Dededo Pool closed for lack of sand filter replacement record

 

It's a frustrating situation that seems to be on repeat-- the pool opens and then it closes. A week after being open, the Dededo Pool ceased operations citing poor visibility of water. 

According to Department of Public Health and Social Services Director Linda DeNorcey, an assessment was conducted on the Dededo Pool late Friday after complaints from patrons indicated excessive chlorine caused their skin to itch and dry up and one allegedly hit their head against the pool wall due to poor visibility. During the assessment, the inspector observed that "water at the deep end is greenish in color and clouded."

However, the water chemistry met the requirements. The inspection report indicated that water chemistry records were on-site upon request but no records regarding the sand filter replacement could be provided to the Division of Environmental Health. As a result, Department of Parks and Recreation voluntarily closed the pool and will re-open once they are given approval by DEH.

Last week, Committee Chair Senator Kelly Marsh(Taitano) said she had met with the contractor, Canton Construction and discussed corrective action also in attendance was Public Health.

"So public health talked about what the requirements are and making sure that the contractor had a clear understanding of that," she said. "They were very receptive in their role in needing to abide by these regulations. We're trying to get to a place where we understand that regulations are met."

On Saturday morning, another inspection was done at the request of DPR. Water remained cloudy at the deep end of the pool. At the recommendation of DEH, DPR was asked to assess the filter system today in their presence so they can determine the cause of the repeated issues with pool water clarity.

Chief Environmental Public Health Officer Tom Nadeau told KUAM that DEH began a thorough inspection of Dededo Pool this morning and results are pending.

As you may recall, it was also on Friday that Sen. Regine Biscoe Lee issued a letter to DeNorcey, requesting an immediate inspection of the Dededo Pool after a constituent informed her of health and safety concerns about the pool. On Friday, Feb. 28 at 5:15 p.m., a continuation of the Feb. 7 oversight will be held, with DPR, the contractor, and public health set to be present.

"At the end of the day, the oversight is not just about helping us understand, it's about reaching corrective actions and reaching resolutions," Lee said. "We want those things to happen."