Puerto Rico's Espíritu Santo River faces severe water quality issues amid urban development concerns
April 23, 2024 | Senate, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico
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The Vista Pública de la Comisión de Iniciativas Comunitarias, Salud Mental y Adicción held on April 23, 2024, focused on critical discussions regarding water quality and environmental concerns in Puerto Rico, particularly concerning the Río Espíritu Santo.
The meeting began with a presentation detailing the annual flow of the river, which averages 122,140 acre-feet, translating to approximately 39.8 billion gallons per year. However, concerns were raised about the lack of defined water quality metrics due to insufficient data. According to studies from the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, 92% of the river segments examined exceed established standards for fecal bacteria and nutrients.
The report presented by Anahí Rodríguez Vera, Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, highlighted ongoing issues with sediment transport in the basin, which has adversely affected the local fishing community. Fishermen reported a decline in both the quality and quantity of commercial fish due to sedimentation and increased foul odors in marine waters, which they attribute to accelerated urban development in the area.
A permanent monitoring station for water quality has been operational since the 1970s, but the report did not clarify which state or federal agency oversees this station. The U.S. Geological Survey conducts quarterly sampling of the river, analyzing various parameters, including flow, specific conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, enterococci, total ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and hardness. Biannual analyses also include samples for heavy metals and other contaminants.
Despite these efforts, the report lacked primary data on the concentrations of these elements in the river and did not identify potential sources of contamination. However, it was noted that during the evaluation cycle from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2021, the river exceeded water quality standards for chromium and enterococci. The issues persisted into the 2024 evaluation cycle, with ammonia also becoming a concern.
The meeting concluded with a call for improved data collection and monitoring to address the ongoing environmental challenges facing the Río Espíritu Santo and its surrounding communities. Further discussions are expected to focus on actionable steps to enhance water quality and protect local ecosystems.
The meeting began with a presentation detailing the annual flow of the river, which averages 122,140 acre-feet, translating to approximately 39.8 billion gallons per year. However, concerns were raised about the lack of defined water quality metrics due to insufficient data. According to studies from the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, 92% of the river segments examined exceed established standards for fecal bacteria and nutrients.
The report presented by Anahí Rodríguez Vera, Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, highlighted ongoing issues with sediment transport in the basin, which has adversely affected the local fishing community. Fishermen reported a decline in both the quality and quantity of commercial fish due to sedimentation and increased foul odors in marine waters, which they attribute to accelerated urban development in the area.
A permanent monitoring station for water quality has been operational since the 1970s, but the report did not clarify which state or federal agency oversees this station. The U.S. Geological Survey conducts quarterly sampling of the river, analyzing various parameters, including flow, specific conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, enterococci, total ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and hardness. Biannual analyses also include samples for heavy metals and other contaminants.
Despite these efforts, the report lacked primary data on the concentrations of these elements in the river and did not identify potential sources of contamination. However, it was noted that during the evaluation cycle from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2021, the river exceeded water quality standards for chromium and enterococci. The issues persisted into the 2024 evaluation cycle, with ammonia also becoming a concern.
The meeting concluded with a call for improved data collection and monitoring to address the ongoing environmental challenges facing the Río Espíritu Santo and its surrounding communities. Further discussions are expected to focus on actionable steps to enhance water quality and protect local ecosystems.
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