Congress tapped for PCB cleanup

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday said he would lobby the U.S. Congress for funding to clean up areas on the island contaminated with the cancer-causing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) chemical left behind more than three decades ago by American military forces.

He also did not rule out the possibility of taking legal actions to compensate families suffering from the harmful effects of the contamination as he noted the Department of Public Health is expected to come up with a report on its impact in the community.

“We’d like to make sure that people who are affected because of that contamination (are) taken care of,” Tenorio told reporters. “We will be looking into the report that will be submitted by (DPH).”

The governor expressed concern that other areas on Saipan may have been contaminated also with the toxic waste left way back in the ’60s aside from Tanapag, where the problem was initially reported.

Likewise, residents have drawn attention to old fuel tanks in Tanapag allegedly leaking harmful chemical that have polluted groundwater resources in the village.

“The issue is more critical now because I was surprised to see that aside from PCBs, there’s other contamination being identified in different area. It is a real concern for the CNMI and we want to make sure that our health and our community are protected,” said Tenorio.

Because of the mounting complaints, Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes has urged the administration to sue the U.S. military in efforts to seek indemnity for victims of the contamination as well as to force them clean up the island.

According to the senator, the Commonwealth has waited long enough for concrete actions from the federal governments even to a point where residents had complained of suffering from various illnesses suspected to be linked to PCBs.

While he did not indicate whether a legal route is an option for the government to resolve the problem, Tenorio said it is now a “real concern” for his administration.

Asked if he would seek assistance from Washington, particularly Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) whose House Resources Committee has oversight on the CNMI, he explained that he “would like to ask the U.S. Congress to provide funding to try to make that area safe for the community and its vicinities.”

The contamination in Tanapag, which has spread to the Lower Base Cemetery, has sparked fresh concerns in recent weeks on public health and safety, prompting villagers to demand a cleanup of the military waste.

The governor has ordered the cemetery off-limits to the public in an effort to contain the contamination and reduce the risks associated with long exposure from the chemicals.

But he expressed relief that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer had installed temporary measures to cover the contaminated area while preparing long-term solutions to the problem.

“I passed by over (at the cemetery) and I was pleased to say that they put some protection,” Tenorio explained. “At least they put cover. I’m happy that at least the Army Corps is doing something (about it).”