate step
to make an exhaustive study t6 determine the seriousness of the problem.
MAN'S ROLE
We cannot forget the danger which results from the destructive
action of man in his plans of expansion and his programs of land
reclamation, threatening our limited estuaries and our coastal waters.
Land reclamation, on one hand, destroys mangrove swamps, which can
be attractive recreation areas, and a favorable environment for the
growth of marine flora and fauna. Land reclamation:rannot be accom-
plished without also contaminating the environment with the deposition
of rubbish and the emptying of sanitation wastes from the dwellings
which have continued to be constructed in the coastal areas.
Competent authorities, moreover, should assume a stricter atti-
tude toward the increasing use of our rivers and estuaries as a place
for the dumping of rubbish. These things not only worsen the sanita-
tion problem, but it also reduces considerably the current's channel,
accentuating the problem of flooding in many towns.
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TRABAJO COOPERATIVO DE EXTENSION
EN
AGRICULTURA Y ECONOMIA DOMESTIC*
ESTADO LIBRE A&OCIADO DE PUERTO RICO
RECINTO UNIVERStTARIO DE MAVAGUEZ
~E LA
LPNIVERSIDAQ DE PUERTO RICO
EN COOPERACION CON EL
DEPARTAMENTO DE AGRICULTURA
DE
EST ADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA
SERVICIO DE EXTENSION
Rio Piedras. Puerto Rico 00928
15 de abril de 1968
Sr. John R. Thoman, Director
Southeast Region
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Department of Interior
1421 Peach Street NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Estimado sefior Thoman:
Me complazco en acusar recibo de su comunicaci&n del 2 de abril
de 1968, relacionada con la audiencia ptiblica a celebrarse en San
Juan el 22 del corriente roes en la cual se discutirMn los puntos de
vista sobre el uso fiptimo y desarrollo futuro de los recursos
estuarios.
Nuestra exposicifin en relaci6n al tema antes mencionado no cree-
raos que proceda a presentarla en forma de ponencla. Queretnos, sin
embargo, anotar nuestra posicifin y cooperaci6n en cuanto al problema
de la contaminacifin de los estuarios en Puerto Rico.
En Puerto Rico, asl corao en los Estados Unidos, los eBtuarios
desempeflan una funcifin de gran importancia corno fuente de abas to de
agua para la industria, ademtfs de servir como base para las operacio-
nes portuarias, factor importante en el desarrollo econ6mico del
pals, asl como para la recreacifin, la pesca y otros fines.
La contaminacifin y la pobre administracifin de estos estuarios
han afectado en gran tnedida el uso beneficioso de los misraos.
Es de imperiosa necesidad que el estudio que usted indica en su
carta, relacionado con los problemas de contaminacifin de los estua-
rios, se realice y se presente al Congreso de los Estados Unidos para
su m£s pronta consideracifin, de manera que pueda surgir un programa
efectivo para la conservacifin de los recursos y bellezas naturales
del pals.
En Puerto Rico la Honorable cfimara de Representantes design6 una
comisi6n especial de ese cuerpo, presidida por el Hon. Manuel Mlndez
Ballester, para que investigara la conservaci6n y control de los
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Sr. John R. Thoman
-2-
15 de abril de 1968
recursos y bellesas na tit rales de 2a Isla, en los cuales estin inclui-
dos los estuarios y aguas costaneraa.
El Hon. Manuel Mfindez Ballester solicits la cooperacilin del
Presidente de la Univereidad de Puerto Rico, Lcdo. Jaime Benltez, para
ayudar a la comislAn leglalativa en las gestiones que le fueran
encoraendadas.
Gl Pre side rite nombr6 grupos de trabajos formados por t£cnicos de
todos los recintos universitarios, incluyendo sus dependencies
agrlcolaa, Ademis, reclutfi la cooperaciSn de ticnicos de otraa agen-
das de goblerno y universldades privadaa para esa gestlSn de goblarno.
Los informes de los distintoa grupoa de trabajo se agruparon en
un documento titulado "Infotme de la Universidad de Puerto Rico a la
Honorable ComisiAn Especial de la ctfmara de Representantes para
ImrestigaT la Conservaci6n de Recuraog y Bellezas Maturales,"
En eae informe se destacan cuatro recomendac lories principales, a
saber:
1. Que se cree un organismo gubernamenta 1 con rango de gabinete
para implementar la polltica pdblica sobre la conservacifin
de loa recursos y bellezas naturalea que dicte la Comisifin
de Recursos nombrada por el Gobernador con la aprobacitfn de
la Asamblea Legislative.
2. Que se enmiende la ley de la Junta de PlanifIcaci6n para
hacer viable la zonificaci6n en la zona rural.
3. Que se realice un inventario a la mayor brevedad posible de
todos los recursos naturalea de excepcional belleza y valor
clentlfico para que el Gobierno adquiera y conserve estos
recursos a perpetuidad.
4. Que en todos los nivelas educativos se fortalezca la ense-
flanza sobre el uso y conaervacitfn de los recursos naturales
y se adiestren ttcnicos de alto nivel para los ptogramas a
desarrollarse.
De las recomendaciones incluldas en el informe de los diferen-
tes grupos, cltamos las que conciernen o est&n relacionadas en clerta
medida con los estuarios y aguas costaneras:
1. Controlar la contaminaclSn de las aguas costaneras perjudi-
cial a la vida marina y desarrollar todos que faciliten
la disposici6n de los productos nocivos sin causar este
problema.
1. Pceservar como parques varies Areas de mangles y la bahla
lumlnisceate, asegurando que se avite au des trucei6n y
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Sr. John R. Thoman
-3-
15 de abril de 1968
preservando su utilidad como criadero de especies marinas de
valor econOmico.
3. Proveer para el control de la captura y venta de los orga-
nlsmos asociados con los arrecifes.
4. Determiner en qu£ lugares y hasta qu£ grado debe permitirse
la extraccifin de arena de las playas, reglamentar mientras
tanto toda extraccl6n de arena y reconstruir las playas que
han sido destrozadas por la extraccidn de arena.
5. Revlsar las leyes sobre los recursos de agua vigentes en
Puerto Rico e incluir en ellas el control de la explotaci6n
de las reservas de agua bajo tierra.
6. Planificar y coordinar el desarrollo y el uso de los recur-
sos de agua a largo plazo.
7. Expandir los estudios bfisicos sobre los recursos de agua de
Puerto Rico y los mgtodos para lograr su mayor aprovecha-
miento por mediaci6n del Instituto de Investigaciones sobre
Recursos de Agua.
8. Desarrollar m£todos y efectuar el control de la contamina-
cifin de los rlos, lagos y lagunas por aguas negras y desper-
dicios indi'striales.
9. Determinar la posibilidad de usar las estructuras y canales
para controlar las inundaciones en las cuencas que afin no
han sido estudiadas.
El Servicio de Extensifin Agrlcola del Recinto Universitario de
Mayaguez, como la rama educativa del Departamento de Agriculture de
los Estados Unidos, respalda las recomendaciones hechas en el informe
sometido a la Honorable C&mara de Representantes.
En esta gesti6n que requiere el informe, creeiios firmemente que
para poder realizar una labor efectiva se deben proveer fondos
especlficamente para cada agenda para reclutar y preparar personal
especializado en las diferentes fases de la conservacl6n de los
recursos naturales.
No obstante, queremos hacer claro que ofrecemos todas nuestras
facilidades, tanto flsicas como de personal, para cualquier gestifin
en que nuestra agenda pueda ser fitil en la soluciSn de los problemas
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ST. John R. Thooan
-4-
15 de abril de 1968
de los estuarloa y aguas coiCaneraa de Puerto Rico, ast como en la
conservacitfn de los recursos y bellecaa naturales de nueatro pals.
Cor dlalmente.
Roberto Huyke
Director de Extensi6n
RH:ec
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Cooperative Extension
in
Agriculture and Domestic Economy
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico
at Mayaguez
Extension Service
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico 00928
In Cooperation with the
Department of Agriculture
of the
United States of America
April 15, 1968
Mr. John R. Thoman, Director
Southeast Region
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Department of the Interior
1421 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Dear Mr, Thoman:
I am pleased to acknowledge your letter of April 2, 1968 concerning
the public hearing to take place in San Juan the twenty-second of this
month, in which the views dealing with the optimum use and future develop-
ment of estuarine resources will be discussed.
We feel that our position on this subject cannot be properly pre-
sented in a report. Nevertheless, we wish to state our position and
offer our cooperation concerning the problem of pollution of the Puerto
Rican estuaries.
In Puerto Rico, as in the rest of the world, the estuaries have a
highly important function as a source of water for industry. They also
serve as a base for port operations, which is an important factor in
the country's economic development, and they are important for recrea-
tion, fishing and other purposes.
Pollution and poor administration of these estuaries have greatly
effected the beneficial uses of the estuaries.
It is of the utmost necessity that the study cited in your letter,
concerning the problems of estuarine pollution, be undertaken and be
presented to the Congress of the United States for it's most immediate
consideration so an effective program for the conservation of the coun-
try's resources and natural beauties.
In Puerto Rico, the House of Representatives names a special
committee, headed by the Honorable Manuel Mendez Ballester, to investi-
gate the conservation and control of the island's resources and natural
beauties. Estuaries and coastal waters are included.
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The Honorable Manuel Mendez Ballester sought the cooperation
of the President of the University of Puerto Rico, Jaime Benitez,
Lcdo,, in aiding the legislative committee in the measures intrusted
to them.
The President appointed work groups made up of technicians from
all the university extensions, including their agricultural agencies,
He also enlisted the cooperation of the technicians of other govern-
ment agencies and of private universities in this step.
The reports of the different work groups are combined in a docu-
ment entitled "Report of the University of Puerto Rico to the Honorable
Special Commission of the House of Representatives, for the Investiga-
tion of Conservation of Resources and Natural Beauties".
Four principal recommendations stand out in this report;
1. That a governmental organization of cabinet level be created
to implement public policies about the conservation of resources and
natural beauties. This organization shall be designated by the Commi-
ssion on resources, and appointed by the Governor with the Legislative
Assembly.
2. That the Law of the Planning Council be ammended to make
zonification feasible in rural areas.
3. That an inventory of all the natural resources of exceptional
beauty and scientific worth, be taken as soon as possible, so that the
Government may acquire and conserve these resources forever.
4. That instruction about the use and conservation of natural
resources be strengthened at all educational levels and that high level
technicians be trained to develop the programs.
Of the recommendations included in the report, we point out those
which, in some way, concern or are realted to the estuaries and coastal
waters:
1. To control coastal water pollution injurious to marine life and
to develop methods to facilitate the disposal of noxious waste products
without causing pollution.
2. To preserve mangrove areas and the shining bay as parks, assur-
ing that it's destruction will be circumvented, and also preserving it's
usefulness as a breeding area for marine species of economic value.
3. To provide for the control of the hunting and sale of organisms
associated with the coral reefs.
4. To determine which locations and to what degree the removal
of sand from the beaches shall be permitted. And to regulate, in the
mean time, the removal of sand and to reconstruct the beaches which
have been destroyed by removal of sand.
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5. To revise the laws in force concerning water resources in
Puerto Rico and to include in those laws, the control of exploitation
of subterranean water reserves.
6. To plan and to coordinate the development and use of water
resources on a large scale.
7. To expand basic studies of Puerto Rican water resources
and studies of the methods of achieving its greatest use through the
mediation of the Institute of Research of WateE Resources.
8. To develop methods for and to effect the control of, pollu-
tion of rivers, lakes and lagoons by contaminated waters and industrial
waste products.
9. To determine the possibility of using structures and canals
to control flooding of watersheds, not yet studied.
The Agricultural Extension Service of the University of Puerto
Rico at Mayaguez, as the educational branch of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, endorses the recommendations made in the report sub-
mitted to the House of Representatives.
In this step which the report requires, we firmly believe that,
in order to realize an effective effort, funds should be specifically
provided for each agency for the recruitment and preparation of special-
ized personnel in the different phases of conservation of natural re-
sources .
Nevertheless, we wish to make it clear that we offer all our
facilities, both physical and human, for whatever measure in which
our agency may be of use in the solution of the problems of Puerto
Rican estuaries and coastal waters, as well as in the conservation
of resources and natural beauties in our land.
Cordially yours,
Roberto Huyke
Extension Director
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ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIACO DE PUERTO RICO
GOBIERNO MUNICIPAL DE CULEBRA
OFICINA DEL ALCALDE
CULEBRA, PUERTO RICO
8 de abril de 1968
Sefter Jehn R, Theaan, Director Regional
Federal Water Pellutien Central Administration
Departaaente del Interior da Eatades Unides
San Juan, Puert* Sice
Estiaade sefler ftieaant
La presente comunlcaci^n ea relacionada con las aguas cestaneras alrededer
de la Iala de Culebra y sus isletea adyacentes incluyende tambiln algunaa lages
y lagunas.
El priser problem. oenfrentado par nuestros habitantes as cuande desean rialtar
laa pi ay as de la oaata nerte y eate de la isla 7 se encuentran oen la gran oantidad
de botellaa, oajaa de aa.de ra, petrilee y atraa deaperdioiaa que fie tan, Bate ha
•curride desde que se estableci# el nueve aistena de betar la basur*. en la iala de
Saint nieaas que segtin puie preaenoiaz es l&nzada al ur frente a la oaata eate de
Culebra y luege arraatradas oen las aareas haata nueatras playas.
