Health Safety
Resume:
Irma M. López
Executive Director
Environmental, Health and Safety Compliance
***********@*****.***
Over 25 years of in-depth experience in the environmental, health and safety management
History of orchestrating successful project management strategies and process control initiatives designed to improve environmental compliance.
Strong background in environmental, occupational health and safety regulations such as Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Clean Air Act (CAA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Risk Management Plan Rule (RMP), Confined Space, OSHA Standards Subparts A, D, E, G, H, I, J, K, L.
Lead Negotiator for PRASA's Consent Decrees, fourteen-year experience in negotiations with Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Department of Justice, State Department of Justice, and Department of Health.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Executive Director – Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety Compliance
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, 2012 – Present
Develop and establish environmental, health and safety policies and procedures. Oversee operational regions to ensure environmental, health and safety compliance.
Conducted a Department Reengineering resulting in 32% personnel reduction achieving a leaner structure based in continuous improvement.
Implemented an Inspection/Auditing Program for environmental, health and safety compliance
Developed and Established a Key Performance Indicators System leading to an improvement in compliance from 80% to 98%
Initiated the development of a Health and Safety Program
Deputy Director for Environmental Compliance,
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, 2007 – 2011
Assisted the Executive Director in developing and implementing process of policies and procedures for environmental compliance. Supervised PRASA’s Laboratory Operations
Negotiated a Consent Decree with the Environmental Protection Agency for the Sludge Treatment Systems
Guided the restructuring of the Regional Compliance Departments
Achieved the Department of Health Certification to conduct drinking water analysis, reducing the need to contract analyses.
Optimized the Laboratory functions, achieving a reduction of $500,000 in operational costs.
Director for Drinking Water Compliance,
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, 2004–2007
Established process control initiatives in the drinking water treatment plant.
Negotiated a Consent Decree with the Department of Health to establish a work plan that assures compliance avoiding payment of $20 M in penalties
Established the Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) to improve the environmental compliance of the drinking water plants resulting in an improvement from 67% to 80 %
Achieved 100% compliance with monitoring and reporting regulations requirements
.
Contract Administration
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, PRASA’s Executive Offices 2002 - 2004
Assessed and evaluated the performance of the private operator.
Designed the measurement system to evaluate the private operator.
Implemented and conducted an inspection program for the treatment facilities
Manufacturing Operations Manager
Avon Mirabella Inc., Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, 1996-1998
Coordinated sixteen million dollars plant closure project, ensuring all environmental concerns were addressed
Improved labor efficiency 28 percent through personnel reductions and on the job training programs saving over $120K
Increased production output from 30,000 units to 68,000 units per week, an increase of 126%
Implemented a process control system that resulted in a material usage improvement of $100K. Led a work force of 200 people and managed a budget of four million dollars.
SKILLS
Strategic Planning
Goal-driven Leader
Analytical and Problem-Solving skills
Committed to excellence and success
SAP and PC computer skills
Resourceful team player
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent Organizational and prioritization skills
Employee Training
and Development
HIGHLIGHTS
Financial responsibility
$33 million
Reduced 88% of penalties paid to the regulatory agencies
Reduced 75% costs of laboratories contracted services
Established a Compliance, Health and Safety Information Management System – represented a cost avoidance of $2M
George Warren Fuller Award – American Water Works Association
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Licensed Chemist
30-hour General Industry Safety and Health
Professional Associations and Registrations
Past Chair of Puerto Rico Water and Environment Association
American Water Works Association
Water Environment Federation
Contact this candidate