Download - GLM Engineering P.S.C

25 Years of Innovation and Dedication

The FirmThe FirmGregory L. Morris Engineering is a consulting firm which is

operated with three goals in mind:

Client satisfaction: develop projects which are

economical, practical, and efficient.

Innovation: continuously improve the practice of

engineering consulting, enhancing value to the client and

to society.

Sustainability: optimize long‐term operation, sustain ory p g p

restore environmental functions.

The firm offers multi‐disciplinary scientific and engineering

expertise to provide clients with economical and workable

solutions to resource development and engineering issues.

Project experience includes hundreds of studies including

h d l i d h d li l i thydrologic and hydraulic analysis, water resources,

environmental studies and permitting work, civil design, and

services during construction.

International WorkThe firm has provided training or project analysis in the

following countries: Antigua, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bolivia,

Chile, China, Colombia, El Savlador, Haiti, Honduras, India,

Jordan, Pakistan, Paraguay, Republic of Georgia, Spain, St.

Kitts‐Nevis, and Venezuela.,

Services

H d l i H d li E i i E i t l E i i dHydrologic‐Hydraulic Engineering

Hydrologic‐Hydraulic Analysis and Modeling

Floodplain Mapping & FEMA Studies

Urban Drainage and Stormwater Detention Systems

Flood Control Systems

Environmental Engineering and

Planning

Project Master Planning and Development

Low‐Impact Development and Green

Building Technology

Energy Efficient Design Fluvial Hydraulics

Stream Stabilization and Restoration

Reservoirs & Sedimentation Engineering

Reservoir Planning and Design

Energy Efficient Design

Renewable Resources and Water

Conservation Strategies

Wastewater Treatment Systems

Environmental Impact Statements and

Permitting

Bathymetric Studies

Dam Break Studies

Reservoir Sedimentation Management

Reservoir Yield Analysis

Sediment Transport.

Wetland JD’s, Wetland Design & Permitting

Environmental Monitoring

Wetland Restoration

Water Resources Engineering

Civil Design and Services During

Construction

Site Planning and Engineering

Construction Supervision and Inspection

Groundwater Analysis

Well Permitting and Design

Water Availability and Firm Yield Studies

Water Audit and Leak Detection

Water Resources Infrastructure Water Supply and Sewerage Infrastructure

Water Supply Systems

Hydrologic‐Hydraulic E i iEngineering

The firm is a recognized leader in the Water Resources field. It leads

h f i i h d l d i l i fthe profession in the development and implementation of

innovative technology in Puerto Rico, and its expertise in fluvial

sedimentation is recognized internationally. Analysis tools include

steady and unsteady, 1‐ and 2‐dimensional flow models for both

water and sediment transport. The types of analysis performed

includes:

•Riverine and dambreak flood analysis including

determination of flood levels and limits, design of protective

measures, and regulatory floodplain mapping and map

changes in compliance with local and federal (FEMA)

regulations.

•Urban stormwater management including design of

stormwater collection systems, low‐impact systems, and

storm water detention facilities.

•Hydraulic analysis of existing and proposed potable water

transmission and distribution systems.

•Fluvial sedimentation analysis and design including

sediment management at instream structures including both

large and small intakes, bridge scour, and streambank

erosion. The firm is unique in its successful application of

geomorphic principles to create innovative designs such as

non‐sedimenting intakes, offstream reservoirs, and

sustainable solutions to riverbank erosion.

Reservoirs and Sedimentation E i iEngineering

Reservoirs naturally accumulate sediment, and to sustain long‐term

i i i f h j h ll f i dreservoir operation is one of the major challenges facing dam

owners world‐wide. Dams have traditionally been designed for

limited lifetimes, as if they could be replaced in the future when

sedimented. However, this is frequently not possible, establishing

the need to shift reservoir management from a “design life” concept

to a “long‐term sustainable use” concept.

The principal objective of sediment management is to design new

facilities to minimize long‐term sedimentation problems, or to

identify the operational and structural modifications needed to

enable existing facilities to manage the sediment problems ignored

by their original designers, so they may continue in operation.