Las piayas aas afeotadas son las siguientesj Flaya Larga, Zeni, Laa 7aoas,
y Manzanille. % estas playaa fueren auspendi&aa laa aotividades de bafies y Yera-
neo per las aucshas betelias retaa que oausaban heridaa a las personaa, igual que
laa aaderas con olaves son aaenzas a les baflistas que utilizan diohas playaa*
Otre probleaa de water pollution, es las aguas alrededex de la peblaciln da
Dewey per la falta de aloantarillade; la poblaeiin ha estade uaande per toda la
vida el aistena de letrinaa para servicio de aanidad oon desoargaa que canduoen
directanente al ear per tedos les alredederes, contaainando el agua salada y
evitande la orianza de peces y ecacienande sales elerea en la ooaunidad, adenla
el deteriore de la fase pinteresoa de nuestre pueble.
Est a situacifa de aspeote sanitario fui seaetida al Gebernader de Puerte Riee
para que se teaara acoifn, pere ne ae ha toaade acoifa ninguna, El precediaiente
del use de letrinas oen descargas al Bar, sigue siende auaentade y la centaainaci
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Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Municipal Government of Culebra
Office of the Mayor
Culebra, Puerto Rico
April 8, 1968
Mr. John R. Thoman, Regional Director
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Department of the Interior of the United States
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Dear Mr. Thoman:
This letter concerns the coastal waters around the Island
of Culebra and the adjacent inlets, and it includes some lakes
and lagoons, too.
The first problem faced by our citizens is that, when they
wish to go to the beaches on the north and east coasts of the
island, they find a great quantity of bottles, wooden boxes, oil
and other floating debris. This has happened since the new system
of dumping trash on the Island of St. Thomas was established. As
well as I can figure it out, the trash is thrown into the sea oppo-
site the east coast of Culebra and is then carried toward our coasts
by the tides.
The beaches most affected are the following: Playa Larga, Zeni,
Las Vacas and Manzanilla. The activities of swimming and of vaca-
tioning were suspended at these beaches becuase of the many broken
bottles which caused injury to people; boards with nails are menaces
to the swimmers who use the beaches.
Because of the lack of sewage systems, the waters around the
town of Dewey are another pollution problem. For sanitation services,
the town has been using a system of latrines for its lifetime. The
labrines have outlets which lead directly to the sea on all sides,
thus contaminating the brackish waters, inhibiting fish breeding, and
causing bad smells in the community. This condition has also caused
the deterioration of the town's picturesque quality.
The situation and its sanitary aspect were submitted the Governor
of Puerto Rico so he might take action, but he has done nothing at all.
The practice of using latrines with outlets into the sea, continues to
to spread and increase, and the pollution will be greater each year if
no pertinent action is taken.
With no other subject to discuss, I remain
Cordially yours,
Ramon Feliciano
Mayor of the Island of Culebra
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AfiEiados G:
COMITE OLIMP1CO
DE PUERTO RICO
INTERNATIONAL YACHT
RACING UNION
NORTH AMERICAN YACHT
RACING UNION
fedzradfa HduHca de ^ucrfo *Rioo
APARTADO G. P. O BOX 3521. SAN JUAN, P. R. OOS36
18 de abril de 1968
Director
South East Region
Suite 300
1421 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Estimados senores:
Me refiero a vuestra carta fechada 1 de abril de 1968t ofrezco
los sxguientes comentarios sobre el uso y la contaminaci6n de
las aguas estuarias de Puerto Rico*
El gobierno de la Capital pidi6 a la Sailfish - Sunfish
Association que celebrara una regatta en la laguna del Condado
como parte de las Fiestas Patronales a Tines de Junio*
Debido a la contaminacifin de la laguna, esta regatta serS
cambiada a otro lugar. Excepto por la contaminaciSn, la lasuna
es el sitio ideal.
San Juan est& en una situaci6n {Lnica, en cuanto a recursoa
acu£ticos« Las lagunas de San JosI, Torrecillas, Condado, y de
Piiiones podrlan ser dragadas a pequeiia profundidad y reservados
para deportes acu£ticos» Uno para botes de motor, uno para
botes de vela, y otro para el uso exclusivo de esquiadores, etc*
El desarrolo de nuestras lagutias para estos usos tendrla un
impacto fuerte y saludable en la econorala de Puerto Rico, y de
San Juan en particular*
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- 2 -
18 de abril de 1968
1» Seria una gran atracci6n turlatica.
2. Atraerla a Puerto Rico atracciones acu&ticas
de fatna mundial*
3. Atraerla a la juventud de Puerto Rico a los
deportes como participantes en vez de
expectadores*
No estoy capacitado para comentar acerca de las causas de
la contaminaci6n o como resolver los problemas envueltos.
Tampoco tengo conocimientos de los aspectoa medicos, los
cuales tengo entendido son serios.
Le doy las m&s expresivas gracias por la oportunidad de
presentar mis puntos de vista#
Atentamente, y
GEORGE A. STUCKERT, JR.
Comodoro
Federaci6n Nafitica de P. R.
rtnp
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Puerto Rlcan Yacht Club
G.P.O. Box 3521, San Juan, P.R., 00936
Affiliates of
Puerto Rican Olympic Committee
International Yacht Racing Union
North American Yacht Racing Union
April 18, 1968
Director
Southeast Region
Suite 300
1421 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Dear Sirs:
In reference to your letter of April 1, 1968, I offer the
following comments about the use and pollution of Puerto Rican
estuarine waters.
The government at the capitol asked the Sailfish-Sunfish
Association to hold a regatta in the Condade Lagoon as part of
the Patron Saint's Day celebration at the end of June.
San Juan is in a unique position as to aquatic resources.
The lagoons of San Jose, Torrecillas, Condado and Piflones could
be dredged at a shallow depth and set aside for aquatic sports.
One for motor boats, one for sail boats and another for the exclusive
use of skiers, etc.
The development of our lagoons for these uses would have a
strong and salutory impact on the Puerto Rican economy, and on that
of San Juan in particular.
1. It would be a great tourist attraction.
2. It would bring aquatic sports attractions of world
renown to Puerto Rico.
3. It would bring sports to the youth of Puerto Rico
so they might be participants instead of spectators.
I am not able to comment on the causes of pollution, or of
how to resolve the problems involved.
I give you my most sincere thanks for the opportunity of
presenting my views.
Cordially yours,
George A. Stuckert, Jr., Commodore
Puerto Rican Yacht Club
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¦STADO LIBRK ASOCIADO DC PUERTO RICO
ASOCIACION DE ALCALDES
ADRIAN TORRES 1810 AVE. PONCE DE LEON. CUARTO PIBO TEL8. 724-193B
prhiointe SANTURCE. PUERTO RICO-00909 72S-7B38
LEO CABRANES
DIRICTOK BJBCUTIVO
22 de abril de 1968
Sr. John R. Thoman, Director Regional
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Colegio de Abogados de Puerto Rico
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Estimado senor Thoman:
Agradecemos profundamente su invitaci6n para asistir hoy a las
vistas que ustedes celebran para discutir la LEY PARA LA RESTAURACION
DE AGUAS LIMPIAS DEL ANO 1966.
Esta ley dispone que el Departamento de Interior de los Estados
Unidos lleve a cabo un estudio abarcador sobre los problemas de
contaminaci6n en los estuarios de la naci6n.
La Asociaci6n de Alcaldes de Puerto Rico est£ sumamente interesada
en la soluci6n de este problema en nuestro pais y est£ en la mejor
disposici6n de cooperar en el estudio que ustedes estdn realizando.
Nos place informarle que la Asociaci6n de Alcaldes de Puerto Rico
le someteri oportunamente un memorando contentivo de nuestros puntos
de vista sobre este asunto. Nos place adem£s, informarle que ya
anteriormente la Asociaci6n de Alcaldes ha expresado sus puntos de
vista sobre este problema.
En el dfa de hoy nuestro buen amigo Hon. Ram6n Garcfa Santiago,
Presidente de la Junta de Planificaci6n de Puerto Rico habr4 de
representar a nuestro Gobierno en estas vistas y estamos seguros de
que £1 habri de exponer claramente los puntos de vista de nuestro
Gobierno que incluye tambi6n, indiscutiblemente los puntos de vista
de los Gobiernos Municipales de nuestro pais.
En este caso nos honramos conque 41 nos represente tambi£n en
esta ocasi6n ya que sabemos 41 est£ profundamente compenetrado de
estos problemas y la necesidad de que se solucione a la mayor
brevedad posible,
Le deseamos mucho £xito y le pedimos excusas por no haber podido
estar presentes hoy con ustedes.
^ ny cyArdialmente,
jtor Ejecutivo
Asociaci6n de Alcaldes
NO CEJAREMOS EN NUESTRA LUCHA POR UA AUTONOMIA MUNICIPAL.
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Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Municipal Association
1510 Pounce de Leon Ave., Fourth Floor
Santurce, Puerto Rico 00909
Adrian Torres
President
Tels. 724-1938
725-7835
Leo Cabranes
Executive Director
April 22, 1968
Mr. John R. Thoman, Regional Director
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Puerto Rico Bar Association
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Dear Mr. Thoman:
We thank you for the invitation to attend today's conferences which
you are giving to discuss the "Clean Water Restoration Act of 1966".
This law provides that the Department of Interior of the United States
carry out a preliminary study of the problems of pollution of the nation's
estuaries.
The Municipal Association of Puerto Rico is extremely interested in
the solution of this problem. It is quite ready to cooperate in the study
to be undertaken.
We are pleased to inform you that the Municipal Association of Puerto
Rico will submit, at an opportune time, a memorandum containing our views
on this subject. We are further pleased to inform you that the Municipal
Association has previously expressed itself on this matter.
Today, our good friend, the Honorable Ramon Garcia Santiago, President
of the Planning Board of Puerto Rico, is to represent our Government at
these conferences. We are sure that he will clearly explain our views.
In this instance, we are honored that he represents us in this, since
we know that he is deeply touched by these problems and concerned about
the necessity of finding a solution in the shortest possible time.
We hope that you are successful, and we ask your pardon for being
unable to attend the meeting.
Very Cordially yours
Leo Cabranes
Executive Director
Municipal Association
WE SHALL NOT CEASE IN OUR FIGHT FOR MUNICIPAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
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THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
OP
PUERTO RICO
Statement at public meeting, April 22, 1968,
on estuarlne resources and problems, organized
by the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of the Geological Society of Puerto Rico I wish to enter the fol-
lowing brief statement into the record of this Mating.
The Geological Society of Puerto Rico Is a non-profit scientific and
professional organization the membership of which includes most geologists
resident and working In Puerto Rico.
An appreciable part of the coastline of Puerto Rico and adjacent inland
areas may be Included within the estuarlne zone, as It is defined in Title II of
the Congressional Act authorizing this and similar meetings.
Processes that are characteristic of estuarlne zones fall within the purview
of a number of scientific disciplines, not the least of which is geology. The
principal geologic processes that take place in estuarlne zones include erosion,
sedimentation, and induration In a variety of chemical and physical forms and
in continuous and intricate combination.
At most tines such processes proceed in small increments not readily dis-
cernible on a day-to-day basis, but occasionally there occur incidents best
termed catastrophic that produce striking geologic changes over short periods
of time. Such Incidents include hurricanes, and their attendant high winds
and seas and heavy rains, that can accelerate geologic processes and cause sub-
stantial modification of an estuarlne environment. A recent catastrophic inci-
dent was the short period of extremely heavy seas early last December that
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-2-
resulted in considerable shoreline damage from place to place and in frequent
wetting by salt water of areas not normally so exposed.
In sum, geologic processes are among the chief actors where sea and land,
thus salt water and fresh water, meet, so estuarine and other coastal zones are
legitimate areas of geologic concern. And as Puerto Rico's coastal areas are
of great economic, scientific, and cultural value, the Geological Society of
Puerto Rico considers that studies in these areas would be Incomplete and un-
suitable from the point of view of Puerto Rico without due consideration of the
geological factors involved.
We urge that your report include a recommendation that geological studies
be required features of programs dealing with the resources and problems of
estuarine zones.
In urging this, however, we wish to make clear that we are not merely promot-
ing the fortunes of the Geological Society of Puerto Rico and its members. There
presently is more work here than can be done by geologists now in Puerto Rico.
We recognize that for at least the next decade or more most geology in Puerto Rico
will be done by geologists from elsewhere.
In closing, the Geological Society of Puerto Rico wishes to offer the services
of its Council and Membership for advice and consultation on geological aspects
of estuarine studies in Puerto Rico.
The Geological Society of Puerto Rico
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pnpnnk cmmttmmstLffitHmcompany, m.
aojo *oes *afi jja.-, ^ijkj
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-2-
Mr. John R. Thoman
April 26, 1968
vere unable to be present to reply to a number of erroneous
statements made about the petrochemical industry on Puerto
Rico's south coast.
We shall appreciate it if you will make the enclosed
statement and the accompanying exhibit, entitled "Report On A
Special Study of the Bay of Tallqboa", a part of the record
of the meeting.
Sincerely,
TM:s
Attach
ieodoro Moscoso
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COMMONWEALTH OIL REFINING COMPANY, INC.
