Previous Story
2 firms inspected for possible release of pollutants
|
Posted on Feb 07 2006
Two facilities engaged in silkscreen printing of garments are currently being inspected by the Division of Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency on suspicion of releasing hazardous substances into their septic systems.
DEQ information officer Reina Camacho told the Saipan Tribune yesterday that DEQ and EPA officials are conducting the weeklong site inspection at the Everbright building located in Fina Sisu and the He Cheng facility in As Lito.
Camacho said Everbright and He Cheng, which are located in close proximity to each other, are suspected of releasing substances like solvents, dyes and inks into their septic tanks.
As part of the ongoing inspection, EPA officials and their contractors, Weston Solutions, are collecting water and soil samples within the premises of the companies.
DEQ said the samples collected would be analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals.
DEQ and EPA will be inspecting approximately 30 wells within a one-mile radius from the respective facilities.
Camacho said the data results of the soil and water samples would determine the presence of contaminants in soil and ground water.
The data, she said, would also be used to evaluate the site using a hazard ranking system.
The information officer stated that in 2004, DEQ conducted a preliminary assessment at the two facilities, but there was no site inspection conducted at that time.
DEQ found out that there is a need for such site inspection based on its suspicion that the companies disposed hazardous substances into their septic tanks, Camacho said.
Camacho said the results of the sampling would determine whether the facilities violated any environmental regulations and need to pay a fine or if they simply warrant cleanup efforts.
The results, she added, will also determine how harmful the substances are to people’s health.