The firm has designed several new reservoirs in Puerto Rico with

sedimentation rates 90% lower than in conventional reservoirs. Both

the Fajardo and Rio Blanco reservoirs have now been constructed.

As an example of the analysis of an existing reservoir, the firm

performed bathymetric measurements at Peligre reservoir in Haiti

which revealed a 50% loss of capacity in 50 years By modeling andwhich revealed a 50% loss of capacity in 50 years. By modeling and

other analysis we identified minor structural and operating rule

modifications which could enable the dam to operate for the next

100 years despite continued sedimentation, while simultaneously

increasing hydropower production.

The firm is internationally recognized for its leadership in this field,

and has worked on reservoir problems on 4 continents.

Civil Engineering and Services D i C t tiDuring Construction

Our Civil Design Department focuses on providing sustainable

i i l i d i l i l i d lengineering solutions and implementing low‐impact development

strategies for projects at all levels and complexities. Our team of

engineers pride themselves in providing the client with design

alternatives and recommendations that are economically feasible,

but at the same time environmentally and socially responsible.

The firm has successfully lead and/or participated in the civil designy / p p g

process serving the hospitality, golf course, residential

developments, mixed developments, public/private water and

wastewater infrastructure, and highway design markets.

The recently completed Rio Blanco reservoir is an example of our

firm’s capabilities in this field. This large water supply

infrastructure project includes raw water intake, large‐diameter

transmission pipelines including multiple river crossings, both

cultural resource and wetland impacts and mitigation, a large

earthen dam 1.5 km long and requiring extensive foundation

treatment, and a new pump station including integration with the

existing filtration plant. We developed all phases of this large and

i ti i f t t j t i l di j t l iinnovative infrastructure project, including project planning,

permitting, civil design, and inspection services during

construction.


Our firm has demonstrated its leadership position in the field of

water resources firm by developing and implementing innovativewater resources firm by developing and implementing innovative

projects which have greatly advanced the profession in Puerto Rico.

•For both public and private sector clients we have performed

ground water studies ranging from well permitting to the

development of ground water models, and we have identified

available ground water resources in regions that were overlooked

b th lt tby other consultants.

•We developed the concept, and then designed and supervised

construction of both offstream reservoirs and intakes which avoid

sedimentation problems.

• Under contract to AFI, we analyzed all existing and potential

i it i P t Ri i l di th id tifi ti dreservoir sites in Puerto Rico, including the identification and

analysis of additional offstream reservoir sites.

•We served as the prime technical consultant to the Department of

Natural and Environmental Resources for preparation of the Water

Plan for Puerto Rico. This included the yield analysis of all water

supply intakes in Puerto Rico and the development of strategies to

meet society’s need for water while sustaining environmental

functions.

•When the rate of water loss increased to over 60%, our firm was

contracted by the P.R. Aqueduct and Sewer Authority to provide,

for the first time, definitive field data and operational procedures to

address the problem.

No water resource problem is too large or too small for our team.

Environmental Engineering and Pl iPlanning

The firm possesses ample experience in addressing sensitive

environmental issues and has successfully helped achieveenvironmental issues and has successfully helped achieve

compliance of very challenging and complex projects while focusing

on sustainable solutions to engineering problems and resource

management strategies. We pride ourselves in providing clients

with accurate and responsible guidance through both the local and

federal regulatory processes. We provide environmental

engineering and planning services for the real estate, infrastructure,

l / i d lnatural resources management/restoration sectors, and general

environmental compliance consulting.

Permitting. We perform permitting and environmental studies in

support support of all types and sizes of projects in both the private

and public sector, with services ranging from environmental due

diligence assessments (Phase I and II) to complete EIS documents

and supporting multi‐disciplinary studies for large and complex

projects.

Mitigation Design. Our firm designs and implements

environmental mitigation activities and restoration design for

terrestrial, freshwater and coastal ecosystems, such as wetland

mitigation as often required as part of Army Corps of Engineersg q p y p g

permits.