Statement Prepared for Public Meeting
Held By U. S. Department of the Interior
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
April 22, 1968
Puerto Rico Bar
Association Theater
San Juan, P. R.
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We are happy to have an opportunity to submit a statement
on the use and development of the estuarine and coastal waters of
Puerto Rico.
Because of insufficient time, we shall not try to cover all
aspects of the subject as outlined in Mr. Thoman's letter of April 1.
Instead, our statement is limited to a description of our company's
continuing air and water conservation program at our oil refining-
petrochemical complex in Penuelas, on the island's south coast.
Pour points should be stressed:
1. The Commonwealth Oil complex is advantageously
situated in respect to its ability to reduce air and
water conservation problems to a minimum.
2. The company has always been conscious of its respon-
sibilities in this area, and has spent substantial suras
of money on anti-pollution programs since completion of
its first refinery unit more than 12 years ago.
3. Corco sponsors continuing research programs on air
and water conservation and related subjects to determine
what improvements may be needed in waste treatment
facilities as the company proceeds with its large expansion
into petrochemicals.
The company will continue to cooperate with all
Commonwealth and Federal agencies responsible for
studying and trying to resolve problems in air and
water pollution, problems that grow in complexity as the
nation's population and industries grow in number.
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-2-
As to the first point — plant location — the oil refinery and
petrochemical plants now operating in our complex are situated in a
fairly isolated area near the shores of the Caribbean Sea, well
removed from large population centers. This was an important
factor in the selection of the Penuelas-Guayanilla Bay site for
our first plant. Prevailing winds in the area are favorable to the
dissipation of waste gases that may enter the atmosphere. Our
cooling water effluent, after certain retention time treatment,
and the water from our API separators, are discharged into the
sea rather than into fresh water streams.
As to point number two — expenditures on pollution control
over a long period of years — our original system of lagoons and
API separators was installed in late 1955 • The system was revamped
and enlarged in 1957 at a cost of approximately and another
expansion program was carried out in 1962. Through the years the
system developed into approximately 10 acres of lagoons, through
which cooling water effluent and ballast water pass in several
stages of treatment before going out to sea. To conserve fresh
water in the area, our company uses approximately 62,000 gallons of
sea vater per minute for cooling purposes.
When we started to expand from oil refining into petrochemicals,
Corco reviewed the experience of several companies knowledgeable in
waste disposal, and selected the Fluor Corporation, of Los Angeles,
to study our system and recommend improvements necessary to meet new
requirements posed by this major expansion. Their recommendations
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-3-
formed the basis for the $600,000 waste treatment improvement program
ve are nov completing. The program, includes a 15,000 barrel tank to
handle and treat ballast from ships visiting the Corco docks (this
has already been finished); the installation of larger capacity
pumps in our lagoons to provide maximum recovery of hydrocarbons
as our complex expands; and the installation of secondary oxidation
treatment facilities to reduce the chemical oxygen demand and
biological o^gen demand* This is the third major expansion of
our original waste disposal systeu in a little more than 10 years.
When completed, it vill increase our expenditures in waste treatment
facilities to several million dollars.
The Fluor study was the first of three studies of the bays
adjoining our plants sponsored in whole or in part by Corco over
the past three years. A second study, covering water conditions in
both Guay&nilla and Tallaboa Bays, is being co-sponsored by the
company in cooperation with Texaco and Union Carbide. Conducted by
experts from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, this study is
under the direction of Dr. Antonio Santiago Vazquez, Director of the
Water Resources Research Institute at the Mayaguez school. Because
of its scope « it covers biological, hydraulic and chemical aspects
of water and marine life in the bays ~ this study is still under way.
Late in 1967, Corco desired specific information on water
conditions and marine life in Tallaboa Bay, into which our plant
effluent empties. Again the company employed independent outside
experts to conduct a survey. The men engaged to perform
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-u-
the assignment were Dr. Jos£ A. Ramos, of the Mayaguez College's
Department of Biology, and Director of its Graduate School;
Dr. Manuel Diaz Piferrer, of the school's Marine Biology Department;
and Jaime V. Biaggi, candidate for a Doctorate on Marine Science
and Technology at the University of Michigan.
(Their report has "been completed, and a copy of it is
attached as an exhibit accompanying this statement. It provides a
good example of the third point we wish to stress -- our extensive
and continuing research in air and water conservation.)
In the opinion of these experts, Tallaboa Bay waters meet
standards established by the Department of Health of the Common-
wealth of Puerto Rico for estuaries destined for industrial uses.
The Tallaboa Bay area is so classified.
The study of the three Mayaguez scientists showed that;
1. Pish production in general in the Tallaboa and
Guayanllla Bay areas does not vary substantially from
that of other fishing areas in Puerto Eico.
2. Plant life in Tallaboa Bay does not differ substantially
from that of similar marine communities in any part of the
island. Twenty-four different species of live coral reefs
were observed in the area. Because coral is easily killed
"by the slightest deviation in the typical marine environment,
it is an excellent indicator of conditions. In addition,
1^9 different species of algae wis re collected in the survey,
Plankton and algae were reported present in abundance in
both bays.
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3. Fish caught In Tallaboa and Guayanilla Bays are
mainly the same species as those caught elsewhere in
the island. Taste and palatability of the fish caught
do not differ from those of fish caught in other areas.
Sixty species were collected or observed, but these
do not represent all of the species present, only the
most common.
U. The pollution control program established by Corco
is believed to be completely satisfactory.
The report also made several recommendations that we are now
studying. For instance, it recommends the establishment of a
biological monitoring program to expand the present monitoring
efforts of our Air and Water Conservation Department. A fully-
equipped laboratory-boat is suggested for this purpose.
The report also recommends that government, industry and
interested groups stimulate and sponsor active local research into
the problems of using marine areas of Puerto Bico for industrial
purposes,
Our Air and Water Conservation Department, headed by Uriel
Ojeda, who holds a chemical engineering degree from the University
of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, already uses a mobile air quality control
laboratory, owned by Corco, to provide continuous surveillance of
air effluents in our plant area. The mobile laboratory monitors the
air in and around the plants and analyzes with exactness what it
finds. Other tests are made continually in our plant laboratories,
to measure the level of water pollutants and pinpoint their sources.
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Such procedures enable us to put corrective measures into effect
quickly if they "become necessary.
As our president, Sam H. Casey, pointed out in December 1966,
at a joint meeting in San Juan of President Johnson's Water
Pollution Control Advisory Board and the Water Control Advisory
Board of the Commonwealth of Puerto Eico, our company believes that
continuing research is the key to a solution of air and water
pollution. While ve know much about the causes of pollution, we
don't know enough.
The efforts of the American Petroleum Institute in this
area are especially praiseworthy. Each year, this institute
spends millions of dollars on air and water conservation
research. We are members of the American Petroleum Institute,
we study the results of their research carefully, and adapt whatever
may be applicable to the needs of our own plants. For example, we
incorporate the latest technological developments, including
modern pollution controls, into the design of each new plant.
Currently we have four, new plants (three of them joint ventures)
in advanced stages of design. As another example, we are out-
fitting a tugboat we have on order with special equipment to
handle oil spillages and other emergency situations if they should
occur in Guayanilla Bay.
We belong to an industry that is increasingly regarded as
the mainstay of Puerto Rico's industrial development program, an
industry to which the island is entrusting nruch of its hopes
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7
for a more prosperous economic future. Within the next decade,
the petrochemical industry is expected to provide many thousands
of urgently needed new jobs and higher standards of living for
untold numbers of Puerto Rican families.
We are deeply conscious of the role we have played in
helping to pioneer this economic growth, and we are equally
conscious of our responsibility to cany out our expansion
programs so that they will not have a deleterious effect on
other important aspects of Puerto Rican life and resources.
Certainly a balance can be achieved between the needs of people
for the products of our industry, and the desires of all of us
to maintain our invironment in as close to its natural state
as possible.
At Corco we recognize the complex problems caused by
industrial! agricultural and municipal .pollutants. Corco has
spent and is spending large sums of money to keep its pollutants
under control. We shall continue to be aware of our responsibilities
and continue to cooperate in every way possible with your board and
the various Cocmonwealth Government agencies concerned.
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Gamara
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IN KOUCATIONAL. SCRVfCC TO CITIZENS OF COMMUNITIES, STATES AND THE NATION
DISTRICT EXCHANGE CLUBS
TII. E IP UERTO I-\3,1CJ C'.
Cha r les H . Re i d
Cha i rman
C lean Up Campa i go
P. 0. Box kSl2
San Juan, P. R. 00905
Tel. 782-0775
22 April 1968
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
U.S. Dept. of the Interior
Southeast Region
San Juan, P. R.
Gentlemen:
On behalf of the Insular Clean up Committee of the Exchange Clubs of the
Disirlct of Puerto Rico, I would 1Kke to thank you for giving me an oppor-
tunity to participate in this public meeting to discuss our National estuarine
pollution problems as they are particularly related to the waters of Puerto
Rico and politically associated off-shore Islands.
I am confident that ample technical and scientific data will be presented from
the group of many capable study panalists and I will, therefore, leave this
aspect to these experts.
My brief comments will be related to local problems of water pollution and pollu-
tion control as I see them as a member of a Service Club, dedicated to community
service and education.
The problem and control of sanitary and storm waste water In Puerto Rico falls
under the jurisdiction of many agencies of Commonwealth and Municipal Governments
Storm sewer disposal is generally handled by the Commonwealth Public Works Depart
ment, which is divided Into seven Senatorial districts, and seventy six Municipal
or City governments.
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IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICE TO CITIZENS OP COMMUNITIES, STATES ANO THE NATION
DISTRICT EXCHANGE CLUBS
THEE PUERTO RICO
Charles H. Reid
Cha i rinan
Clean Up Campaign
P. 0. Box ^632
San Juan, P. R. 00905
Tel. 782-0775
2 -
Sanitary and Industrial Sewer disposal is primarily maintained by the Puerto
Rico Acueduct and Sewer Authority, which also provides potable water to most
of our Commonwealth communities.
Harbor, Lagoon, Channel and Beach cleaning is done by the Puerto Rico Ports
Authority, Ponce Municipal Ports Authority, Commonwealth Parks & Recreation
Authority, Commonwealth Public Works Department, bulk handling corporations,
Municipal governments and others. More recently the U.S. Navy and other Federal
and Commonwealth agencies have joined these groups to assist in the emergency
Ocean Eagle disaster in the San Juan harbor.
We feel, therefore, that a Central Commonwealth agency or department should be
established for the study,adminlstration and control of water and air pollution
in Puerto Rico in an effort to eliminate the cited overlapping and duplication.
Until this new agency can be created, we would further suggest that closer commu-
nication between existing agencies and municipalities/developed with the cooperation
and assistance of the Cdmmonwealth House of Representatives Committee for preser-
vation and Beautification of Natural Resources.
Water pollution is a grave concern to all of us and it is gratifying to me to
participate in a study of this nature and be aware that this mutual problem is
being considered and analized at this level.
be
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IN ¦SUCATIONAL •¦NVICI TO OITIZINI OF COMMUNITIU, STATM AND TH« NATION
THE PUERTO RICO
DISTRICT EXCHANGE CLUBS
Charles H. Reid
Chai rman
Clean Up Campaign
P. 0. Box U632
San Juan, P. R. 00905
Tel. 782-0775
- 3 "
It is my pleasure to pledge the full support of The Puerto Rico District
Exchange Clubs to your outstanding efforts.
Thank you for this opportunity to be with you.
Cordial ly,
Charles H. Reid
Chairman, Exchange Club
Ex-Clean up Campaign
District of Puerto Rico
CHR:la
cc: Honorable Roberto Sanchez VIleMa
Mr. Raifion Garcia Santiago
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Testimony to be presented at the public hearing auspiced by the
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration on the ' Optimum Use and
Future Development of Estuarial Resources in Puerto Rico," to be held
in San Juan on April 22, 196S.
By Nelson Biaggi, Ph. D.
Professor of Environmental Health
School of Medicine
University of Puerto Rico
Representing:
• Rectorship, Medical Sciences Campus
University of Puerto Rico
® Dean, Schcol of Medicine
University of Puerto Rico
° Caribe Girl Scout Council
° Sociedad 1-v.ertorriquena de Planificacidn
1. Many estuaries in Puerto Rico are heavily burdened by pollution
either of fecal or industrial origin or both. The cities of Arecibo, Isabela,
Aguaclilla, Mayaguez, Pence, Guayama and Arroyo dispose of their raw or
untreated sewage directly into the sea. Metropolitan San Juan disposes of
some 36 million gallons of primary effluent in the Sam Juan Bay. The
pollutional effect in all cases of this indiscriminate disposal of raw or
settled sewage is of a rather critical nature. The San Juan Bay waters,
for example, reveal a condition of eutrophication as observed from the
photo synthetic activity and the benthal demand excerted by the bottom
-------
2.
sludge (Eiaggi and Vill area, 1965), ^ The esthetic degradation of these
waters goes without saying.
2. It seems urgent for the Aqueduct and Sewerage Authority to:
(a) expedite toward secondary treat:;-ent for all the com-
munities' sewage wastes that so demand.
