25 Years of Innovation and Dedication

The Firm
The Firm
Gregory 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.

y optimize
Sustainability: p long‐term
g operation,
p sustain or
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
hydrologic and
d hydraulic
h d li analysis,
l i water
t resources,
environmental studies and permitting work, civil design, and
services during construction.

International Work
The 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

Hydrologic‐Hydraulic Engineering
H d l i H d li E i i Environmental Engineering and 
E i t lE i i d
Planning
 Hydrologic‐Hydraulic Analysis and Modeling
 Floodplain Mapping & FEMA Studies  Project Master Planning and Development

 Urban Drainage and Stormwater Detention Systems
 Flood Control Systems
 Fluvial Hydraulics
 Stream Stabilization and Restoration
Reservoirs & Sedimentation Engineering 
 Reservoir Planning and Design
 Bathymetric Studies   Wetland JD’s, Wetland Design & Permitting
 Dam Break Studies
 Reservoir Sedimentation Management
 Reservoir Yield Analysis
 Sediment Transport.
Civil Design and Services During 
Construction
 Site Planning and Engineering
 Construction Supervision and Inspection
 Water Supply and Sewerage Infrastructure
 Low‐Impact Development and Green 
Building Technology
 Energy Efficient Design 
Energy Efficient Design
 Renewable Resources and Water 
Conservation Strategies
 Wastewater Treatment Systems
 Environmental Impact Statements and 
Permitting
 Environmental Monitoring
 Wetland Restoration
Water Resources Engineering
 Groundwater Analysis
 Well Permitting  and Design
 Water Availability and Firm Yield Studies
 Water Audit and Leak Detection
 Water Resources Infrastructure 
 Water Supply Systems 
Hydrologic‐Hydraulic 
E i
Engineering
i
The firm is a recognized leader in the Water Resources field. It leads
h profession
the f i i
in h development
the d l d implementation
and i l i off
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 i
Engineering
Reservoirs naturally accumulate sediment, and to sustain long‐term
i operation
reservoir i i one off the
is h major
j h ll
challenges f i
facing d
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.
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 ti
During Construction
Our Civil Design Department focuses on providing sustainable
i i
engineering l i
solutions d implementing
and i l i l i
low‐impact d l
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.

y lead and/or
The firm has successfully / p p
participated g
in the civil design
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
innovative
ti i f t t
infrastructure project,
j t including
i l di project
j t planning,
l i
permitting, civil design, and inspection services during
construction.
Water Resources Engineering

Our firm has demonstrated its leadership position in the field of

water 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
by
b other
th consultants.
lt t

•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

reservoir
i sites
it i Puerto
in P t Rico,Ri i l di
including th identification
the id tifi ti and
d
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
Planning
i
The firm possesses ample experience in addressing sensitive
environmental 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,
naturall resources management/restoration
/ i sectors, and d generall
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
g as often required
q as p
part of Army
y Corps
p of Engineers
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 environmental
benefits of technologies such as green roofs and low‐impact
stormwater systems.
 Representative Projects

Hydrologic‐Hydraulic Engineering
Client: Servicio Nacional de Carreteras
La Paz. Bolivia
Bridge over Río Huanuni, La Paz, Bolivia
Contract Period: 2004‐2005

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.
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.

Client: Servicio Autónomo Municipal de 

Agua y Alcantarillado de La Paz
Stormwater Management, La Paz, Bolivia
Contract Period: 2004‐2005
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.
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.

Client: Servicio Nacional de Caminos Río Maniqui, Bolivia

Contract Period: 1994
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
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 Client: Private Sector
Contract Period: 2008
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 was performed
study f d to revise
i the
h existing
i i FEMA study.d
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
y model.

Low‐Impact Stormwater Hydrologic/Hydraulic Design Client: Private Sector

Contract Period: 2009‐2010
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.
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 components.
components

Río Gurabo Bank Stabilization, Juncos, Puerto Rico Client: AMGEN Pharmaceutics
Contract Period: 2009‐2010
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
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.

Client: PR Highway and Transportation

Hydraulic Design of PR‐53 Bridge over Río Guayanés, Yabucoa,
Authority
Puerto Rico Contract Period: 1996‐1997

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
y evaluated the impact
study p g in water levels along
of the new bridge g Río Guayanés
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.
 Representative Projects
Client: Puerto Rico Aqueduct and  Río Fajardo and Río Blanco Offstream Reservoirs, Puerto Rico
Sewer Authority
Contract Period: 2000‐2009
Client: Puerto Rico Aqueduct and  Sediment Management at Loiza Resrvoir, Puerto Rico
Sewer Authority
Contract Period: 2000
Client: Binational Entity of Yacyretá
Contract Period: 2001‐2002
Reservoir and Sedimentation
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.
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.
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
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,
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  Client: Infrastructure Finance Authority
Contract Period: 2004‐2007
Rico
A total of 45 damsites were analyzed and ranked. Feasibility‐level design studies
which included p
preliminary
yggeotechnical explorations
p were conducted at the five
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 Client: National Electric Energy 

Company
The firm conducted a bathymetric survey of El Cajón hydroelectric reservoir in Contract Period: 1999‐2000
Honduras. GME made a preliminary analysis of the potential magnitude of the
sedimentation rate.

