Project will look for hidden WWII ordnances in Marpi

Contractors of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers wants the public to be aware of an ongoing project at the Marpi Point Field on Saipan and unexploded ordnances in the area.

Parsons Co. project manager Don Silkebakken said Tuesday at their first public hearing at the American Memorial Park Visitors Center in Garapan that they are doing a “remedial investigation/feasibility study” in the area.

Silkebakken said the results of the study will provide the foundation for a proposed plan and decision document to conduct a remedial project for unexploded ordnances in Marpi.

“The [study] is really important because public involvement is a critical part to our activities. While we are doing this project, we will be holding public hearings,” Silkebakken said.

He explained that the area is dangerous because prior to the last clearance by the U.S Navy in 1967, removing unexploded ordnances was done only through visual detection methods.

This latest project will identify underground or hidden UXOs.

“We will include digital geophysical mapping to identify subsurface metallic anomalies,” Silkebakken said.

The project started when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a nationwide effort to identify, manage, and prioritize future response actions at “formerly used defense sites.” Marpi Point Field is on of these sites.

A site inspection field effort consisting of instrument-aided reconnaissance and munitions constituent environmental sampling was conducted in November 2009.

The project’s draft final work plan is proposed for Dec. 1, 2014, the second public meeting for updates on the project will be in early January next year, field activities will begin in mid-February 2015, and estimated completion of field work is in July 2015.

Silkebakken said that if any interested individual would like to know about the project, they can visit the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library on Beach Road in Susupe.

“The [Army Corps] wants the public to be a part of study efforts as we work hard to ensure the public’s safety, the safety of our onsite workers, and to protect the environment,” he said.

For more information on the project, contact the USACE Honolulu District, Helen Takamoto, at 808-835-4088 or email FUDS-PH@usace.army.will.