DEQ hosts facility survey forum on hazmat

All CNMI businesses and facilities that store, process, use or manufacture harmful or potentially harmful substances are urged to attend this facility survey forum.

This outreach program will provide the people of the Commonwealth the opportunity to participate in a CNMI-wide survey of regulated and unregulated facilities, to aid in the augmentation of state response plan, and the enhancement of current harmful substance cleanup regulations, for the betterment and enhancement of the quality of life, health and safety of the people of the CNMI.

The Division of Environmental Quality and its consultant, Allied Pacific Environmental Consulting, will assist those surveyed with regulatory compliance and understanding of the DEQ regulations.

This survey is for all facilities in the Commonwealth that store, manufacture, process, or use harmful or potentially harmful substances or generate waste that may pose a potential threat to the health and safety of the people and environment of the CNMI.

The owners and operators of facilities, including private business enterprises, non-profit organizations and government agencies, are encouraged to participate in a public meeting where the surveys are to be conducted. During this meeting and follow-up survey, participants are encouraged to ask questions and become better informed on how to employ best management practices to remain in compliance with these regulations, to avoid penalties, and to protect the islands’ environment!

The public meetings will be held at the following locations, times and dates.

– Saipan’s public meeting will be held at the Joeten Kiyu Public Library today, Dec. 11, from 2:30pm to 4pm.

– Tinian’s public meeting will be held at the Tinian Mayor’s Office conference room on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 8:30am to 10am.

– Rota’s public meeting will be held at the Rota Mayor’s Office conference room on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2014, from 8:30am to 10am

Survey information to be collected will include:

– Quantities and types of hazardous materials (including waste) that is manufactured, stored, processed, or otherwise used at each facility.

– The types of business activities carried out by the facility.

– Facility procedures and plans and personnel training records for the mitigation of spills or releases of hazardous substances.

– History of facility hazardous substance releases.

Personnel from DEQ and APEC will be available to assist the owners/operators of participating facilities in the completion of the surveys. DEQ would like to thank the owners and operators of all applicable facilities for their participation. All inquiries regarding this program and survey may be directed to Robert Jordan, APEC CNMI project manager, via P.O. BOX 10001, PMB A6, SAIPAN, MP 96950 or call 670.322.7709, fax 670.322.7708, or email apeccnmi@pticom.com. [I](DEQ)[/I]