Violators told: It’s just a matter of time before you get caught

Division of Environmental Quality director Frank Rabauliman warned those who ignore environmental regulations that they will get caught, while Gov. Benigno R. Fitial yesterday signed a proclamation declaring April as CNMI Environmental Awareness Month and April 22 as CNMI Earth Day.

“For those who continue to litter, continue to do projects without permits, I’m sorry to say but it’s just a matter of time before there’s going to be enforcement action coming to you,” Rabauliman said in an interview after the governor’s proclamation signing, which kicked off the one-month celebration.

The DEQ director said the division will not have second thoughts issuing notices of violations and other enforcement actions on those who are caught violating environmental laws and rules.

“We follow our regulations. Once we become lax in enforcing our regulations, then people lose confidence on us, people don’t report the violations as they would and sometimes they would not even follow the procedures that are required, for example, in applying for a permit,” he said.

Fitial called on members of the community to do their share to keep the CNMI clean.

“Individuals, families, visitors, business and the government: we are all responsible to ensure that Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands remain clean and green for our present and future generations. It is our obligation; it is our debt; it is our privilege. Let’s work together,” the governor said in his proclamation.

Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, Fitial reiterated, “Stay clean and green.”

Pesticides collection

Following the success of last year’s collection of household hazardous chemicals with the help of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Rabauliman said they will again conduct a collection drive but this time it will be for pesticides that are either no longer used or are banned in the CNMI.

He said this would be a good opportunity for businesses and other entities to bring these pesticides to DEQ for collection and off-island disposal. The collection will start in July.

David Rosario, chairman of the 2009 Environmental Awareness Month activities, announced the three winners of the logo design contest.

They are first placer Yun In Ae, a 12th grader at Saipan Southern High School; second placer Andy Ji, a 10th grader at Northern Marianas Academy; and third placer Wayne Dawe, an 11th grader at Kagman High School.

The winning logo was unveiled during yesterday proclamation signing.

This year’s Environmental Awareness Month theme, “Our environment is our home. Keep it clean and Safe,” reinforces people’s responsibility to maintain and protect their shared environment.

Today, an environmental expo will be held at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in Susupe.