CPA probes oil leakage at airport

Two key agencies have deployed a full scale investigation in search for the culprit behind the estimated 6,000 gallons of jet fuel that has leaked at the Saipan International Airport grounds.

The Division of Environmental Quality has signaled the Commonwealth Ports Authority to start invesigation of the incident after receiving reports indicating possibilities of a potential contamination problem at the airport.

DEQ issued a Notice of Violation, ordering CPA to evaluate the extent of the contamination, if any, and develop a cleanup action plan.

Acting DEQ Director Antonio I. Deleon Guerrero said an initial investigation from Mobil Oil Marianas Inc. reveals that the leak occurred from a faulty gasket in a fuel line between a storage tank operated by the company and the airport refueling facilities.

In a report released by Mobil, the leak was found in a pit that houses a surge suppressor tank and valve. After notifying and receiving approval from CPA, Mobil pumped out 1,565 gallons of a mixture of water and fuel from the pit and prepared the gasket.

It is estimated that approximately 6,000 gallons of jet fuel is unaccounted for, according to Mobil.

Fears have surfaced on the possibility of the suspected leak reaching one or several Commonwealth Utilities Corporation drinking water production wells situated in the area.

The Notice of Violation issued by DEQ specifies actions to be taken and deadlines to be met by CPA in terms of field investigation and the cleanup of any contaminants.

The sampling and analysis of CUC water wells is a component in the notice.

Prior to the issuance of the notice, the ports authority already tasked Mobil to begin an investigation to determine the source of the missing jet fuel.

DEQ’s authority to issue the Notice of Violation is provided by the CNMI groundwater Management and Protection Act and DEQ’s Well Drilling and Well Operation Regulations.

The regulations prohibit the disposal or spill of any hazardous material or waste on to the ground or in any manner which has the possibility of contaminating groundwater.

DEQ disclosed that CPA and Mobil are have established cooperation to assess the extent of any contamination and to ensure that there is minimum impact on Saipan’s water supply.

CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said that CPA intends to fully comply with the terms of the DEQ notice and act swiftly and decisively to protect public interest.

Mr. Salas added that the environmental and hydrology experts are already on board in an effort to resolve the situation as soon as possible.