by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The attorney general completely agrees that any viable claim against the federal government related to the Ordot Dump should be pursued, but they say it is "not a novel idea".

Deputy AG Patrick Mason says based on the research and consultation with a Clean Water Act specialist, the office concluded that the Government of Guam does not have a viable claim for contribution against the United States under the federal Clean Water Act. Consideration was also given as to whether a claim exists against the federal government under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980.

Mason said costly expert reports are needed in order to determine whether there is sufficient factual, technical, scientific evidence to substantiate the extent of the military's contribution to the pollution from the Ordot Dump which would sustain a viable lawsuit against the federal government. As we reported Bill 281 was introduced to allow the governor to pursue legal action against the federal government to help pay for the costs of the dump closure.