Development of a GIS-Based Environmental Screening and Decision Support Tool for Infrastructure Projects in Puerto Rico

Abstract

This project developed a GIS-based Environmental Screening and Decision Support Tool to support infrastructure planning and environmental review processes in Puerto Rico. Using QGIS, multiple environmental datasets including FEMA Flood Zones, wetlands, coastal zone boundaries, industrial land use, and urbanized areas were integrated into a unified spatial framework. Spatial overlay analyses were performed to evaluate environmental constraints and quantify overlap areas between infrastructure projects and environmentally sensitive areas. A preliminary environmental risk scoring methodology was developed and applied to case study projects within the San Juan metropolitan area. The results demonstrate that GIS-based environmental screening can support early project planning, improve environmental awareness, and assist decision-making processes for infrastructure development projects.