Special Projects. The firm has performed specialized environmental

studies, such as studies supporting the restoration of Puerto Rico’s

two largest freshwater wetlands, Guánica Lagoon and Cano

Tiburones. We have also designed wetlands for secondary

wastewater treatment, and have documented environmentalwastewater treatment, and have documented environmental

benefits of technologies such as green roofs and low‐impact

stormwater systems.

Representative Projects

Hydrologic‐Hydraulic Engineering

Bridge over Río Huanuni, La Paz, Bolivia

Río Huanuni is dominated by alternating mud flows and scour events, resulting

in vertical variations in the riverbed elevation of approximately 5 to 8 meters.

Construction of piles for a bridge over this river was threatened by river meander

and lowering of the bed elevation to 2 m below the design invert of the pile cap

Client: Servicio Nacional de Carreteras

La Paz. Bolivia

Contract Period: 2004‐2005

and lowering of the bed elevation to 2 m below the design invert of the pile cap.

The firm undertook a geomorphic assessment of the problem, which predicted

even more severe problems in the future as the base level of the river dropped at

its point of discharge to Río La Paz. Local countermeasures were designed based

on use of vanes constructed from piles driven into the weak alluvial material to

help maintain the river between the bridge supports, plus diversion of the

downstream portion of the river channel to another point on the alluvial fan.

Stormwater Management, La Paz, Bolivia

The City of La Paz is constructed on extreme slopes and has an undersized

drainage system. A rainfall plus hail event in February 2002, with 41 mm of

precipitation during 60 minutes, clogged many of the stormwater inlets and

produced super‐critical flows along streets and major stormwater channels.

Client: Servicio Autónomo Municipal de Agua y Alcantarillado de La Paz


Approximately 70 persons were drowned during this event.

The firm prepared the stormwater management plan for central La Paz, which

included: topographic survey, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, physical

modeling of non‐standard structures, prioritization of recommended

improvements based on risk assessment, and civil design of the phase‐1 works.

Río Maniqui, Bolivia

Río Maniqui in the Beni area of Bolivia is a meandering alluvial sand‐bed river

which began moving laterally at the rate of about 20 m per year at the point of

bridge construction. As a result of this stream migration, the completed span

was left stranded in the middle of the river, and the continuing movement of

river threatened to literally leave the bridge on dry land. The firm directed field

Client: Servicio Nacional de Caminos

Contract Period: 1994

river threatened to literally leave the bridge on dry land. The firm directed field

investigations, performed hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and

recommended the placement of permeable deflectors using locally available

trees, which successfully arrested the lateral migration of the stream at very low

cost and with minimum intervention in the river.

FEMA Map Change, Río Coamo, Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico

The firm performed a FEMA flood map amendment for a proposed residential

project located within the Río Coamo floodplain area. The effective FEMA flood

map located the proposed project within the regulatory floodway limits. The

d f d i h i i FEMA d

Client: Private Sector


study was performed to revise the existing FEMA study.

The Río Coamo floodplain is characterized by an unconfined flow area where the

overland flow direction is different than the channel flow direction. A 2‐

dimensional hydraulic model was used to simulate hydraulic conditions and

flow patterns along the floodplain. The study concluded that the model prepared

by FEMA has several deficiencies and new regulatory limits for the study area

were established based on the revised hydraulic model.

Low‐Impact Stormwater Hydrologic/Hydraulic Design

The firm designed low‐impact stormwater management features for a proposed

residential project with the aim of providing some level of water treatment

through filtration as well as minimizing peak flow discharges by the application

of infiltration This approach not only resulted in a significant reduction of the



y

of infiltration. This approach not only resulted in a significant reduction of the

size of stormwater detention structures, which in turn produce an economy in

construction cost, but also provides better quality stormwater discharges to

adjacent mangrove forests. Techniques included the diversion of drainage onto

grassed areas and shallow depressions, instead to routing stormwater directly to

pipes, increasing the travel time and in turn reducing the peak discharge of the

site. The project also include the design of the storm water detention structure

ant its componentsant its components.

