EPA’s new chief looks ahead
Ivan Quinata, who replaces former Guam EPA administrator Liz Cruz says GEPA is closely monitoring the situation with Big Blue at the Guam Shipyard and will play a pivotal role in the clean up process once the dry dock is back above water.
By KUAM NewsGuam - With the Guam Environmental Protection Agency's heavy load, the agency's new administrator is hoping to get things done. Ivan Quinata, who replaces former Guam EPA administrator Liz Cruz says GEPA is closely monitoring the situation with Big Blue at the Guam Shipyard and will play a pivotal role in the clean up process once the dry dock is back above water.
"We are actually at this point monitoring the work that is being done and to insure there is no spill that will be happening on the shorelines and the water," said Quinata.
Open hatches on the dock were identified as the cause of the dock sinking after massive waves hit earlier this week. As for a notice of violation against Younex, Quinata says the matter is still being contested by the corporation, which is currently building workforce housing in Ukudu.
Guam EPA slapped the company with the NOV in November claiming certain water pipes and materials did not meet regulations. Younex claims the NOV is unfounded. Quinata says the matter will be brought before the Guam EPA board at their next meeting - a date for which has not yet been set.
Meanwhile a longstanding NOV against the owner of an illegal dump in Yigo, Joseph Taitano, is now in the hands of the Attorney General's Office. Quinata says the details of a proposed settlement between the agency and Taitano are under negotiation and cannot yet be released publicly.
A fire burned for several weeks last summer at the illegal dumping site prompting the evacuation of surrounding residents.