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US help in groundwater cleanup seen coming
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Posted on Apr 16 2002
The Division of Environmental Quality expects the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to render assistance in the cleanup of Saipan’s groundwater, according to DEQ Deputy Director Antonio I. DeLeon Guerrero.
DeLeon Guerrero was attending the CNMI’s 1st Environmental Symposium that kicked off yesterday morning at the Saipan Diamond Hotel, as part of the activities for Environmental Awareness Month.
Also at the symposium yesterday afternoon, DEQ’s Safe Drinking Water Branch manager Joe Kaipat – aided by a Saipan Tribune article on water contamination – presented the issue to local and federal delegates.
DEQ public information officer Rebecca Snider said Kaipat’s presentation on groundwater contamination reversed the somewhat sleepy mood at the Diamond Hall, apparently causing serious concern.
The Saipan Tribune previously reported that several water wells in at least four villages on Saipan – San Antonio, As Lito, Lower Base and Puerto Rico – have been drawing water from aquifers contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exceeding the maximum contaminant levels allowed for human consumption.
Also, several wells located in Tanapag, Marpi, Lower Base and Puerto Rico contain high levels of thallium, a metal that can be fatal to humans if ingested.
Kaipat disclosed the data gathered by the EPA when it conducted sampling tests on 160 wells on Saipan, which included a list of VOCs and metals less than the respective Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
Guerrero said that, although there is no definite time frame yet as to when Saipan’s groundwater cleanup would be made, he expects the EPA to come up with a plan on this.
“In writing, responding to our letter, not yet – we have not yet received that. But we’re optimistic,” Guerrero said. “The quicker we start with it, the better for us. It’s all in the talks now.”
Among the assistance being sought by the DEQ from its federal counterpart are technical expertise, financial aid and personnel support.
