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CUC probes whether tampering with public water is federal offense
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Posted on Jan 07 2012
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
Reporter
In an effort to stop the rampant theft and vandalism of public water utilities, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is trying to find out if these crimes can be considered federal offenses that may be prosecuted by the federal government.
CUC said in a statement that it is currently working with the Office of the Attorney General for the prosecution of these cases and is appealing to the public for help in reporting any suspicious activities.
“We will continue to ask for the public’s assistance in reporting any suspicious activities or information regarding the thefts and vandalisms. Additionally, we will continue to work closely with the AGO in the prosecution of those found liable. Moreover, we are investigating whether these events are federal offenses in that the thieves are tampering with public water, thus impacting public health,” the CUC statement said.
Because it is a non-profit service provider, CUC said that there is no way to directly absorb losses from thefts because costs are passed on to customers.
Saipan Tribune was told that remote well sites in three areas are the ones mostly targeted by copper wire thieves. These are wells in the airport area, Dandan, and Kagman. Suspects, it said, are being reported and forwarded to the authorities for proper handling of cases.
CUC said that thefts and vandalism incidents cause great inconvenience to the public as they affect the delivery of needed water services.
Earlier this week, CUC divulged the rampant theft of power drop lines at the island’s wells, resulting in the non-production of water supply to affected areas.
Two wells in Obyan were recently vandalized, causing loss of services to many areas. Power drop lines to wells in the Kagman area have also been stolen.
According to CUC deputy executive director Alan Fletcher, the agency has 145 wells; 26 chlorine stations; one slow sand filter; 18 boosters; 17 reservoirs; and 212-mile pipelines.
For wastewater, CUC has two secondary wastewater treatment plant; 42 lift stations; and 78-mile collection lines.
