Several gallons of used oil illegally dumped

The Division of Environmental Quality collected Saturday several 55-gallon drums of used oil illegally dumped in five different locations on the island to prevent contamination of the environment.

According to Terence Fitial, branch manager for underground storage tank program and pesticide, the DEQ staff was assisted by PR Trading, which will then be responsible in shipping it to a recycling company in the Philippines.

DEQ discovered illegally dumped used oil in Finasisu, Marpi, Tanapag, Santa Lourdes and As Teo. In Finasisu and As Teo areas alone, the agency found 14 drums containing 55 gallons each of used oil, some of which were already leaking.

DEQ Director Ike Cabrera has repeatedly warned persons found responsible for illegal dumping of used oil or any hazardous material may face a maximum fine of $25,000 a day for each day of the violation.

The agency has expressed concern on the potential adverse effects of illegal dumping of used motor oil on the environment specifically the possible contamination to groundwater and surface water. It may also result in the destruction of vegetation, loss of soil fertility, endanger human health and wildlife.

DEQ has been carrying out educational campaigns to ensure that businesses do not simply throw their used oil anywhere and contaminate the environment. Four seminars on used oil disposal were held for auto shop workers on the island which started in October 1999.

A working group with the business sector has been created by DEQ to solve the problem that now threatens the fragile environment of the CNMI. In fact, DEQ is now targeting hotels, garment factories and construction firms, which are mostly using generators in their operation, on this year’s scheduled information drive on proper disposal of used oil.

As a regulatory agency, DEQ’s concern is focused on making sure that the various businesses are following the proper disposal of used oil since the CNMI has no recycling facility.

A study conducted by Ross & Associates in 1993 estimates that businesses here generate an estimated volume of 213,000 to 214,000 gallons of used oil per year A survey conducted among distributors and wholesalers showed that some 397,200 gallons of virgin oil (motor oil, lubricating oil) are imported per year.