Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. But in one case last week, the Guam Fire Department got that and more as they discovered a massive illegal dumpsite spanning nearly an acre. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency has now launched an investigation to track down the individuals responsible for trash, which sits on CHamoru Land Trust property and within a protected water zone.

One week ago, fire crews responded to a blaze in the jungles of Dededo that led to the discovery of countless abandoned cars, white goods and heaps of trash. Today, Guam EPA inspectors returning to the scene - documenting what was left behind.

"The first sweep would be to take a look at all the vehicles that are on the property. See if we can find VIN numbers and license plates," explained solid waste supervisor Glenn San Nicolas, who is also the agency’s acting deputy administrator.

When asked who is going to be responsible for the illegal dumpsite, and if the CLTC will do so due to a lack of tenants, San Nicolas replied, "Ultimately, it will be CLTC."

It consists of eight lots, some of them already leased to eligible land trust recipients but apparently unoccupied. That makes it challenging for the Guam EPA to find a clear violator. Still, inspectors are trying their best and have already found some evidence among the trash.

"They don’t care that they trash our island. We can pass all the laws we want to increase the penalty amounts, but these people don’t care," San Nicolas said.

GEPA says cleanup will take time, resources and the help of as many volunteers they can get. But the sooner the better as the dump is also near a protected water source. "So the water well is down that way, close to approximately 1,000 feet. So this [dump] is within the wellhead protection zone. So we’re hoping that we can prioritize this and we are asking CLTC to quarterback the clean up efforts by leveraging Department of Public Works heavy equipment," he said.

For now, they’ve flagged the area and requested assistance to help block access and prevent further dumping. But enforcement remains the real uphill battle. San Nicolas says numerous litter citations are issued, but cases are often thrown out by the judge.

"I know life is hard but there are many resources out there. Looking at the waste stream–tires, appliances and household waste– money is being spent to generate this type of waste. They need to ensure they have enough money to get rid of those waste," he said.

Meanwhile, the problem is spreading. KUAM News got another tip of a huge dumpsite further north with school buses, an ambulance and a tree decorated with license plates. If you have any information on who’s responsible for the dumping, you’re asked to call authorities.

For the time being, the Guam EPA says the CHamoru Land Trust Commission will be issued a notice of violation and will be responsible for coordinating the cleanup with other GovGuam agencies.