Raw sewage leak making its way to main road

A stew of raw sewage has been making its way to the main road in As Terlaje for over two months, according to a concerned citizen who lives near the area.

The stench of the leaking sewer, he said, has been smoldering in the heat for the past few days as it puddles near the main highway.

Black mold, fungus, and decaying fecal matter is noticeable with the downward wind flow.

Saipan Tribune learned that the concerned citizen, who asked not to be named, had reported the issue four times to the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. since November and later reported the issue to the Bureau of Environmental & Coastal Quality.

The raw sewage leak, he said, is located on a dirt road between the Coco Building and Sunrise Inn.

A manhole that is almost enveloped by grass illustrates the abundance of raw sewage that has been leaking over the past few months.

“I talked to [an employee] of wastewater. We talked twice and he said he is still looking into it. They said they are still investigating the matter” but “CUC still hasn’t responded to my four inquiries since November. It’s a CUC line and why hasn’t CUC done anything? I am concerned because it’s a health hazard,” he said.

The combination of heat and rain in the past few months has resulted in the growth of black mold in the area, which passersby have no choice but to pass over when crossing the area.

“On a dry day, there’s still a puddle. How can you think nothing is wrong when it’s not natural water?” the concerned citizen added.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a national enforcement initiative to keep raw sewage contained has been in effect for the last three years.

The EPA states that, “raw sewage overflows and inadequately controlled storm water discharges from municipal sewer systems introduce a variety of harmful pollutants, including disease-causing organisms, metals, and nutrients that threaten water quality and can contribute to disease outbreaks, beach and shellfish bed closings, flooding, stream scouring, fishing advisories, and basement backups of sewage.”

Despite performing extensive repairs due to a water leak in the same area last month, CUC has yet to address the sewage issue.

Saipan Tribune contacted BECQ and CUC for their response on the matter but no comment was received as of press time.