BECQ reaches favorable resolution with HS Lee

The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality ensures construction projects in the CNMI’s coastal zone adhere to its regulations promoting sustainable development. On March 11, 2015, enforcement staff issued a Notice of Violation to H.S. Lee Construction Co., Inc. for misrepresenting the scope of its project to the Division of Coastal Resource Management.

“The importance of candor and accuracy in permit applications cannot be overstated,” according to Kate Fuller, assistant attorney general. As a result of the Notice of Violation, H.S. Lee agreed to pay DCRM and to promote community enhancements, highlighting sustainability and sustainable building practices, throughout Garapan.

H.S. Lee is building a three-story building in Garapan, which will be called H.S. Lee Plaza upon completion. The company was upset to learn that its permit application was inconsistent with its construction plan. Violating regulations and permit conditions can result in heavy fines. Upon receiving DCRM’s Notice of Violation, H.S. Lee and DCRM worked together to find a resolution.

H.S. Lee has paid $10,000 to DCRM. In addition, H.S. Lee has agreed to the following:

• To repair the concrete gutter covers on the west side of Beach Road from the new Cha Baker to Johnny’s Bar;

• To pay $1,000 to DCRM each year for ten years for the purpose of promoting the maintenance of the Garapan drainage system;

• To provide people and equipment from KIMCO Enterprises, Inc. or another construction contractor to assist with the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality’s annual cleanup of the Garapan area;

• To install a rain garden and permeable pavement features on its property, and incorporate additional viable environmental best management practices, such as grass swales, green parking design, infiltration trenches, inlet protection devices, rain cisterns, vegetated filter strips, and/or a vegetated roof; and

• To install and maintain signage explaining to the public the ecological benefit of the best management practices employed on H.S. Lee’s property.

BECQ administrator Frank M. Rabauliman commends H.S. Lee for its collaboration after receiving the enforcement notice and encourages all permittees to review their applications and the conditions of their construction permits to ensure no misunderstandings occur. DCRM regulations exist to ensure developments in the CNMI proceed in an environmentally sustainable manner, ensuring a healthy environment for generations to come. DCRM will continue to ensure permit conditions are met, in order to provide a clean and healthy environment for the citizens of the CNMI. (BECQ)