Barceloneta-Manatí Environmental Protection Project

Area Description:  The Barceloneta-Manatí Environmental Protection Project focuses on the north-central coast of the main island of Puerto Rico and includes the eight municipalities of Arecibo, Barceloneta, Ciales, Florida, Manatí, Morovis,Vega Alta and Vega Baja.

Why is it Important to Protect This Area?

These eight communities depend on a surficial, limestone ("karst") aquifer for their drinking water.  This highly sensitive aquifer is exposed to threats from a large number of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, smaller facilities such as automotive service stations, agricultural practices, leaking sewer lines, improperly maintained septic systems, and others.  In addition, deeper artesian aquifers are now threatened from a large number of  improperly drilled wells that are leaking.

Goal of the Initiative:

To develop and implement Puerto Rico's first local wellhead protection program. The project is serving as a pilot for developing ways to implement local wellhead programs throughout the Commonwealth. To determine a scientifically-sound approach for wellhead protection implementation in this karstic terrain is especially challenging and is a high priority for the Commonwealth.

How is EPA Involved?

The project was agreed upon in the FY'95 Strategic Plan between EPA and four Puerto Rico agencies. EPA and the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board are currently accomplishing the following through funding provided by the EPA:

• Developing the Commonwealth's data collection and geographic information system
• Assisting the Commonwealth with providing ground water data to communities
• Facilitating the Wellhead Protection Inter-municipal Community Workgroup, which researches available data to make sure that sound decisions are made at the municipal level regarding protection of the local drinking water wells
• Providing education and outreach to the communities on things they can do to prevent contamination of the aquifer EPA proposed this project as a pilot for future work that would enable the Commonwealth to implement a broader wellhead protection program.  EPA is providing the technical, financial and program support that is required to empower the community.  Community action is required in order to turn paper plans into real aquifer protection activities.

What are the Major Environmental Issues Facing the Area?

• Drinking water supply is exposed to contaminants from pharmaceutical manufacturing, automotive service stations, agricultural sources, leaking sewer lines, improperly maintained septic systems, and other sources.
• The deep artesian aquifer is threatened by contamination from a large number of leaking, improperly drilled wells.

Who are the Stakeholders?

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Arecibo | Barceloneta | Ciales | Florida | Manatí | Morovis | Vega Alta | Vega Baja | Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board

Contact: faber.theresa@epa.gov