Río Gurabo Bank Stabilization, Juncos, Puerto Rico

The project consists of the design, permitting and construction supervision for

streambank erosion control for Gurabo River. Rock vanes were used to provide a

natural channel design strategy. These types of instream structures are

environmentally friendly inasmuch as they allow for the development of riparian

Client: AMGEN Pharmaceutics


vegetation. This is an innovative method and is the first project of this type

developed in Puerto Rico. Hydrologic‐hydraulic simulations were performed to

determine the appropriate rock size of the vanes to guarantee its permanence.

The firm also performed all agencies permitting, developed civil design drawings

and provided inspection during construction.

Hydraulic Design of PR‐53 Bridge over Río Guayanés, Yabucoa,

Puerto Rico

A hydrologic‐hydraulic model was undertaken to analyze de effect of the

proposed 4 km bridge over the floodplain of Río Guayanés in Yabucoa. The

study evaluated the impact of the new bridge in water levels along Río Guayanés

Client: PR Highway and Transportation

Authority


y p g g y

at different recurrence intervals. Results from the study were used as basis for the

civil design of the structure. The firm provided recommendations regarding the

hydraulic dimensions of the bridge in compliance with the Puerto Rico Planning

Board Regulation #13.


Reservoir and Sedimentation

Río Fajardo and Río Blanco Offstream Reservoirs, Puerto Rico

Due to the sedimentation problem that suffer most conventional reservoirs, the

firm used the offstream concept for the design of Río Fajardo and Río Blanco

reservoirs. The main benefit of an offstream reservoir is that only a small part of

the sediment load transported by the river is diverted to the dam

Client: Puerto Rico Aqueduct and

Sewer Authority


the sediment load transported by the river is diverted to the dam.

The designed reservoirs eliminated over 90% of the sediment load, virtually

eliminating the need for a large sediment storage pool. This enabled the

development of a reservoir with large hydrologic benefit, and a small sediment

storage pool, and made feasible the utilization of a site which had never

previously been considered for reservoir construction.

Sediment Management at Loiza Resrvoir, Puerto Rico

The Loiza Reservoir is the principal source of water supply to Puerto Rico’s

metropolitan area. The reservoir was dredged in the late 1990s and is expected

that dredging will be required every 20 years. To reduce the sedimentation rate,

the firm developed a sediment management procedure to pass the greater part of


Sewer Authority


the sediment of a flood event trough the reservoir. The developed procedure

includes forecasting inflow and timing of gate operations to draw down the

reservoir during the onset of flood events, thereby passing much of the flood

borne sediment load through the reservoir. Simulations indicated that this

strategy would reduce the sedimentation rate by 50%.

Sedimentation Study, Yacyretá Reservoir, Argentina ‐Paraguay

The firm directed a joint‐venture baseline (post‐construction) sedimentation

study at the Yacyretá reservoir on the Río Paraná between Argentina and

Paraguay. The Paraná has a watershed of approximately 1 million km2, mostly in

Brazil, and has experienced peak discharge at the damsite of 30,000 m3/s (1

milllion cfs). This study included bathymetry, analysis of sediment yield,

Client: Binational Entity of Yacyretá


milllion cfs). This study included bathymetry, analysis of sediment yield,

sediment transport modeling, prediction of life‐of‐reservoir due to

sedimentation, and conceptual identification of potential sediment management

options for future implementation.

Planning and Feasibility Study of Potential Dam Sites, Puerto Rico

A total of 45 damsites were analyzed and ranked. Feasibility‐level design studies

which included preliminary geotechnical explorations were conducted at the five

Client: Infrastructure Finance Authority


p y g p

most promising sites. A key innovation in this project was the identification of

offstream dam sites with low sediment loads adequate to supply the projected

island water needs through mid‐century. It also provided the technical basis for

identifying and preserving from development the most important potential

reservoir sites islandwide.

Bathymetric Study of El Cajón Reservoir, Honduras

The firm conducted a bathymetric survey of El Cajón hydroelectric reservoir in

Honduras. GME made a preliminary analysis of the potential magnitude of the

sedimentation rate.