{b> examine the financial implications of such enterprise and
establish toe methodology to effectively comply with it*
(c) stress optimal managerial operations of the existing
sewage treatment plants to assure the best possible
results.
(d) develop master plans for the collection, treatment and
disposal of sewage for metropolitan areas thus preventing
excessive number of small installations that eventually
lead to problems.
3. The great potential value for transportation purposes, esthetics!
considerations, and others of the San Jos6 Lake, the Martin Pefla Channel
and the San Juan Bay justifies studies in depth on means and ways to
recuperate these waters from pollution.
4. Many rivers in Puerto Rico suffer from periodic clogging of their
tiisemboquement thus preventing their discharges into the sea. As a result
of this anomalie and due to the pollutional load of the rivers' waters,
(1) Biaggiv Nelson & Villarea E, Stucjy of the Dissolved Oxygen
Content of the San Juan Bay Waters. CIAA. Vol. XV, No. 4, Oct.-Dec. 1965.
-------
3.
anaerobic decomposition does develop with the resulting foulness and anti-
esthetic conditions. Also, mosquitoes do multiply in epidemic fashion.
The Eio Grande of Arecibc and the Rio Yaguez of I/.'ayaguez are good
exarrple of this. The need exist to establish -whose responsibility it is to
cope with the problem and to see to it that the rivers maintain their flow
in continuous discharge to the sea.
5. There are some sugar mills which dispose of their liquid wastes
(Biaggi, 1966) ^ in mangrove swamps and these eventually flow into the
cea. It must be recognized that the sugar mill wastes exert a very high
load and that these -.tills are among the most important sources of
pollution in some of our estuaries. Additional stuJiee on mill wastes are
required before any effective abatement program can be implemented.
(2) Biaggi, Nelson. The Sugar Industry in Puerto Rico and its
Relation to the Industrial Waste Problem. Paper presented at the recovened
session of the 38th Annual Conference of the Water Pollution Control Federa-
tion, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Nov. 1967,
-------
STUDY OF THE DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONTENT OF THE
SAN JUAN BAY WATERS
By prison Riaggi and Enrique VtHares
INTRODUCTION The dissolved
oxygen conteni
of water is essential in biological,
chemical, and sanitary investigations
as it is one of the most important
indicators of the condition of a
watercourse. (1) It is necessary for
the life of fish and other aquatic or-
ganisms anil it is essential to prevent
septic conditions. Atmospheric or
elementary oxygen is soluble to a
limited extent in water. In this state
it is called dissolved oxygen or, for
brevity, the D. O. Unpolluted bodies
of water in nature tend to dissolve
atmospheric oxygen up to the so call-
ed saturation concentration, which
is the value of the oxygen concentra-
tion in equilibrium with the atmos-
phere. As the solubility of the gas is
projxmional to its partial pressure
in the atmosphere above, the values
which are usually designated satura-
tion value of oxygen in water are
only one fifth those which would
arise if the water were exposed to
pure oxygen at atmospheric pres-
sure. (2)
Biological activity may create con-
dition of oxygen depletion or con-
versely may cause super-saturation
-------
uurmg an algae bloom. Oreen plants
growing in water release oxygen in
nearly pure form and under such
conditions the solubility of oxygen
as heretofore mentioned, would be
about five time»^u great as that un-
der normal atmospheres. Hence, it
frequently happens that water sup-
porting heavy growth of plant life
arc "supersaturated" with oxygen in
the sense of the standard table ot sa-
turation values. The San Juan Bay
waters could well be subject to these
extremes due to apparent excessive
polluiional loads in one case and to
pliotosynthetic activity in the other.
'Hit solubility of oxygen in water
is also a function of water tempera-
ture and its salinity which must be
distinguished if wc arc to have a
clear perception of the reactions tak-
ing place. In any water course carry-
ing organic matters, there art two
primary conditions which must be
distinguished if we are to have a
clear perception of the reactions tak-
ing place.
The first may be called the follow-
ing pollutional load. This comprises
all soluble and colloidal material
plus any material that is in sufficient-
ly fine state ol such division to remain
susi>ended under the conditions of
turbulence existing in the body of
water. Jn the presence of excess oxy-
gen, this material is oxidized at what
5
2.
-------
anaerobic decomposition. In fact it
is of the nature of each of these in
some respects while possessing cet-
tain features found in neither. In
the first place it deals with a very
slow and long-time reaction. The
earliest scientific study of river muds
was made by the British scientists of
the Koyal Commission oi Sewage
Disposal. (1) who found that the
various samples of mud collected
from the bottoms of rather highly
polluted rivers continued to exert a
measurable oxygen demand during
incubation in a laboratory for as long
a time as 750 days. There was no
evidence that the reaction was com-
pleted even then. The second cha-
AQt'I: tablas compuestas:!, II, 111—
ractenstic of this type of a water
course bottom is that it involves a type
ol digestion or decomposition, meas-
urable in terms of biochemical oxygen
demand, which appears to differ
from digestion measured in terms of
qps prodi lit ion and practically com-
pleted during the course of 20 or SO
days. This much slower reaction takes
pl.Kt* i/ndei anaerobic conditions but
results in progressive decrease in the
oxidizability ol the residue; its dif-
fusible products are later oxidized in
the flowing water above. In view ol
the unique cha rat (eristics of these
icautions., hair (5) lias appropriately
talied tltein the 'factions oi" benthi'i
dci nmposiii
(12)
(2')
(6')
(12V
(2')
(6')
(12-)
1
27.1
27.0
2«>.9
8.3
8.4
8.4
4.9
4.9
4.4
2
27.0
26.9
26.8
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.2
4.5
4.0
3
27.0
27.0
-0.8
8.4
8.4
8.5
5.1
5.0
3.9
4
27.0
27.0
2li.H
8.2
8.4
8.4
5.0
5.2
3.5
5
26.0
2ii.6
20.7
8.7
8.4
8.4
5.2
5.3
3.8
AM 6
27.0
26.8
26.8
8.1
8.5
8.4
4.9
4.6
4.5
7
27.0
27.0
2f>.*»
8.4
8.4
8.4
4.0
4.8
4.0
ft
27.1
27.0
27.0
8.5
8.3
X.3
-l.t
4.6
4.0
9
27.4
27.-1
27.4
S.5
.«,4
8.1
4.2
5.2
3.7
10
27.8
27.5
27. S
8.5
84
8.7
4.7
4.6
3.7
11
27.7
27.5
27.a
8.5
8.4
H.l
•V.I
4.7
4.2
12
27.8
27.1
27.4
8.4
8.3
8.4
6.7
4.9
4.5
IS
28.3
27.0
• 27.3
8.6
8.5
8.4
5.7
4.3
3.6
14
28.2
27.5
27.1
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.5
4.6
3.5
15
28.0
27.5
17.::
8.4
H.4
8.4
5.8
4.9
3.7
16
28.2
27.3
27.3
8.4
8.4
8*
5.8
5.1
3.9
17
27.7
27.4
27.3
H.4
8.4
H.4
5.8
5.4
3.7
18
27.6
27.4
27.1
8.3
3.4
8.5
5.9
5.5
3.9
PM 19
27.9
27.7
27.2
8.4
8.5
8.5
5.5
5.0
3.6
20
27.8
27.5
27.3
8.3
8.3
8.0
5.5
5.5
4.0
21
27.9
27.6
27 .4
8.3
8.4
8.5
fi.tt
5.3
3.9
22
27.7
27.3
27.1
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.9
5.3
4.5
23
27.8
27.6
27.4
8.4
8.4
8.5
5.8
5.6
4.6
24
27.6
27.4
27.2
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.9
5.4
4.3
Avenge Observed D.O., mg/L. 5-85 5.01 5.93
Standard Saturation Value for the D.O., mg/L.* 6.24 6.24 6.24
Per Cent of Saturation Value Observed for the D.O. 85.73% 80.29% 62.98%
* Caculatcd on the basis of 22,000 mg/L salinity and 28PC*.
3.
-------
i UL- uniting* will permit to esta-
blish a more scientifically and practi-
cal dimpling methodology [or future
chemical and sanitary investigations
of the San Juan Bay waters. It will
also, allow for a more precise and
logiral interpretation of the D.O.
behavioral pattern in these waters.
^KTHO&OtdSV: Three h™"
were anchored
across the Bay serving as sampling
stations and on-the-site laboratories
during the twelve-day study. Boat A
(a i north side of the Bay) was an
(horcd at 16 feet depth; boat B (••en-
ter-side) at 82 feet depth; and, boat
C {south side) at 8 feet depth. These
three depths represent the existing
depth ranges in the San Juan Bay.
Four six-hour shifts of laboratory
worken (students) were established
for each boat to perform on site and
by the hour the various analyses dur-
ing the twelve-day study. Fifteen
university students were selected and
trained to perform analyses for dis-
solved oxygen, salinity, pH and tem-
perature. The methods ot analyses
were performed in closed accord to
the practices established by the Amer-
ican Public Health Association (1960)
(1)
flNDINGf The average results
of the twelve - day
analyses by the hour of the San Juan
Bay waters at stations A (north-side).
B (center) and C (south-side) are
presented in Tables I, II and III,
respectively. The temperature range
observed was from a low 26.6«C to
a high 2g.9*C, decreasing the temper-
ature in most instances with in-
creases in depth. No significant dif-
ferences were observed between the
three stations. The pH readings at
ihc three stations and for the iliiee
depths were more or less the same,
averaging 8.40 for station A, 8.35 for
station B and 8.30 for station C. The
average salinity observed at the three
station varied from 22,000 to 23.0GJ
MEL-
TABLE H.~Avmras* Results of Tw*.. Ooy Analyses by tl» Hour of the San J won
iay Waters at Station B, Center of Bay, April 11-12, IMS
Temperature, 9C pH Dissolved Oxygen
HOUR
Surface
(2')
Mid
(16-)
Bottom
(*>")
Surface
(2')
Mid
(IP)
Bottom
(SO')
Surface
(2)
Mid
(16-)
Bottom
(30*)
3
27.1
26.9
26.8
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.7
4.0
3.6
2
7.1
26.7
26.6
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.6
4.3
4.1
3
27.1
26.4
26.6
8.9
8.S
8.5
5.7
4.3
4.0
4
27.1
26.6
26.8
8.2
8.1
8.4
5.4
3.9
3.8
5
27.2
26.4
26.9
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.4
4.1
4.5
AM 6
27.3
26.5
26.9
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.1
4.6
4J
7
27.6
26.8
26.7
8.3
8.3
8.4
5.1
4.5
4.1
8
28.0
27.0
26.8
8.3
8.4
83
5.1
4.7
4.2
9
27.9
26.9
27.4
8J
8.1
8.1
5.0
4.1
3.8
10
28.0
27.0
27.5
8.1
8.3
8.2
5.7
4.6
4.3
11
28.0
273
27.7
8.1
8.1
8.1
5.3
4.2
4.0
12
28.1
27.1
27.9
8.1
8.1
8.1
5.6
4.1
4.0
19
27.7
26.7
26.9
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.8
4.5
3.9
14
27.D
26.6
26.9
8.4
8.4
8.4
6.4
4.3
3.9
15
27.5
26.9
27.0
8.4
8.4
8.4
5.9
4.5
4.3
16
27.9
26.6
27.8
8.4
8.4
8.4
6.0
4.4
3J
17
27.8
26.7
27.0
8.4
8.4
8.4
6.4
4.2
9.9
IS
27.7
26.6
27.0
8.4
8.4
8.4
6.2
4.5
3.6
PM 19
27.2
26.8
26.8
8.4
8.4
8.4
6.1
43
3.6
20
27.0
26.8
26.8
8.5
8.6
8.4
62
4.5
4.3
21
27.0
26.7
26.7
8.4
8J
8.5
6.1
4.5
4.0
22
26.8
26.6
26.7
8J
8.1
8.0
6.1
4.6
3.9
23
26.8
26.7
26.7
8.4
8.4
8.5
6.3
4.6
4.1
24
26.8
26.7
26.7
8.4
8J
M
6.3
4.5
4.4
j k. crag* Observed O.O., mg/L. 5.77 4J5 5.99
Standard Saturation Value for (he D.O., ng/L.* 6-24 ft.24 6.24
Per Cent of Saturation Value Observed for the D.O. 92.47% 69.71% 63.94%
* Caculated on the basis of 22,000 mg/L salinity and 289C.
-------
TAiLE III.—Av«rag* RmvIh of Twilvt-Doy AnalyaM by tho Hour of riw Son Juan
•ay Waters at Station C, South SMo, April 11-12, IMS
Temperature, 9C pH Ditiolved Oxygen
Surface
M#
Bottom
Mid-Depth
Surface
Mid
Bottom
HOUR
(2')
(*")
(8')
<*•>
(2')
(**>
(«')
1
28.5
27.0
27.0
8.4
6.0
5.0
4.5
2
26.9
27.0
27.0
8.4
5.!)
