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

Date Issued

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Submitting OIG

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Other Participating OIGs

Environmental Protection Agency OIG

Agencies Reviewed/Investigated

Environmental Protection Agency

Report Number

21-P-0032

Report Description

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

Report Type

Audit

Number of Recommendations

Additional Details

Open Recommendations

This report has 2 open recommendations.

Recommendation Number	Significant Recommendation	Recommended Questioned Costs	Recommended Funds for Better Use
21-P-0032_2	No	$0	$0
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 andresponsibilities, as well as address the likely limitations to transportation, communications, and power in the aftermath of disasters.
21-P-0032_3	No	$0	$0
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.