Client: National Electric Energy

Company


Study involved organization and execution of field data collection using of

BLASST survey system (GPS and Sonar with microcomputer), data reduction,

volume computations, report preparation and presentation to owners in

Honduras.

Project Review of Changma Reservoir, Shule River, Ganzú, China

An accelerated rate of sediment accumulation was projected at the proposed

Changma reservoir, Shule River, Ganzú, China. This reservoir in the Gobi desert

will supply an irrigation area of 220,000 ha. Three different mathematical and

physical modeling studies had produced conflicting conclusions regarding the

Client: World Bank


physical modeling studies had produced conflicting conclusions regarding the

problem and the efficiency of the proposed flushing technique. Based on two site

visits and a review of the assumptions and methodologies used in the different

studies, Dr. Morris recommended an analysis program to finalize the design

work.

Sedimentation Study of Peligre Hydroelectric Reservoir, Haiti

The Peligre Hydroelectric Reservoir is one of the principal energy sources of

Port‐au Prince. The project consist of investigation of sedimentation and analysis

of alternatives for long‐term management for energy production, irrigation and

flood control. This reservoir has lost 50% of its capacity to sedimentation, but a

Client: Inter‐American Development Bank


strategy was developed and simulated by modeling demonstrating feasible

methods and operating rule to sustain energy production for the next 100 years

by management of the sedimentation process.


Civil Design and Services During Construction

Playa Hermosa Development, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

The firm is performing the permitting, civil design and project management

activities for the Playa Hermosa project in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. This project

includes 1,200 residential units and 400 hotel units, plus a golf course. Civil

design and project management work include planning to develop the overall


Contract Period: On‐going

Construction

design and project management work include planning to develop the overall

project layout, rough and final grading, four‐lane access road and all internal

roads, water and sewer infrastructure including lift stations, offsite water and

sewer transmission facilities, and coordination with all specialists including

surveyor, building and golf course architects, geotechnical and electrical

engineers. Coordination was performed with infrastructure agencies.

Río Fajardo and Río Blanco Offstream Reservoirs, Puerto Rico

The firm performed hydrologic and hydraulic engineering studies, spillway

sizing and design parameter, intake hydraulic design, and impact on

environmental instream flows. The intake structure hydraulics were designed to

provide self‐cleaning during flood events, and to automatically maintain

Client: PRASA


minimum instream flows. The innovative reservoir design and the proposed

intake configuration minimized the environmental issues normally associated

with reservoirs, and thereby facilitated environmental permitting. The Firm

performed the civil design, and geotechnical and specialized structural designs

were sub‐contracted. The firm also provided inspection services for construction

of the dam and appurtenant structures.

San Lorenzo‐Caguas Water Supply, Puerto Rico

The firm performed hydraulic analysis and civil design for upgrading to a 5 mgd

water supply system including river intake, raw water pump station and raw

water transmission line, 20 km of 18 and 24 inch diameters. filtered water

pipeline, and two storage tanks with a total capacity of 5 million gallons.

B d i i hi l i h i k l d

Client: PRASA


Based on an engineering geomorphic analysis, the intake was placed at a

location, and designed with a configuration, which avoids clogging by sediment

accumu‐lation. A Hydroburst™ system was specified to control clogging of the

intake screen by leaves and other debris.

The firm also provided Engineering Services during Construction.

Water Transmission System Improvements, Fajardo, P.R.

The firm designed 20 km of potable water pipe‐line from 6 to 24 inches diameter,

plus four new pump stations and the rehabilitation of two existing pump stations

in the municipalities of Fajardo and Luquillo

Client: Infrastructure Financing

Authority of Puerto Rico


in the municipalities of Fajardo and Luquillo.