4.9
4.9
3
27.1
27.0
27.0
8.1
5.4
5.2
4.9
4
27.1
27.0
27.0
8.3
5.8
4,6
4.7
5
27.0
27.0
27.0
7.9
5.6
4.6
4.7
AM 6
26.9
27.0
27.0
8.4
4.9
4.7
4.2
7
27.3
27:0
27.0
8.S
4.8
4.6
4.4
8
27.6
27.0
27.0
8.4
4.9
5.0
4.3
9
28.1
29.5
27,5
8.4
5.6
5.4
4.7
10
28.2
27.5
27.5
8.4
5.9
5.4
4.9
11
28.4
26.0
27.2
8.4
7.0
6.1
5.8
12
28.7
28.5
28.0
8.5
6.8
6.1
5.7
IS
28.3
28 5
'.'8.0
8.S
8.1
8.1
7.2
14
28.6
28,5
?a.«
8.2
7.9
7.5
6.8
15
28.8
28,5
28.0
8.3
7.7
8,1
7.6
16
28.8
28.5
£7.9
8.2
8.4
7.6
7.4
17
28.9
28.5
27.9
8.1
8.4
6.9
7.8
18
28.8
28.5
27.9
8.3
8.8
7.7
7.7
PM 19
28.1
28.5
28.0
8.4
7.0
7.1
6.7
20
27.8
28.5
27.8
8.4
7.1
6.7
6.9
21
28.4
28.5
27.-1
8.4
6.1
5.4
4.8
22
28,2
28.5
27.S
8.5
5.9
5.7
4.6
23
28.2
28.5
27.)
8.4
5.8
5.4
5.1
24
28.1
28.5
27.0
8.4
5.9
5.4
4.5
Average Observed D.O., mg/L. 6.49 5.97 5.62
Standard Saturation Value for die DO, mg/L.* 6.24 6.24 6.24
Per Cent of Saturation Value Observed for the D.O. 104.01% 25.67% 90.06%
* Caculated on the basis of 22,000 mg/L salinity and 289C.
•AN JUAN (MY tTUOV
MOW*
-------
6.
-------
The dissolved oxygen conccntra-
tif.i observed showed variations by
station, by the hour, and with depth.
Fibres 2, 3 and 4 show these varia-
tions graphically. At station A, the
average D.O. during the 12-day study
was 3.93 ing/L at bottom,* 5.01 at
mid-depth; and 5.35 at surfare. The
average saturation value for the sta-
tion was 7fi.8S |ier cent.
At station B, the average D.O. was
3.99 mg/L at bottom; 4.35 at mid-
depth: anJ 5.77 at surface. The
avci age saturation value was 75.37
• 'r rem. At station C, the average
D.O. was 5.62 mg/L at bottom; 5.97
ai miil-depth; and 6.49 at surface.
Th'~ average saturation value was
"v.1 j,-4 per cent.
In the three stations, it was observ-
ed a more or less marked tendency
for increases in the dissolved oxygen
toward mid-day and decreases in the
night hours. This tendency was most
remarkable at Station C, and for
the three depths.
The tide curves for the twclve-dav
study are presented in Figure 5 and
tl'fse were developed from the tide
tabie predictions of the Coast and
Geodetic Survey (6)
D!.Sn as an indication of li-
niirt.l pollution but as the result of
released oxygen from photosynthetic
rif ti v i i y.
Acknowledgmen ts
Thanks are expressed to the follow-
ing agencies that graciously cooper-
ated in one way or another with this
study: Bureau of Alcoholic Beverage-);
Fin an re Department; Antilles Signal
Office; Puerto Rico Aqueduct an-:i
Sewer Authority; and IT. S. Coast
Guard. Special recognition is given
to she following students who per-
formed the field work: Nelson, Jr, F6-
lix A. Gastrodad, Pedro J. GSrdova,
Manos H. Doncs, Jr., Angel R. Fe-
liberty, William Jimenez, Rafael
Gonzilez Calderfn, Roberto Gonzi-
lcz GojuAle/, Jos^ A. Mercado, En-
rique Morales, Fladio Pdrez Zayas.
fnan L. Ricart, Osvaldo Rodriguez.
David Saldana and Jos£ A. Serrano
References:
1. Am. Pub. Health Assoc. — Stand-
ard Methods for the Examination
of Water, Sewage and Industrial
Wastes. 1960.
2. Phelps, Earle B„ Public Health
Engineering. Vol. 1. John Wiley
& Sous, Inc., New York, 194B. pp.
¦102 - 403.
3. Phelps, Earle B., Stream Sanita-
tion. John Wiley k Sons, Inc.,
New York 1944. pp. 119-131.
4. G. Mc (k>wan, el al, Royal Cr. re-
mission on Sewage Disposal, 8ih.
Report. Vol. II, Appendix. 191S.
5. G. M. Fair, E. W. Moore, and H.
A. Thomas. Sewage Works J. 13'
270, 75fi and 1209, 1941.
li. U. S. Dept. of Commerce. Const
and Geodetic Survey. Tide Tables.
High and Low Water Predictions,
East Coast, North and South Ame-
rica. !965.
7.
REVISTA COLEGIO DE INGENIEROS
-------
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO KICC
KEEICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
THE SUGAR INDUSTRY IN PUERTO RICC AND ITS
RELATION TO THE INDUSTRIAL WASTE PROBLEM
By
Nelson Biaggi, Ph. D.
October, 1967
-------
THE SUGAR INDUSTRY IN PUERTO RICO AND ITS
RELATION TO THE INDUSTRIAL WASTE PROBLEM
Nelson Biaggi
During this recently past 1966-67 milling season, there were 22
sugar factories operating in Puerto Rico as compared to 40 in 1940-41 and
to 27 in the 1956-57 season. The sugar factories are fairly well distributed
throughout the island with the majority located in the coastal plane near
the larger cane producing sections. (Figure 1) The 1967 production was
of SIS, 294 short tons of raw sugar and 52,122, 671 gallons of blackstrap
molasses (Table 1) as compared to a maximum ever of 1, 359, 841 and
69, 754, 034 respectively in the 1950-51 season.
Table 2 shows a steady decline in production of the cane sugar industry
in Puerto Rico for the last five years that is creating a hopeless situation.
Mills have been closing more or less steadily: Rochelaise and Victoria in 1957;
Pasto Viejo, 1958; El Ejemplo, 1961; Constancia-Toa, 1962; Plazuela,
Guamanf and Juanita in 1963; Can6vanas, 1965; Santa Juana, 1966; and San
Vicente and Cayey in August, 1967, Two more have already indicated
intentions to close up. Certain factors have been indicated as the constant
menace toward the destruction of the Puerto Rico sugar industry:
• high cost of production
° low sugar yield
° gradual disappearance of the sugar cane planters ("colonos")
° gradual reduction of available land
° labor problems
° financial difficulties
-------
MAP OF PUERTO RICO-SHOWING LOCATION OF SL'GAR FACTORIES
Arec bo
•o Ua*o
¦J Camcs'ar'*?: ^ is*- V!c""+«
Marat:-fgJ N'oric-ra*<-
-cs CaSss
y \*r. Gen a'
/ 'v_ j;^^r3-avar:Ha
> - <*>»,
?ar -r-j- : O
—-r
C7jintca ¦LEnsefada 1
vSj
^c.-'sda
PUERTO R!C -
-------
Table
sugar factories in Puerto rico and data pertaining to the 1966-67 season
6
7
3
10
u
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
*>1
Tons of
Short Tons
Sugar Yield
Molasses (Gallons)
of Sugar
gar Factories
Cane Milled
Produced
(%>
Produced
Storage Capacity
¦ Aguirre
768, 048
84, 553
10.878
5, 499, 199
4, 500, 000
. Cambalache
388, 424
35,820
9.151
2, 187, 831
3, 000, 000
• Cayey
123, 920
12, 519
10.001
705, 118
600, 000
. Coloso
680, 865
65, 986
9.562
4, 618, 462
1, 300, 000
. Cortada
186, 133
18,553
9. 853
1, 221, 354
100, 000
• Eureka
290,246
29,201
9.948
1, 851, 471
420, 000
. Fajardo
468, 998
40, 709
8. 618
3,423, 719
5, 500, 000
• Gudnica
832, 341
88, 972
10.523
5,103, 085
3, 060, 000
• Igualdad
402, 789
41, 206
10.125
2, 546, 374
850, 000
• Juncos
310, 333
30,128
9.573
2,072, 989
2, 300, 000
. Lafayette
229, 471
23, 114
9.967
1,454, 361
3, 800, 000
• Los Caflos
299, 156
26,470
8.730
1, 697, 534
2, 250, 000
. Machete
195, 462
20,169
10.209
1, 444, 565
100, 000
. Mercedita
676, 901
77, 369
11.200
4, 729, 212
1, 800, 000
. Monserrate
294, 412
25, 208
8.476
1, 685, 437
2, 500, 000
• Plata
600, 798
64, 503
10.613
3, 663, 680
1, 500,000
. Riollano
158,803
12, 833
7.994
930, 776
50, 000
. Roig
473, 178
47,975
10.013
2t 397, 509
1,000,000
• Rufina
239, 640
23, 824
9. 845
1, 537, 913
3, 700, 000
. San Francisco
91,651
10, 047
10.844
563, 559
77,000
Ran Vicente
300, 165
25,830
3.520
1,879, 157
3,000,000
. Soller
148, 461
13, 305
8.870
909, 566
150, 000
Total and Average*
8,160, 195
818,294
9.903*
52,122,871
41, 557, 000
-------
Table 2
CANE, SUGAR AND MOLASSES PRODUCTION - 1934-1967
Final
Tons
Sugar 96°
Molasses
Cane
Produced
96° Sugar
Produced
Year
Milled
Tons
% Yield
Gallons
1934-35
6, 760, 385
780, 552
11.54G
43, 285, 141
1935-36
7. 592. 205
926, 380
12.202
41,413, 930
1930-37
a, 144. 289
996, 295
12.23?
41,435, 896
1937-38
8, 800. 292
1, 077, 146
12. 240
46, 608, 745
1938-39
(i, 874, 943
851, 934
12.392
34,351,923
1939-40
8, 795, 932
1, 018, 802
11.583
44,125, 912
1940-41
7, 745, 419
932, 889
12.044
40,284, 333
1941-42
10, 010,131
1,147, 592
XI.464
51,449,192
1942-43
8, 678. 014
1,039, 237
11.97fi
40,106, 310
1943-44
5, 602, 167
723, 613
12.917
28,153,493
1944-45
7, 998, 384
963, 738
12.049
40, 453, 371
1945-46
7,538,589
909, 088
12.059
38,453, 917
1946-47
9, 286. 263
1,087, 880
11.715
50, 974, 841
1947-48
9, 541,232
1.108, 232
11.615
54, 955,737
1948-49
10, 998,035
1,277, 482
11,816
59, 633, 246
1949-50
10, 614, 633
1, 286, 435
12.119
49, 522, 486
1950-51
10, 501, 394
1, 227, 623
11.690
60, 363, 610
1951-52
12,536, 940
1, 359, 841
10.847
69, 754, 084
1952-53
10,170,796
1,170, 440
11.508
59, 85tf, 189
1953-54
10, 879, 643
1,190, 382
10.941
61, 585, 533
1954-55
9,872, 969
1,152, 641
11.675
56, 270, 713
1955-56
10, 306,433
1,137, 799
11.040
56, 900, 305
1956-57
8,710, 684
978, 522
11.234
52,565, 893
1957-58
9, 007, 336
922. 938
10.170
56, 800, 870
1958-59
10,181, 755
1,072, 673
10.535
60, 961, 298
1959-60
10, 000,728
1, 006, 3B5
10,063
58, 470, 692
1960-61
10, 754. 017
1, 095, 751
10.189
62, 444, 816
1961-62
9, 663. 265
996, 626
10.314
56, 203, 740
1962-63
10,122. 518
978, 307
9,665
61, 375, 994
1963-64
9, 802, 224
978, 128
9. 979
64, 382, 368
1964-65
8, 806, 972
886, 676
10.068
57,191,663
1965-66
9,465,000
873, 408
9.228
60, 678, 801
196G-67
8,160,195
818, 294
9. 903
52,122, 871
-------
2.
The query with regard to this aging and dying industry is, would it
resist a demand from government to provide an adequate treatment for
its wastes?
Cane sugar milling is a seasonal operation, depending the length of
the season upon the amount of cane available. Under normal conditions,
the season starts in January or February and ends in May or June. Since
only 4 of the 20 remaining sugar factories have facilities for refining
sugar, a great part of the raw sugar is shipped to the States for refining.
DESCRIPTION CF PRCCESS
Upon delivery to the factory, the
cane stalks are unloaded and
conveyed to revolving knives, crushers and from 3 to 5 sets of 3-roll
mills. The most common type of installation is one or more 14-roll
tandems each consisting of a 2-roll crusher and 4 sets of 3-roll mills
preceded by one or more sets of revolving knives. In general practice,
water is sprayed upon the crushed cane or bagasse as it emerges from
the second and third mills and the thin juice extracted by the last mill is
pumped back upon the bagasse as it emerges from the first mill. The
process of returning water and thin juice to the bagasse of the first mills
is called maceration.
The by-product of cane milling is bagasse, the woody fibre of the
cane with the residual juice and moisture derived from the saturation
-------
3.
water. This mat erial supplies a very large part and in many instances
all the fuel required by the factory. A paper factory in Arecibo uses 80
per cent of the bagasse of an adjacent sugar mill and 5 per cent each of
two other sugar factories.
