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Impact assessment on Paul Russ grounding ongoing
Any possible environmental damage to the reef or marine life due to the Paul Russ’ grounding last week has yet to be determined.
In an interview Wednesday morning, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality administrator Frank Rabauliman confirmed that while there will be a report on environmental impact, no updates could be given yet as assessment was still taking place in the waters that morning.
Lt. William White, public affairs officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam confirmed the ongoing assessment.
“The vessel’s representative, the CNMI government, NOAA, and Fish and Wildlife are working together to conduct an assessment to determine impact to the reef and aquatic life,” he said.
No date for the report has been given.
The cause of the Paul Russ’ grounding, which occurred last Tuesday morning, has not been determined either, as the investigation is still ongoing, according to White.
Paul Russ was successfully towed out of the reef by tugboats belonging to its representatives last week Thursday night, with no reported damage to hull or possible oil leaks.
Discovery of unexploded ordnance near the vessel forced the port to close for about a day last Wednesday.