The work includes the civil design, including preparation of construction

drawings and technical specifications. The firm also provides engineering

services during project construction. This work was undertaken for the

Infrastructure Financing Authority of Puerto Rico (AFI by its Spanish Acronim)


Contract Period: 2009‐2010Los Farallones Hotel and Resort, Camuy Puerto Rico

The firm was retained by the Municipality of Camuy to perform the planning,

permitting, civil design and project management activities for a

hospitality/commercial development. The project, which will be financedhospitality/commercial development. The project, which will be financed

through the HUD Section 108 federal program, consists of 100 hotel units plus

commercial area and a 9‐hole executive golf course. Civil design and project

management work include the development of overall project layout, rough and

final grading, access road and all internal roads, water and sewer infrastructure,

and coordination with all specialists including surveyor, building and golf course

architects, and geotechnical and electrical engineers. Complete coordination with

Quebrada Margarita Bank and Bed Stabilization, San Juan,

Puerto Rico



g g p

infrastructure agencies has been performed for this project.

The firm provided Civil Design services for the stabilization of the streambanks

from erosion and streambed from scour. Quebrada Margarita is a confined creek

located in a highly developed zone with its watershed completely developed,

resulting in very high velocity peak flows. These flows were quickly eroding the

streambanks as well as causing the scour of a channeled portion of the creek,

putting in imminent danger life and property alike. The countermeasuresputting in imminent danger life and property alike. The countermeasures

constructed involved a transitional stretch between the concrete and earth

channel. This transition included a section of 14 meters with a 12.7% slope, with

rocks one meter in diameter (vortex weirs) that will protect this section from

erosion and scour. A total of three “Vortex Weirs” were installed inside the creek

channel to redirect the streamflow away from the bank to minimize further

erosion.



Client: Inter‐American Development

Bank


Water Supply from Khasiri Glacier, La Paz, Bolivia

The rapidly growing eastern (downhill) portion of the City of La Paz experiences

inadequate water supply. Social pressure by indigenous communities after the

project began eliminated the possibility of utilizing runoff from the Mururata

glacier which was the original project planglacier, which was the original project plan.

A particular challenge in this project was determination of the long‐term

hydrologic yield. Andean glaciers are receding due to global warming, and the

current stream flow is augmented by the net decrease in glacial mass as it melts.

This project was carried through the final design stage including intake,

pipelines, treatment facilities, connections communities, and a storage tank.

Unaccounted for Water, Puerto Rico

By 2006, Puerto Rico water production by the P.R. Aqueduct and Sewer

Authority (PRASA) had increased to 650 mgd, but 59% of this production was

unaccounted‐for (non‐revenue) water.

To address this problem we proposed and were contracted to perform a full


Sewer Authority


To address this problem we proposed and were contracted to perform a full

accountability water audit involving approximately 25,000 water customers in 3

pilot areas, plus approximately 2000 large‐meter customers island‐wide. The

study revealed that about 15% of the customers had metering or billing errors

which potentially caused revenue loss and the remainder was real loss. Designed

and deployed computer‐based customer meter census protocol.

Groundwater Model , Yauco Valley, PR

A numerical groundwater model was constructed to simulate groundwater flow

in the Yauco Alluvial Valley aquifer. The model was constructed to evaluate

future management options, including the potential to increase aquifer firm yield

through a conjunctive management of ground and surface water. The model was

exercised in both steady state and transient modes to analyze firm yield and the

Client: Department of Natural and

Environmental Resources


exercised in both steady state and transient modes to analyze firm yield and the

potential for conjunctive management of surface and ground water resources.

The finite‐difference, numerical model was developed to simulate ground water

flow in the Yauco Valley. The single‐layer model encompasses the entire alluvial

deposits of the valley which extends from the Yauco town to the Caribbean Sea.

Urban Sinkhole Inventory for North Coast of Puerto Rico

The most important aquifer in Puerto Rico is in the north coast limestone.

However, this same aquifer system receives urban stormwater runoff via

numerous sinkholes and drainage wells. Because stormwater runoff is an

i f if h i hi i i kh l i




important component of aquifer recharge in this region, a sinkhole inventory was

performed to better understand the extent to which urban stormwater

contributes to ground water recharge. The inventory focused on sinkholes with

drainage areas significantly influenced by urban areas.

The inventory provided valuable information regarding sinkholes problems and

the urban area contributing to the aquifer via sinkholes.