The cane juice from the crushers and rollers is screemed to remove
coarse particles, and it is then pumped into weighing tanks. Milk of lime
is generally added to the cold juice ( to neutralize the acidity thus prevent-
ing the inversion of the sucrose molecule to glucose and fructose and to
remove impurities) just aft. r it leaves the weighing tanks and prior to
entering the heaters where the temperature is raised to near the boiling
point. Usually bentonite or some other coagulant aid is added to help in
the clarification of the juice. The heated juice is pumped into tanks
called defectors or clarifiers where flocculation and sedimentation takes
place, causing a thick scum to raise to the surface and the insoluble
compounds to settle to the bottom. The clear juice in the center of the
tanks is drawn off while the scum and settlings are washed and passed
through presses or vacuum filters to remove the last traces of sugar by
pumping the juice to the evaporators. The filter cake or "cachaza"
from the presses or vacuum filters is piled for later use as a fertilizer
in the cane fields or else is mixed with water and disposed by lagooning.
An average of about 60 pounds of cake is produced for each ton of cane
milled as compared to 2f> pounds in past years, the increase being the
-------
4.
result of the actual mechanized harvesting that allows mud and other
extraneous materials to be brought together with the cane.
The clarified juice is then evaporated in multiple-effect evaporators
usually of the quadruple-effect type. The standard quadruple-effect
consists of four vertical cylindrical vessels termed bodies, the lower
part of each of which is provided with a steam drum fitted with cooper or
brass tubes through which the juice is circulated and which are surrounded
by steam. The steam drum is termed the calandria. In the center of the
calandria is a large tube which carries the juice back to the lower part
of the pan as it boils up through the tubes. The space above the calandria,
the vapor- space, is connected by means of a large vapor-pipe with the
steam-space of the second pan, and the vapor-space of the second and
third pans with the calandria of the third and fourth. The vapor-space of
the fourth pan is connected by a large pipe with the condenser and vacuum-
pump. The juice in the first pan is boiled by the exhaust steam from the
various pumps and engines and its water of condensation flows through a
trap to the boiler feed water-tank. The vapor generated in the first pan
is used to boil the juice in the second; that generated in the second to
boil the sirup in the third pan; and that generated in the third to boil
the sirup in the fourth pan. The juice is fed into the first pan and circu-
lated from pan to pan and finally reaches the fourth, the thin juice being
-------
5.
admitted as fast as the evaporation of the water and the removal of
finished sirup permits. A vacuum is produced in the fourth pan by the
pump and condenser and in the first, second and third pans by the condensa-
tion of the vapors in the calandrias of the second, third and fourth pans.
In some factories the condenser from the evaporators is used in
feeding the boilers, in saturating the bagasse, in diluting tank-bottoms
(mud) and in washing the various tanks. In some cases the condenser
water is wasted and in others it is conveyed to cooling towers where the
temperature is lowered and the water reused for condenser purposes.
The sirup obtained in the concentration of the juice in the evaporators
still contains from 35 to 40 per cent of water. The water content is further
reduced and the crystallization accomplished in single-effect vacuum pans
under reduced pressure. The sirup is evaporated until saturated with
sugar. At this point crystals or grains separate in the boiling mass. The
pan is charged with sirup from time to time, as the water evaporates, and
the sugar it contains is largely deposited upon the grain present without
the formation of additional crystals. The growth of the crystals is so
regulated that they are of sufficient size when the pan has been filled at
which point the mixture of crystals and sirup is concentrated to a dense
mass, massecuite, and the strike is then discharged from the pan.
The massecuite is conveyed into a mixer and from this is drawn
into centrifugal-machines, centrifugals. These machines have cylindrical
-------
6
perforated metal baskets, lined with wire cloth and perforated bronze-
sheets and are rotated at high velocity. The sugar crystals are retained
by the lining and they are washed with a fine spray of water. The mother
liquor, molasses, passes through the lining by reason of the centrifugal
force exerted. The machine is stopped after the removal of the molasses
and the sugar is cut down, leaving the centrifugal ready for another charge
of massecuite. The molasses is returned to the vacuum pan for reboiling
with a portion of high-grade sirup to obtain a second crop of crystals,
yielding sugar which is about the same quality and an impure, sticky
product suitable only for the manufacture of rum, alcohol, and cattle feed.
The raw sugar from the centrifugals is conveyed to hoppers from
where it is sacked ready for shipment to the refinery.
A flow sheet of the raw cane sugar industry is attached which shows
the various operations and their sequence in the milling process described
above. (Figure 2)
SOURCE AND QUANTITY OF
WASTE
The wastes from the sugar factories
can be roughly divided into four major
groups namely: (a) bagasse or the woody fibre of the cane; (b) the filter
cake or "oachaza"; (c) cooling and condenser waters; and (d) concentrated
wastes from spillage, scum leaks, washings, cleaning, boiler blowdown,
and grease and oil from machinery.
-------
Figure 2,
FLOW SHEET Su6Afe.
waie*
Storage
a.'
a4
3'
c/>|
fci
-*•> I
f
(
, .„r_-
Cane S-taiKs !
\rt ci!?£j£iiiiL
£*0 G © cPo c?cf v
V *
St?3fTl J7
"IMiiK of Lime
Ciflrjfier
(Boiler
asse
h n! h„u.
i < i Heate?
ife^3
Vei<3rw^a
TanK%
I
LCI K
^JXL-c^V
* SSu^e
Xondenser ^
apo^atovs
\
' f^S Y
\ ~ i;
f '-c- YAcu-Jrr
U£"
+J
~i
iV
(f
~
i r i i
r 3f*S
;VScuu*i • |
-7>
-on Sensation
i-fQr
i
'V"
' ;S\
I ^ 4
I £
f «
• err
1st $2nd Meisssis re-wu —-* /
Centriiuq u! 3 ''u
5a>ck%r
JLjJ!
A**
&3*>
¦
-------
7.
Table 3 summarizes the various wastes to be expected from a raw
cane sugar factory and shows the approximate quantities of these wastes for
which figures are available.
Table 3. Quantities of Wastes from Various Sources in the Raw
Sugar Factories
Wastes
Pounds per
Ton of Cane
Bagasse Fibre
Sludge Cake ("Cachaza")
Cooling Waters and
Condenser Waters
Concentrated Wastes
Gallons per Ton of
Sugar Produced
30, 000
unknown
BAGASSE The by-product of cane milling is
bagasse, the woody fibre of the cane
containing from about 2 to 3 per cent of residual juice and from 45 to 50
per cent moisture derived from the saturation water. The majority of the
factories are provided with heating plants that are equipped to burn bagasse,
and this material supplies a very large part and in many instances all the
fuel required by the factory. As heretofore mentioned, some of the
bagasse is being used in the production of paper. Since all of this material
is utilized no major disposal problem is encountered. Nevertheless these
are aesthetic considerations with regard to their abundance on roads and
sorrounding grounds during the milling season.
-------
8.
FILTER CAKE OR CACHAZA
The filter cake is the waste resulting
from the clarification of the juice.
The proportion of filter cake varies greatly with the method of harvesting,
whether mechanized or not, with the locality, efficiency of milling, and
juice straining and filter efficiency. The quantity of lime used in the
clarification has also an effect on the proportion, i. e., v^th large volumes
of lime more filter cake is produced. The amount of cake per ton of cane
gradually increases as the season advances and is at its maximum at the
end of the grinding season. An average of almost 60 pounds of cake per
ton of cane is produced today as compared to 25 pounds before mechanized
harvesting. The juice from the filters is pumped direct to the charge tanks
of the evaporators to remove residual sugar.
In the past, most of the filter cake was given away to farmers who
spread it in their cane fields as fertilizer or as soil conditioner. This was
a most commendable practice both from the sanitary as well as from the
agricultural points of views. Apparently, because of economics, some
mills discontinued this practice and started disposing of it by lagooning.
Thus, the dry conduit and dry disposal system for the filter cake shifted in
many cases to a water carriage system leading to the development of foul
smelling anaerobic lagoons, and in some cases to its disposal directly
into streams or into ocean waters. Figure 3 shows the filter cake disposal
-------
Figure 3
LOCATION OF THE CANE SUGAR MILLS AND DISPOSAL SITE OF WASTES
-------
9.
practices used by the 17 mills studied: lagooning, 4; directly to river, 2;
to ocean, 3; as fertilizer or soil conditioner, S. (Figure 3>
The filter cake retains an average of some 0. 212 per cent of sucrose.
(Table 4) An analysis of this waste as disposed from six selected sugar
factories (Table 5} reveals an average BOD of 15, 842 mg/L; total solids
ranging from 41, 420 to 100, 333 mg/L with an average of 64, 492 mg/L and
being around 63 per cent volatile; suspended solids ranged from 16, 570 to
70, 880 mg/L, with an average of 41, 013 mg/L, and also around 63 per
cent volatile; and dissolved solids with an average of 32, 800 mg/L.
There is sufficient evidence collected during this preliminary study
on the high pollution potential of the filter cake to condemn its disposal into
any body of water or even by lagooning, the latter because of the foulness
produced and the ever present risk for these to drain into rivers or other
bodies of water. It seems logical to encourage or even to force by
regulatory measures to dispose of this solid and high pollution producing
waste by spreading it on the fields as fertilizer or as soil conditioner.
C CO LING AND CONDENSER The cooling waters are circulated
WATERS
through the condensers and dis-
charged to waste at temperatures ranging from 36° to 51°C with a median
of 43°C, depending on the mill. Their dissolved oxygen content is reduced
from 6.8 mg/L as an average (ranges from 1. 9 to 9.0) to 4. 5 mg/L
(ranges from 2.2 to 7.8) and therefore their discharge into streams may
-------
Table 4
Sucrose Account of the Sugar Factories Studied
Sugar Factory
(Milling Season 1965-66)
SUCROSE ACCOUNT (% CA
NE)
Lo s s e s
Sugar
Grand
Total
Bagasse
Molasses
Filter
Cake
Udeter-
mined
Total
l.Cambalache
0.750
1.121
0.204
2.075
7.199
9.274
2.Cavev
0. 972
0.994
0.313
0.085
2.364
8.000
10.364
3.Coloso
1.098
1.001
0.483
2.582
8.410
10.992
4. Eureka
1.154
1.231
0.226
2.611
9.538
12.149
5. Faiardo
1.141
1.322
0.15S
0.164
2.783
8.012
10. 795
6. Guinica
1.113
1.098
0.439
2.650
9.364
12.314
7„Ieualdad
1.031
1.144
0.111
0.137
2.423
8.816
11.239
8.Juncos
1.336
1.440
0.344
0.077
3.197
7.863
11.065
9. La Plata
0.719
1.081
0.110
0.224
2.134
9.242
11.376
10. Los Caftos
0.729
0.992
0.268
1. 989
7.791
9.780
11. Mercedita
3.800
1.337
0.095
0.525
2.757
10.040
12.797
12. Monserrate
0.904
1.124
0.096
0.161
2.285
7.565
9.850
13. Eiollano
1.066
1.040
0.362
2.468
7.782
10.251
14,Roie
p. 662
0.817
0.095
0.089
1.663
9.218
LO.881
15. San Francisco
1.755
1.181
0.145
3.081
9.610
12.691
16.San Vicente
0.879
1.115
0.446
2.442
7.216
9.658
17,Soller
1.085
1.049
0.352
2.466
8.186
10.652
Arithmetic Average
1.01
1.122
0.212
0.123
2.468
8.479
10. 948
Percentage from Grand
Total
9.23
10.25
1.94
1.13
22.55
77.45
100.00
-------
Table 5. Pollutions! Characteristics of the Filter Cake, as Observed from Selected Sugar Factories
Tons of
Cane
FILTER
CAKE
(CACHAZA)
FAC TORIES
Milled
Per Day
Amount
Produced
Per Day
(Tons)
(Calculated)
Solids
Disposal
Total
Suspended
Dissolved
BOE
irg/L
%
Volatile
%
Fixed
mg/h
%
Volatile
%
Fixed
mg/L
(5-Day,
20°C)
mg/L
Coloso
4,000
126
Lagooning
54,870
58. 88
41.12
36,520
56.35
43.65
13,350
K, 786
Guanica
7,000
210
Lagooning
100,333
64.28
35.72
38,320
46.97
53.03
65,010
22,440
Riollano
1,800
54
River
47,590
59.15
40.€5
16,570
93.48
6.52
31,020
23,500
Roig
4,200
126
Ditch drain-
ing to River
74,200
71.68
28.32
70,880
78.44
21.56
33,200
8,640
San Francisco
700
21
Ocean and
as Fertilizer
41,420
61. 15
38.85
18,500
74.70
25.30
22,920
10,650
San Vicente
3,750
112
Lagooning
68,540
61. 70
38.30
65,290
27.31
72.69
26,200
> 7,700
Ave
srage
64,492
62.81
37.19
41,013
62.86
37.14
32,800
15,842
-------
lower the dissolved oxygen content of the entire body of waters. Where
the conservation of water is essential, the cooling waters are circulated
through cooling towers or ponds where the temperature is lowered to reuse,
yet in most of the sugar factories in Puerto Rico cooling waters are used
in a once-through operation.
Apparently, in the evaporation and crystallization processes, sugar
particles gain access to the cooling and condenser waters by entrainement
in the evaporators and vacuum pans, this being the major source of
organic pollution in these waters, as previously reported by Guzman
Losses of sugar by entrainement to the cooling and condenser waters is
of economic importance to industry and of great and sanitary significance
to the recipient bodies of waters. The high BOD concentration in these
waters (Table 6) is a clear evidence that too much sugar is being lost this
way.
