Region 2's Hurricanes Irma and Maria Response Efforts in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Show the Need for Improved Planning, Communications, and Assistance for Small Drinking Water Systems

Submitting OIG:

Report Description:

See the additional details link below for the full report, report summary, multimedia or any agency follow-up.

Date Issued:

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Agency Reviewed / Investigated:

Submitting OIG-Specific Report Number:

21-P-0032

Location(s):

United States

Type of Report:

Audit

Number of Recommendations:

Additional Details Link:

Recommendation Number	Recommendation Status	Significant Recommendation
21-P-0032_2	Open	No
Develop and implement a supplement to Region 2’s emergency response plan to describe and address the specific geographic, logistical, and cultural norms applicable to disaster response in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This supplement should include local EPA staff roles and responsibilities, as well as address the likely limitations to transportation, communications, and power in the aftermath of disasters.
21-P-0032_3	Open	No
In coordination with the Office of Water, implement America’s Water Infrastructure Act in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by: (a) developing and implementing a strategy to provide training, guidance, and assistance to small drinking water systems as they improve their resilience and (b) establishing a process for small drinking water systems to apply for America’s Water Infrastructure Act grants. This process should include (1) implementing the EPA’s May 2020 guidance provided to small drinking water systems regarding resilience assessments and (2) establishing a public information campaign to inform small drinking water systems of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act grant opportunity, qualifying requirements, and application deadlines.

Recommendation Number

Recommendation Status

Significant Recommendation

Additional Details

21-P-0032_2

Open

21-P-0032_3

Open

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