Minimum Instream Flow Methodology for Ungaged Stream Sites in Puerto Rico

Minimum streamflow information is commonly used to determine the water

available for extraction and to analyze instream environmental parameters.

Minimum streamflow estimates are frequently desired at ungaged locations,




either on a stream having gages at other locations, or a stream without any gages.

The firm developed regional regression equations to estimate minimum

streamflow using two parameters: watershed area and mean annual rainfall.

These equations are based on a revised rainfall map which incorporates the

available rainfall data from 127 rain gage stations and also considers geographic

parameters.

Firm Yield of River Intakes and Reservoirs for Municipal Supply

in Puerto Rico

The firm undertake a firm yield analysis of all raw water intakes and reservoirs

operated by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. The project was a

component of the “Puerto Rico Comprehensive Water Resources Plan” (Plan de




Aguas) to establish the water availability and use priorities as established by the

PRWater Law.

Firm yield at river intakes were determined using low flow frequency analysis

techniques based on an exceedance probability of 99% of the time. The strategy

used for reservoirs was based on a water balance methodology. Over 140 river

intakes and 20 reservoirs were analyzed.

AES‐PR Wellfield, Guayama, Puerto Rico

The AES‐PR coal‐fired co‐generation plant required approximately 2 mgd of

standby ground water supply from the Guayama area of Puerto Rico, area

characterized by limited water supplies, intensive pumping by other industrial

users and irrigators, seawater intrusion, and an adjacent EPA Superfund site.

The firm oversaw the development and testing of 7 production and 5 monitoring

Client: AES‐PR


p g p g

wells, and performed aquifer analysis to determine the allowable yield. This

ground water analysis was part of a larger project in which the firm prepared an

analysis of all water sources to be used by the power plant, including a surface

water reservoir, recycled wastewater and stormwater runoff.


Environmental Engineering and Planning

Constructed Wetland, Antigua, W.I.

It was necessary to provide 80,000 gpd of wastewater treatment for a new

commercial development and cricket stands associated with the International

Airport at Antigua, West Indies.



Planning

The site available for the treatment facility is clearly visible from the airport

terminal, and is immediately upwind of the client’s prestigious international

banking center. It was desired to use the effluent for irri‐gation. These

constraints required a treatment facility that would produce a consistently high

quality effluent suitable for irrigation, would have pleasing aesthetics, quite

operation, and zero odor.

Zero Discharge Mechanical Treatment System, Humacao, Puerto Rico

The firm performed hydraulic and process design at the Palmas del Mar

wastewater treatment plant, which has a capacity of 200 lt/s. The plant

incorporates an innovative hydraulic design for which allows the entire process

Client: PRASA


to work with a single pumping station. It is the first facility in Puerto Rico which

recycles 100% of the effluent (used for irrigation) as well as 100% of the sludge

(for composting). This facility received the award for “Best Engineering Project

of the Year” in 1994 by the Engineer’s Association of Puerto Rico. (Design

prepared in conjunction with Pacheco Engineering.)


Sewer Authority


Dorado Regional Wastewater Treatment System

In a Joint Venture with Pacheco Ingenieros Consultores, the firm performed the

permitting and civil design activities for the expansion of the Dorado Regional

Wastewater System. The project included 9.3 km of raw water pipeline between

Toa Alta and Dorado, a 4.5 mgd pump station, 2 mgd Dorado WWTP expansion

and 2 mgd Vega Baja WWTP expansion.g g j p

Permitting activities include preparation of the project environmental

assessment, coordination of permitting and endorsing of local and federal

agencies. The civil design work included planning to develop the overall project

layout, rough and final grading, traffic management and sewer infrastructure.

Guánica Lagoon Restoration, Guánica, Puerto Rico

The firm worked with the planning and design of the restoration of the Guánica

Lagoon. GME was contracted to conduct a hydrologic and hydraulic study of the

lagoon and, in 1999, they published Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis:




lagoon and, in 1999, they published Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis:

“Guánica Lagoon Restoration Impacts on Regulatory Flood Levels” and

“Guánica Lagoon Hydrology & Restoration Alternatives” as a result of those

studies. In these studies, GME evaluated three alternative scenarios for the

restoration of the Guánica Lagoon.