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 Client: World Bank
Contract Period: 1996‐1997

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
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 Client: Inter‐American Development Bank
Contract Period: 2008

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
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.
 Representative Projects

Civil Design and Services During 
Construction
Client: Private Sector Playa Hermosa Development, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
Contract Period: On‐going
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
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.

Client: PRASA Río Fajardo and Río Blanco Offstream Reservoirs, Puerto Rico

Contract Period: 2000‐2009
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
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.

Client: PRASA San Lorenzo‐Caguas Water Supply, Puerto Rico

Contract Period: 2000‐2004
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.
Based
B d on an engineering
i i geomorphic
hi analysis,
l i the
h intake
i k was placedl d 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.  Client: Infrastructure Financing 
Authority of Puerto Rico 
The firm designed 20 km of potable water pipe‐line from 6 to 24 inches diameter, Contract Period: 2001‐2002
plus four new pump stations and the rehabilitation of two existing pump stations
Luquillo
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)

Los Farallones Hotel and Resort, Camuy Puerto Rico Client: Private Sector

Contract Period: 2009‐2010
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 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 g
geotechnical and electrical engineers.
g Complete
p coordination with
infrastructure agencies has been performed for this project.

Quebrada Margarita Bank and Bed Stabilization, San Juan,  Client: Private Sector

Contract Period: 2009‐2010
Puerto Rico

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 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.
 Representative Projects
Client: Inter‐American Development  Water Supply from Khasiri Glacier, La Paz, Bolivia
Bank
Contract Period: 2003‐2005
Client: Puerto Rico Aqueduct and  Unaccounted for Water, Puerto Rico
Sewer Authority
Contract Period: 2008‐2009
Client: Department of Natural and  Groundwater Model , Yauco Valley, PR
Environmental Resources 
Contract Period: 2008‐2009
Water Resources Engineering
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 plan.
glacier, 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.
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
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.
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
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 Client: Department of Natural and 
Environmental Resources 
The most important aquifer in Puerto Rico is in the north coast limestone.
Contract Period: 2008‐2009
However, this same aquifer system receives urban stormwater runoff via
numerous sinkholes and drainage wells. Because stormwater runoff is an
i
important component off aquifer
if recharge
h i this
in hi region,
i i kh l inventory
a sinkhole i 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  Client: Department of Natural and 
Environmental Resources
in Puerto Rico
Contract Period: 2008‐2009
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 Client: Department of Natural and  
Environmental Resources
in Puerto Rico Contract Period: 2007‐2008

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
PR Water 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 Client: AES‐PR
Contract Period: 1999‐2002
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
p and testing
g of 7 p
production and 5 monitoring
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.
 Representative Projects
Client: Private Sector
Contract Period: 2004‐2005
Client: PRASA
Contract Period: 2001‐2006
Client: Puerto Rico Aqueduct and  Dorado Regional Wastewater Treatment System
Sewer Authority
Contract Period: 2002
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.
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
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.)
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 mgdg Vega
g Baja
j WWTP expansion.
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  Client: Department of Natural and 
Environmental Resources
The firm worked with the planning and design of the restoration of the Guánica Contract Period: 1998‐1999
Lagoon. GME was contracted to conduct a hydrologic and hydraulic study of the
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 Client: AFI/Puerto Rico Aqueduct 

and Sewer Authority
The Beatriz reservoir configuration was identified by the firm to address the Contract Period: 2005‐2008
chronic water shortage in Caguas and serve the projected demand for year 2025
using an off‐stream reservoir configuration. The firm undertook feasibility level
design
d and
d prepared
d an Environmental
E l Impact
I Statement document
d (EIS)
EI for
f
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 Client: Department of Natural and 

Environmental Resources
Contract Period: 2000‐2002
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
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

Client: Transportation and Highway 
Rico Authority
Contract Period: 2009‐2010
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,
Resources Tree Inventory,
Inventory Wetlands,
Wetlands Wildlife,
Wildlife Transit,
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 g an important
p issue as many
y dams now exceed an age 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
p treatise covers all topics
p related to reservoir
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.
y It is available as a download from the Department’s
p web site
www.drna.gobierno.pr

Comprehensive Water Resource Plan for Puerto Rico
Our 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 of 
25 Years of
Innovation and 
Dedication
Sustainable Engineering for A 
Cha i Wo ld
Changing World

Contact Information:

www.gmaeng.com
Tel. (787) 723‐8005
250 Tanca Street
P.O. Box 9024157
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00982