Progress for GWA, EPA in new agreement

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Guam Waterworks Authority and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were able to make some headway during a five-hour videoconference today. Consolidated Commission on Utilities chair Simon Sanchez says GWA is very encouraged with the progress as the parties work to agree on timelines for 7 remaining projects in the stipulated order.

During a court hearing earlier this week, concerns were raised by the feds that GWA remains in violation of the Clean Water Drinking Act and had not started many of the projects that had been identified several years ago. GWA and the CCU had concerns that trying to obtain $300 million in financing would impose significant rate hikes for customers. 

The parties have been ordered to appear before Magistrate Judge Joaquin Manibusan next Wednesday for a settlement conference as they work to submit an agreement to the court by March 31.