Quebrada Beatriz Reservoir, Caguas, Puerto Rico

The Beatriz reservoir configuration was identified by the firm to address the

chronic water shortage in Caguas and serve the projected demand for year 2025

using an off‐stream reservoir configuration. The firm undertook feasibility level

d d d E l I d EI f

Client: AFI/Puerto Rico Aqueduct

and Sewer Authority


design and prepared an Environmental Impact Statement document (EIS) for

Beatriz Offstream Reservoir. EIS activities include supervision of field

environmental studies, coordination with permitting agencies preparation of the

environmental impact statement, processes, and all phases of Corps of Engineer

permitting.

Restoration of Caño Tiburones Wetland, Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Caño Tiburones is an extensive coastal lagoon and wetland system on Puerto

Rico’s north coast. The firm performed a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of

wetland restoration alternatives in the 4,000 ha Caño Tiburones area. That study

includes survey of hydraulic sections by precision GPS over the entire wetland




includes survey of hydraulic sections by precision GPS over the entire wetland

area, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of longterm water budget and

regulatory flood levels, and analysis of impacts to peripheral land uses including

several communities, a landfill, power plant, and other infrastructure.

Cidra Corridor: Environmental Impact Statement, Cidra Puerto

Rico

The Firm prepared the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the new

Connector between PR‐7733 and PR‐1 or PR‐52 to provide a new access to the

municipality of Cidra. EIS preparation included both social and technical studies

including Cultural Resources Tree Inventory Wetlands Wildlife Transit

Client: Transportation and Highway

Authority


including Cultural Resources, Tree Inventory, Wetlands, Wildlife, Transit,

Socioeconomics, Survey, Noise, Energy, Hydrology, Hydraulic, Environmental

Assessment, Engineering, Acquisition, Capital Cost and Alternatives Preliminary

Design. Particular attention was given to address social issues which derailed

prior attempts to define an acceptable alignment.

Publications

Reservoir Sedimentation Handbook

Sedimentation is becoming an important issue as many dams now exceed an ageg p y g

of 50 years, sediments are beginning to interfere with reservoir operation, and

replacement dam sites are unavailable. It has become evident that the

construction of reservoirs, without providing for sediment management, is not a

sustainable pattern of water resource development. Research on this topic by Dr.

Morris was distilled in the comprehensive 748 page McGraw‐Hill monograph

titled, “Reservoir Sedimentation Handbook,” of which Dr. Morris is the principal

author. This comprehensive treatise covers all topics related to reservoirp p

sedimentation including policy and sustainability issues, sedimentation impacts,

soil erosion, fluvial transport processes, modeling, field investigations, sediment

sources and sinks, all known and practical reservoir management techniques,

and 7 detailed case studies from reservoirs on 4 continents. The book is available

free of cost for download at www.reservoirsedimentation.com

River Management Guidelines

“River Management Guidelines for Puerto Rico” was prepared under contract

with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. The

guide provides fundamental information of river characteristics and fluvial

geomorphology and is intended to provide people a better understanding of the

fluvial system. It is available as a download from the Department’s web sitey p

www.drna.gobierno.pr

Comprehensive Water Resource Plan for Puerto Rico

Our firm served as the lead technical consultant to the Department of NaturalOur firm served as the lead technical consultant to the Department of Natural

and Environmental Resources for preparation of the Water Plan, providing

technical analysis such as determination of firm yield for all surface water

supplies in Puerto Rico, evaluation of ground water resources, and preparation

of public policy statements aligned with long‐term sustainable resource

availability. A copy is available on the Department’s web site

www.drna.gobierno.pr

25 Years of25 Years of Innovation and Dedication

Sustainable Engineering for A Cha i Wo ldChanging World

Contact Information:

www.gmaeng.comTel. (787) 723‐8005250 Tanca StreetP.O. Box 9024157

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00982

Download - GLM Engineering P.S.C

Top Related