Table 6 presents the pollutional characteristics of the cooling and
condenser waters of the 17 sugar factories studied. It is interesting to
observe that over 70 per cent of the solids are in solution and almost
half of the total solids are of a volatile nature. The average BOD was
97 mg/L (a median of 84,5 mg/L) with a population equivalent per mill
of around 50, 000. The total population equivalent of the cooling and
(1) Guzmfin, Ramfln. 1962. Control of Cane Sugar Wastes in Puerto Rico.
J.W.P.C.F. Vol. 34, No. 12.
-------
Table 6, Pollutional Characteristics of the Cooling and Condenser V, aters as Observed from Various Sugar Factories
Tons of
SUGAR FACTORY
Cane
COOLING AND
CONDENSER
WATERS
Per Day
Flow
SOLIDS
BOD, 5 DAY, 20°C
(Ave)
Discharge
Total
Suspended
Dissolved
Pounds^
Poundsx
Population
MGD
mg/L
%
mg/L
%
mg/L
mg/L
^^Ton
Equivalent
REMARKS
Volatile
Volatile
Day
25 mg/L).
7. Igualdad
1,800
12.9
200
25
20
0
180
79
8,500
4.72
50,000
Calculations for its
8. Juncos
3,600
Reclroulatac
690
71
84
94
606
-
-
-
-
population eaulvalent
9. La Plata
5,000
12.9
525
51
45
75
480
59
6.400
1.27
37,400
on the basis of 10.8 MGD
1G. Los Caftos
3,400
12.0
B0
47
20
0
170
90
9,000
2.65
53,000
(average flow per mill), it
11. Mercedita
6,000
Recirculatec
360
42
20
50
340
-
-
-
-
came to be around 4,300.
12. Mon serrate
3,000
10.0
280
34
43
0
240
185
15.400
5.14
90,800
This particular BOD load
13. Riollano
1,800
7.2
995
38
20
10
980
M7
8,800
4.91
52,000
has no relation whatsoever
14. Rolg
4.200
12.5
-
-
-
-
-
90
9,400
2.23
55,200
to the milling process.
E. San Francisco
700
4.3
700
29
DO
50
600
183
6,600
9.38
38,600
16. San Vicente
3.7S0
8.0
-
-
-
-
-
75
5,000
1.33
29,500
17. Soller
1,450
4.4
770
49
230
78
540
—
-
—
Arithmetic Average
4,214
10.8
121
45
56
41
365
97
9,050
2.97
50,100
Median
4,000
10.0
335
46
43
50
245
04.5
8,750
2.40
51,000
-------
11.
condenser waters for the 20 sugar factories existing today is calculated
in around 1, 000, 000. Recirculation of the cooling and condenser waters
merits special attention as this practice could well be a possible means
to reduce their organic load besides the accompanying reduction in
volume discharges, a matter most critical in waste treatment. Recircula-
tion of these waters will also be a solution to the dissolved oxygen depletion
of the recipient bodies of water because of the dilutional effect with the once-
through operation cooling waters.
CONCENTRATED WASTES
The concentrated wastes vary in nature
from day to day. They include the
plant clean-up water, cleanings of the juice heaters and of the evaporator
tubes, washings of the weighing and molasses tanks and molasses and sugar
spills. These wastes may be acid or alkaline, depending on the operation
used but no attempt is ever made to neutralize them. These wastes must
be difficult to treat because of their high carbohydrate concentration, thus
leading to an acid environment upon biological decomposition.
The floors of the plant are usually washed down weekly and the wash-
ings usually contain some bagasse fibre, sugar, molasses and miscellaneous
wastes.
The juice heaters usually foul very quickly. The typical method of
<*T waning i#» to r;ii*oulat-e hot caustic-soda solution through the tubes and
-------
follow this first with water and then with hot dilute muriatic acid. The soda
solution is usually returned to a storage tank for repeated use, decanting it
from the mud and adding soda from time to time to maintain a strength of
about 1 pound of soda to 7 gallons of solution. Occasionally the scale in the
tubes is of a very resistant nature and must then be removed by scraping
the surfaces. The spent caustic soda is discharged to waste periodically.
As a result of the concentration of cane juice, various substances
which have been dissolved in the thin juice are separated in an insoluble
state, they partly remain in the juice, rendering it turbid, and are partly
deposited as a hard crust on the tubes, chiefly on those of the last vessel,
and interfere with the conduction of heat, and hence, with the evaporation.
The evaporator tubes are cleaned by means of a caustic soda solution.
The pans are filled to above the level of the tubes with a caustic soda solu-
tion containing from 1 to 2 pounds of the soda per cubic foot of solution.
This soda solution is boiled during several hours and is then run from the
pans into an iron or lead-lined storage tank. The soda solution is reused
and the sludge discarded. The pans are then washed with water and then
boiled with dilute muriatic acid which is afterwards run into the sewer.
This treatment is repeated at about weekly intervals to keep the heating
surface in good condition. At the end of the manufacturing season, it is
usually necessary to give the tubes a thorough scraping. The alkali
solution is usually used repeatedly, by adding caustic soda from time to
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13.
time as it becomes weakened. The soda solution is always boiled under
atmospheric pressures in cleaning evaporators and pans.
The mills are washed with hot water at weekly intervals and the
waste water discarded. The weighing and molasses tanks are washed with
hot water three times daily and the centrifugals are washed after each strike,
the water being returned to remove the residual sugar.
The majority of the sugar factories today have sufficient available
storage space to hold the volume of molasses produced each season.
(Table X) In the past, occasional spilling of this material into the streams
has been responsible for the depletion of the dissolved oxygen content and
the destruction of all fish and plant life for a considerable distance below
the outlet. The BOD of raw molasses <82.8° Brix) is possibly among the
highest BOD figures ever reported for a particular liquid waste, 426, 000
mg/L . M
Under normal conditions, the excess of molasses over storage space
represents no serious problem when the excess can be sold locally or
shipped to the States. Nevertheless, it is pertinent to keep an eye on
excess carried over from previous year as molasses spill could become
more frequent.
(1) Biaggi, Nelson - 1956, Studies on Rum Distillery Wastes in Puerto
Rico, page 45, University of Michigan.
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14.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The sugar industry in Puerto Rico
seems to be dying out at a relative
high pace due to various factors, some of which are probably beyond
control. The question arises whether it could resist a demand from
government to provide an adequate treatment for its wastes or whether
it will be wiser and possible for industry to increase its industrial
efficiency and management with a system or policy conducive to waste
controls and reduction. A description is made of the milling process
from the delivery of the cane stalks to the mill through the formation of
the sugar crystals and the production of the various wastes and of the
by-product molasses. The quantities of wastes from the various sources
are presented either as pounds per ton of cane or as gallons per ton of
sugar produced.
The wastes are roughly devided into four categories, namely: (a)
bagasse or the woody fibre of the cane; (b) the filter cake or "cachaza";
(c) cooling and condenser waters; and (d) concentrated wastes from spillage,
scum leaks, washings and others. A brief description is made of each one
and of their disposal practices. The pollutional characteristics of the
filter cake and of the cooling and condenser waters from various sugar
factories are analyzed and presented including data on total, suspended
and dissolved solids, and their respective percentages of volatiles; and,
ECBs. There seems to be sufficient evidence collected on the high
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pollution potential of the filter cake to condemn its disposal into any body
of water or even to its disposal by lagooning. The most convenient way
to dispose of the filter cake is by spreading it on the field as fertilizer or
as soil conditioner. Regulations to this effect seems to be mandatory.
The cooling and condenser waters of the 20 sugar factories have a
total BOD population equivalent of around 1, 000, 000. The high BOD
concentration in these waters (97 mg/L) is a clear evidence that too much
sugar is being lost into them by entrainement. Efforts should be made by
industry to cut on these sugar losses that are responsible for the high
organic load of the cooling and condenser waters, besides the economic
implications of these losses. Recirculation of the cooling and condenser
waters merits special attention as this practice could well be a means to
reduce their organic load besides the reduction in volume discharges, the
latter a matter most critical when considering waste treatment.
The concentrated wastes vary in nature from day to day. They may
be acid or alkaline yet no attempt is ever made to neutralize them. Their
volume is relatively small but their BOD concentration could be very high.
Molasses, for example, has among the highest BOD ever reported, 426, 000
mg/L.
Inasmuch as the sugar factories do not have sufficient cane to mill or
to process economically, being this one of the important reasons why so
many factories have been closing down, it seems advisable for government
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16.
and industry to jointly plan on the optimal number of factories that should
remain open. Efforts should be made by government on tax write-off, guar-
antees for low interest loans for purchase and installation of equipment
that will permit minimal sugar losses, and other similar incentives
conducive to waste controls and reduction rather than waste treatment at
the end of the line. Government incentives should have effect on empha-
sizing industrial efficiency and better management rather than waste
treatment.
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Acknowledgement
This preliminary study has been a cooperative effort between
the School of Medicine and the Department of Health of Puerto Rico.
Thanks are expressed to the Junta Azucarera de Puerto Rico, to
the Asociacidn de Productores de Aztlcar de Puerto Rico and to
the seventeen factories studied that graciously cooperated with the
study team. Special recognition is given to Mr. Enrique Villares
and Mr. Jos6 Villafafle without whose help this report would not
have been possible.
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University op Puerto Rico at Mayaquez
COLLEGE OF ARTS A SCIENCES
Mayaquez, Puerto Rico 00708
Department of Geology
April Bj X96S
Director
Technical Programs
Southeast Water Laboratory
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Athens, Georgia 30601
Dear Sir:
Dr. John D. Weaver, Director of the
Department of Geology of this university, named me
to represent him at the Public Meeting National
Eatuarine Pollution Study to be held in San Juan,
Puerto Rico, on April, 22,
I am pleased to include with this letter a
statement for the meeting.
Sincerely yours,
Assistant Professor
Enclosure
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Exposlci6n para la Reunion Ptiblica sobre el Eatudio Nacional de
Contaminacidn en Estuarios. Abril 22 de 1968
(Statement for Public Meeting National Estuarine Pollution Study,
April 22, 1963.)
Pueden hacerse muchos enfoques desde el punto de vista geol6gico en
lo que se refiere al estudio de los estuarlos y sus zonas de influencia.
Cada uno de estos enfoques abarca en si una especialidad diferente de
la geologia. Tres aspecto3 son especialraente interesantes aqul:
l) estudio de la distribucidn y movimiento de los sedimentos, 2) estudio
geoqulmico de los sedimentos y 3) estudio de la distribuci<5n de los
foraminlferos.
Los foraminlferos son protoaoarios proviatos de una concha calc£rea
o aren£cea. Su tamano pequeno, su abundancia en las aguas saladas y
salobres y el hecho de que su concha puede conservarse indefinidamente
despu^s de rauerto el animal ha hecho a los foraminlferos herramientas
utillsimas a la geologia. Estas mismas razones han incrementado en
magnitud extraordinaria las aplicaciones de los foraminlferos a la
oceanografia.
Desde comienzos de esta d£cada ciertos indicios perraitlan suponer
que en el sur de California debla existir una relaci<5n entre la
distribuci<5n de los foraminlferos y la contaminacidn de las aguas.
0. Bandy, J. Ingle y J. Ressig estudiaron la distribuci6n de los
foraminlferos en relacidn con los desagUes de albaflal de varias
ciudades. Se encontrd que varios pardmetros de la distribucidn de
los foraminlferos tenlan una disposicidn caracterlstica en relacidn
con los desagUes. Estos estudios fueron re&lizados gracias al aporte
econ<5mico de U. S. Public Health Service.
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Tambiln bajo los auspicios de esta instituci<5n sa estAn realizando
en el estuario del rlo Hudson en Nueva York estudios sobre los sediaentfta
y los foraminlferos.
Recientemente por un programa que se realiza por la divisi6n de
Biologla Marina del Centro Nuclear de Puerto Rico se encontrtf que en
las bahlas de Mayagtiez y Aflaaco existlan algunas asociaciones poco
comunes de foraminlferos que pareclan guardar relaci6n con la contaminaci6n
de las aguas en estas £reas. La falta de equipo y personal no han
permitido llegar muy lejos en estas observaciones. El Departamento de
Geologla de la Universidad de Puerto Rico est£ en diaposicidn de realizar
ertudios sistemiticos de las bahlas y aguas costeras de Puerto Rico
sierapre que pueda contar con equipo apropiado.
Recientemente ha presentado un proyecto a la Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration para el estudio de la distribuci<5n de los forami-
nlferos y los sedimentos en las Bahlas de Mayagiiez y Guayanilla en la
finalidad de poder emplear los foraminlferos como indicadores de
contaminaci<5n.
Se ha comenzado un estudio prelirainar de la fauna de foraminlferos
en la Bahla de Guayanilla como tesis de grado de un estudiante graduado.
A travls de un programa de estudios graduados pueden realizarse trataJos
con el fin de determinar las faunas de foraminlferos en las aguas costeras
de Puerto Rico que tengan la posibilidad de estar contaminadas. La
acumulaci6n de estos datos traeria un aporte contlnuo de informaci<5n con
la cual podrlan establecerse conclusiones de gran utilidad prdctica
sobre las relaciones entre los foraminlferos y la contaminaci<5n de l&s
aguas.
