by Lannie Walker

Guam - The USEPA last weekend commented on the Final Environmental Impact Statement, saying that there are still major concerns that need to be addressed. The agency cited, for example, funding for infrastructure and the need for additional assessment of coral at Apra Harbor.

Guam Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Liz Cruz says she agrees that more definitive steps should be outlined, telling KUAM News, "This will be something that has not ever happened in any other island or U.S. territory this is something we should not rush into and we should make sure all the stakeholders get their voice in and address it with concrete steps on how they are going to mitigate how they are going adaptive measures...and bring us to the table and have more discussion."

That may happen, says Cruz, through a Civilian Military Coordination Council - a group of stake holders who will monitor impacts to the environment during military buildup. Cruz says Governor Felix Camacho can appoint three members to the organization, and she that one member will be from GEPA.

The Record of Decision should clarify whom the council is advising and the process for making decisions regarding environmental impacts.