by Mindy Aguon

Guam - District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco Gatewood is stepping in to ensure there's a proper and thorough investigation of the Lujan salvage site in Toto or other similar sites that are near the Ordot Dump. In an order issued today, the judge ordered the Guam EPA to seek assistance, if they need, from the receiver to estimate the leachate volume from the Lujan site where the agency discovered a sizeable illegal dump.

The receiver's employees and contractors have been authorized to accompany the Guam EPA on inspections of the dump site as they analyze any potential impact on the closure of the Ordot Dump. The court also ordered the Guam EPA and the AG's Office to provide the court with reports no later than 30 days after each inspection.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was also ordered to file an interim report with the court by August 24 to provide an update on progress regarding the Lujan site.

The company meanwhile submitted its disposal plan to the Guam EPA as required by a notice of violation on Thursday. That plan is currently under review.