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Company cited for alleged illegal dump
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Posted on Feb 13 2006
The Division of Environmental Quality served an administrative order on Eliseo Castro of Chel’s Lawn Care for allegedly violating several environmental regulations in the CNMI.
DEQ public information officer Reina Camacho said that inspectors discovered in November 2005 a large pile of trash, corroded barrels and other debris on Castro’s property in As Matuis.
“A notice of violation was issued on Dec. 5 directing Mr. Castro to properly dispose of the solid waste at the Marpi landfill,” she said.
Castro, however, failed to contact DEQ and, upon subsequent re-inspection of the site, DEQ found no evidence that Castro has taken any actions or measures to clean up the site.
In its administrative order, Chel’s Lawn Care was cited for alleged violation of the Commonwealth Environmental Protection Act, the Commonwealth Solid Waste Management Act and the CNMI Solid Waste Management Regulations.
DEQ said that Castro is unlawfully operating his property as an open dump, that he failed to comply with the notice of violation, and that he continues to violate environmental laws.
Camacho said the administrative order directs Castro to clean up his property and pay a $4,000 penalty. The agency is giving Castro five days to remove all solid waste and transfer them to the Marpi landfill.
He is given until Feb. 28 to pay the fine, unless he asks for an administrative hearing.
DEQ is urging the public to report any solid waste management activities that could harm the CNMI ecology.
Camacho said that DEQ personnel are always available to answer questions relating to solid waste disposal.
For more information, call the DEQ Toxic Waste Management branch at 664-8500.