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STATEMENT FOR THE PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING THE NATIONAL STUDY OF
ESTUARINE POLLUTION, APRIL 22, 1968
From the geological point of view, many points can be focused
upon in reference to the study of estuaries and their zones of in-
fluence. Each focal point, in itself, opens and includes a different
field of geoLogy. Here, three aspects are especially interesting:
1) a study of the distribution and movement of sediment, 2) a geo-
chemicai study of sediment, and 3) a study of the distribution of
foraminifera.
Foraminifera are protozoans provided with a calcareous or arena-
ceous shell. It's small size, it's abundance in salt and brackish
waters and the fact that the shell can be preserved indefinitely after
the animal's death, have made the foraminifera very useful tools for
geology. These same reasons have increased the applications of the
foraminifera to oceanography in an extraordinary magnitude.
From the beginning of the present decade, certain signs permit
the supposition that a relationship should exist between the distri-
bution of foraminifera and water pollution in Southern California.
0. Bandy, J. Ingle, and J. Ressig studied the distribution of fora-
minifera in relation to the sewage disposal of various cities. It
was found that the various parameters of the foraminiferal distribu-
tion had a characteristic placement related to the sewage drainages.
These studies were realized thanks to the financial aid of the U. S.
Public Health Service.
Under the auspices of that institution, studies on sediments and
foraminifera are being carried out in the estuary of the Hudson River
in New York.
-------
Recently, through a program being carried on by the division of Marine
Biology of the Puerto Rican Nuclear Center, it was found that some associa-
tions uncommon to foraminifera, which appeared to preserve a relationship
to water pollution, existed in the Bays of Mayaguez and A¥iasco. Lack of
equipment and personnel has not permitted those observations to go very far.
The Department of Geology of the University of Puerto Rico is in a position
to carry systematic studies of the Puerto Rican bays and coastal waters so
long as it has the appropriate equipment.
Recently, the Department of Geology has presented to the Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration a project for the study of the distribu-
tion of foraminifera and sediments in Mayaguez and Guayanilla Bays in order
to be able to use the foraminifera as indicators of pollution.
A perliminary study of the fauna of foraminifera in Guayanilla Bay has
been undertaken as the graduating thesis of a graduate student. Through a
program of graduate studies, work can be conducted with the purpose of
determining the fauna of foraminifera in the coastal waters which may pos-
sibly be contaminated. The accumulation of those data should bring a con-
tinuing flow of information. With this information, conclusions of great
practicle utility might be established concerning the relationships between
the foraminifera and water pollution.
George A. Seiglie
Assistant Professor
Department of Geology
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
College of Arts & Sciences
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00708
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NEPS Public Meeting
Santurce, Puerto &ico
List of Registrants
i Mr. Ernesto Almodovar
I Cuidadano Particular
25 de Julio Street
Guanica, Puerto Rico
Dr. Jose A. Alvarex de Choudens
Puerto Rico Medical Association
P. 0. Box 9387
San.Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Eduardo Ayala
Air &: Water Pollution Gontaifctefe
Guanica, Puerto Rico
Mr. William J. Baptiste
South^Pflerto Rico Sugar Company
Ensenada, Puerto Rico
Mr. Ralph E. Borman
National Park Service
Washington, D. C.
Mr. Reginald P. Briggs
U. S. Geological Survey
G.P.O. Drawer 2230
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Frank A. Butrico
^ Battelle Memorial Institute
1755 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, D. C.
Mr. Gilberto Cacho Olivo
Central Igualdad, Inc.
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Mr. Amador Belardo
Planta Piloto de Ron
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Mr. C. R. Bennett
Texaco Petroleum Industries, Inc.
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Ms. Juanita Berenguer Lopez
Air & Water Pollution Committee
Guanica, Puerto Rico
Mr. Angel T. Berrios
Extension Service
P. 0. Box AR
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
XDr. Nelson Biaggl
School of Medicine
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Rafael Calderon Benltez
Agricultural Services
Administration
Avenida Barbosa
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Mr. Cesar S. Canals
Cesar S. Canals Assoc.
P. 0. Box 13323
Santurce, Puerto Rico
)C^Mr. Gustaro Candelas
University of Puerto Rico
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Mr. Marcellno Canlno
Puerto Rico Teacher Assoc.
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
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Mr. Salvador I. Capestany
Planning Board
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Luis R. Carmoega
The Shell Company of Puerto
Rico, Ltd.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
/ Dr. M. Cerame Vivas
Department of Marine Sciences
College of Agriculture and
Applied Mechanics
University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Mrs. R. Chalfin
League of Women Voters
56 Villamil Street
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Danibal Charles
Air & Water Pollution Committee
Guanica, Puerto Rico
| Mrs. David Chang
League of Women Voters of
San Juan
P. 0. Box 1335s
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Orlando Clavell-Pumarejo
Aqueduct & Setter Authority
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr, Angel Alberto Colon
Department of Health
P. 0. Box 1230
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
J Mr. Rene A. Colon
.< \Puerto Rico Orchid Society
Barbe 504
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Robert Coram
McGraw Hill, Inc.
1375 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia
Mr, Ricardo Cotte
U. S. Department;„.af the
Interior
San Juan, Puerto Rico
'Ing. Rafael Cruz Perel
Petroleum Emergency Office
Department of Public Works
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr, Edwin Cuebas-Morales
Department of Public Works
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr, Narclso C. Davila
Land -Authority of Puerto
Rico
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Ms, CAcilia S. de Alfano
Costa Azul Luguillo
667 Union Street, Miramar
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. LulsA. del Valle
Univers Lty of Puerto tie#
Maymguez,Puerto Rico
Mr. Wllllam H. lger
Department of Max la* Se-ieneM
Uaiverslty of Puerto Rico
San German, Puerto Rico
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Mr. Donald S. Erdroan
Puerto Rico Department of
Agriculture
Stop 19
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Ramon Garcia Santiago
Planning Board
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Gonzalo Garcia Garcia
Caribbean Economic Development
Corporation
452 Ponce de Leon Avenue
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Dr. Asdrubal Garcia Porrata
Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Mr. Hector Luis Garay
Depart amento de Salud
University of Puerto Rico
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Mr. Pedro A. Gelabert
Geological Society of Puerto
Rico
G.P.O. 1508
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Dr. Graham S. Giese
Department of Marine Sciences
University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Mr. Aleides Gil
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Rev. Richard W. Gillett
Episcopal Church in Puerto Rico
P, 0. Box 9002
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Jose R. Goitia
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mrs. Marx Goldman
League of Women Voters
2001 Flamboyan
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. David Gomez-Montoya
Agricultural Stabilization
& Conservation Service
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Mauricio Gonzalez
Corporation for the Development
of the Caribbean
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Mr. Orlando Gonzalez
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Flor Guilbe
Pescadores
P, 0. Box 72
Guanica, Puerto Rico
Mr. Ramon M. Guzman
School of Medicine
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Thomas R. Hans
Puerto Rico International
Paper Company
Calle San Sebastian 255
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. A. G. Hermida
Institute of Urban Development
Ruiz Belvis 117
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
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Mr. Pedro Hernandez-Vega
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. William C. Hill
Chicago Pump Company
G.P.O. Box 1367
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. C. Dougals Hole
Soil Conservation Service
P. 0. Box 13637
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Ms. Margaret Human
United Press International
Ponce de Leon 164
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Rodolfo Lara
Department of Health
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Pedro J. Lopez
Committee Against Pollution of
Air & Water in Guanica
Guanica, Puerto Rico
\/ Dr. F. G. Lawman
/\ Puerto Rico Nuclear Center
College Station
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Mr. SJeveriano .Luc itop
Committee Agaitlst Pollution of
Air & Water in Guanica
Guanica, Puerto Rico
Mr. Victor Luci Lopez
Aqueduct <& Sewer Authority
B-6 Viloeta
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Gustavo Lopez Munos
Central Fajardo
Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Mr. Enid Ri de Miere
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Dr. William S. Maddux
Department of Marine Sciences
University of Puerto Rico
San German, Puerto Rico
Mr. Luis E. Maldonado
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
Carolina, Puerto Rico
1 Mr. Julio Marrero-Nunez
\vNational Park Service
Department of the Interior
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Exio A. Mejia
Central Aguirre
Aguirre, Puerto Rico
Mri Issa* Mejil
Asoc. Pescadores Guanica
Simon Mejil #22
Guanica, Puerto Rico
V Honorable Manuel Mendez-Ballester
Chairman, Natural Resources
Committee
House of Representatives
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Ernesto Mieres Calimano
Property Owners Association
of Brenas & Dorado
Apartment 2208
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Dr. E. A. Montalvo Durand
Council on Public Health
Puerto Rico Medical Association
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Pedro F. Mora
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
P. 0. Box 7066
Bo. Obrero Station
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Roberto Morcipleo
Pescadores de Guanica
P. 0. Box 72
Guanica, Puerto Rico
Mr. Gilberto Padilla
Secretary, Treasury Department
San Juan, Puerto Rico
^ Mr. Luis A. Passalacqua-Christian
Corporation for the Development
of the Caribbean
452 Ponce de Leon Avenue
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
X Dr. Joseph Y. Peary
' vBiology Department
Inter-American University
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Mr. Allen M. Morgan
Union Carbide Corporation
G.P.O. Box 3168
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mrs. Rosa Navarro Hagdon
Garden Club of Puerto Rico
711 Union Street, Apt. 5-N
Santurce, Puerto Rico
\/ Mr. Luis Negron-Garcia
Puerto Rico Bar Association &
School of Lav
University of Puerto Rico
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Mr. E. M. Noble
Phillips Puerto Rico Corp.
G.P.O. Box 4129
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Jose Oritz Vazquez
Newspaper El Imparcial
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Alvah R. Pierce
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
Santurce, Puerto Rico
¦Nf Mrs.. John Pinto
'League of Women Voters of
San Juan
P. 0. Box 13352
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Jack P, Reed
U. S. Geological Survey
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Charles H. Reid
Exchange Clubs of Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Juan L. R. Ricart
Catholic University
P. 0. Box 204, Station 6
?once, Puerto Rico
Com. Miguel A. Rivera
10th Naval District
U. S. Naval Station
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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-6-
Mr« Julio Rivera
Commonwealth Oil Refining
Company, Inc.
G.P.O. Box 4065
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Israel Rivera Marini
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
P. 0. Box 7066, Bo. 0brero"Sta.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Pedro J. Rios V rgas
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
P. 0. Box 7066, Bo. Obrero Sta.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Julio Rodriguez Pinan
Parks & Recreation Administration
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Ms. Lucia Sanchez Espinosa
Committee Against Pollution of
Air & Water in Guanica
Guanica, Puerto Rico
Dr. J. G. Sandza
Fomento
G.P.O. Box 2242
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. E. L. Santoni
Rexach Construction Company
G.P.O. Box 2528
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. George A, Seiglie
Department of Geologia
University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Mr. George A. Stuckert, Jr.
Puerto Rico Yacht Club
P. 0. Box 1701
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
X Mr. David Sweet
Battelle Institute
505 King Avenue
Columbus, Ohio
Capt. W. K. Thompson
U. S. Coast Guard Base
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Ms. Hilda F. Torres
Costa Azul-Luquillo
651 Roosevelt St., Apt. 8-B
Miramar, Puerto Rico
Mr. Samuel E. Vazquez
Catano Lions Club
P. 0. Box 35
Catano, Puerto Rico
Mr. Radames Vazquez-Baldush
Corporation for the Development
of the Caribbean
452 Ponce de Leon
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Herbert S. Verter
Inter-American University
P. 0. Box 1031
San German, Puerto Rico
Mr. Osvaldo Villafane Collazo
Ochoa Fertilizer Company* Inc.
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
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\ Mr. Frank H. Wadsworth
^Natural History Society &
Puerto Rico Boy Scout Council
Sacarello 1016, Sail Martin
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Mr. Wid Weber
Union Carbide
P. 0. Box 964
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Lt. jg Stephen K, Whitty, Jr.
U. S. Coast Guard
P. 0. Box 2029
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. John R. Wilson
International Paper Company
Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Mr. Jose Ysern de la Cruz
Puerto Rico Ports Authority
Isla Grande
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Puerto Rico Rum Producers
Association, Inc.
P. 0. Box 3266
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
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League of Women Voters
Mayagues, Puerto Rico
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West San Juan School District
Travlesco Street
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Mr. Oral Pablo Nilson
Aiken-Murray Chemical Company
P. 0. Box R
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Dr. Henry J. Gomberg
Puerto Rico Nuclear Center
Caparra Heights Station
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Mr. Harold Lidin
Associated Press
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mr. Antonio R. Villamil
Small Business Administration
Pan Am Building, Stop 31
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Ms. Barbara Bannister
University of Puerto Rico
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. Gilberto Cintron
University of Puerto Rico
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Mr. William D. Barber
Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration
Washington, D. C.
f Mr. Robert Roth
[Federal Water Pollution
i
Control Administration
Athens, Georgia
Mr. Rafael A. Lugo Lugo
Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
Santurce, Puerto Rico
n/ Dr. Antonio Santiago Vazquez
/" Director, Water Resources
Research Institute
University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
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