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Carter applauds island’s rebuilding efforts
The federal judge overseeing court stipulated order projects for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is on island this week, getting updates on oft-delayed infrastructure projects.
U.S. District Court for the NMI designated judge David O. Carter presided over a status conference between federal attorneys and Commonwealth officials yesterday.
He also took time to address the devastation of Typhoon Soudelor, which crippled the power and generation capacity of the utility he is overseeing.
The status conference was brief, lasting about 10 minutes. It started at 4pm.
To begin the meeting, Carter expressed his great concern for the people of Saipan in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor.
Carter, who arrived on Saipan last weekend, said he has personally spoken to people on island.
The federal judge praised the “Hafa Adai spirit” and the island’s efforts to rebuild.
Before the meeting yesterday, informal sessions between federal officials and CUC were held.
Representing CUC yesterday was counsel James Sirok. Teresita Sablan of the Office of the Attorney General represented the Commonwealth.
Representing the federal government were Department of Justice Environmental Enforcement Section senior attorney Bradley R. O’Brien, and EPA assistant regional counsel Janet Magnuson.
O’Brien told Carter that they are looking to find ways to make the infrastructure projects of the “SO2” more efficient.
“Stipulated Order 2” involves the construction of a fuel tank and pipeline.
O’Brien and Sirok discussed before the judge an informal draft to “simplify procedures associated with the pipeline” project.
Sirok said they are close to reaching a resolution in issue.
As for the “Tank 102 project,” the attorneys discussed replacing the quality-control individual at the site.
CUC has reported defective welding in their Tank 102 project.
The Tank 102 project involves a 500,000-gallon diesel tank that will replace Tank 010, which has been found to be a source of pollution and is unrepairable.
