Comptroller’s audit notes deficiencies in DNER operations.

Natural and Environmental Resources Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez

By THE STAR STAFF

In a new report that adds to other recent findings regarding the management of public resources in various entities, the Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico identified significant deficiencies in the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), the watchdog entity announced Thursday.

Audit Report OC-26-21, which covers the period from July 1, 2020 to March 31, 2025, issued a qualified opinion, meaning that although the agency’s operations were largely compliant with the law, significant shortcomings were detected in the granting of permits, oversight, revenue generation and the management of public property.

Among the main findings, the audit determined that authorizations, licenses and permits were approved without the required documentation, such as tax certifications, evidence of insurance, environmental assessments and compliance with technical recommendations.

Significant delays were also identified in the processing of numerous applications, including permits related to the maritime-terrestrial zone, commercial fishing licenses, and concessions for the use of public waters. In some cases, the processes exceeded the regulatory deadline of 30 days by up to 138 days, which affected the efficiency of service delivery and could have impacted the revenues of both the DNER and the applicants.

The audit also noted deficiencies in the determination of charges and in the fulfillment of obligations by concessionaires.

In one case, a fee lower than that required by regulations was set, resulting in an undue economic advantage. Moreover, there was no evidence of follow-up on required reports and payments, nor of fines being imposed for non-compliance, resulting in lost revenue.

Fee hikes at parks & beaches expected

Meanwhile, access to some of the island’s main natural attractions could become more expensive in the coming months, after the DNER confirmed that it is evaluating increases in entrance fees at parks and beaches managed by the agency in order to cover its operating costs.

DNER Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez told the House Finance Committee on Wednesday that current prices are “not viable” to sustain the maintenance of the facilities.

During his presentation of the agency’s budget request for fiscal year 2026–2027 before the House Finance Committee, Quiles said the fee hike “is to cover expenses, enable reinvestment and park maintenance, pay for any unforeseen costs, and allow for the recruitment of new staff.”

He said the Camuy River Caves Park and La Monserrate Public Beach in Luquillo will be the first facilities to see the fee hikes, which are to take effect once the multi-million-dollar repairs currently underway at both locations are completed and a new digital reservation platform goes live.

The DNER secretary did not specify the magnitude of the hikes, but emphasized that current fee rates are not viable for generating the revenue required by the National Parks Program, which oversees five public beaches and six state parks.

The official requested a budget increase of $80.6 million.