Court visit to old Ordot dump for update on toxic leakage

In a significant development concerning the closure of the Ordot Dump, District Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood conducted a site tour to assess the progress made in addressing the leachate issue that has caused delays in the final turnover from the federal receiver to the GovGuam authorities.

The saga to close the old Ordot Dump dates back to 2008 when a federal receiver was appointed by the court due to violations of the U.S. Clean Water Act.

Over the past 15 years, the primary concern has been the potentially toxic runoff, known as leachate, that continues to seep out of the dumpsite.

However, according to Receiver Representative Chris Lund, recent fixes have significantly reduced leachate flows despite a substantial increase in rainfall. Lund stated,

“From January to October where we have a 57-percent drop in leachate flows since those leaks were fixed, we have a corresponding increase in rainfall from 78 inches last year from July to October to 127 inches from July to October this year. 163-percent increase in precipitation event yet we have a 57-percent drop in our leachate flows. and our leachate flows are back to what this facility was designed to handle.”

The Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) is slated to take over operational control of the Ordot Dump. GSWA General Manager Irvin Slike emphasized the importance of finding and addressing the pathway through which the leachate seepage occurs.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representatives also expressed concerns during the site visit, highlighting the need for a detailed analysis to trace the leakage source.

GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo assured that GWA has methods to trace the leakage and pledged to collaborate with the receiver on this issue.

The site visit by Judge Gatewood precedes the expected transfer of GSWA control over the dump, anticipated as early as next summer.