Utility moves forward in complying with EPA orders on improving water

If the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. does not follow orders stipulated in a new contract between the utility, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and the U.S. Department of Justice, CUC could be charged thousands of dollars a day.

The new agreement is meant to meet requirements under the Safe Water Act and Clean Water Act.

CUC has failed to comply with a number of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency orders since 1999.

“I think it’s been a work in progress for the last three of four years. It’s just a culmination over that period of time, coming to fruition of what we basically agreed upon,” Antonio Muna, executive director of CUC, said.

Under the agreement, CUC must draft a master plan, obtain a contractor and allow public comment on the plan.

Also, CUC must fill several positions as part of a wastewater management team.

Muna said CUC hired Bruce Megarr in March to be deputy director for water and wastewater. He will be in charge of making sure CUC files the quarterly reports stipulated in the agreement, Muna said.

“It will be his direct responsibility that we do what we’re supposed to do,” Muna said.

He said Megarr’s background in water and wastewater should ensure that CUC complies.

CUC is required to turn in several plans to EPA on water sampling and monitoring.

“Within 90 days after the entry date, CUC shall develop and submit to EPA for approval a detailed plan, including a detailed schedule, to either install treatment at Tanapag Springs and Achugao Springs, or to disconnect those sources from the drinking water systems and provide an alternative supply of drinking water,” the agreement states.

CUC must also turn in a plan that will detail how it will perform samplings and where sampling will take place.

There have been problems with CUC conducting sampling tests in the past. According to their July 2008 report, CUC did not complete all the testing for contaminants in 2007.

The agency failed to complete all monitoring or testing for cryptosporidium, synthetic organic chemicals, and volatile organic contaminants.

If certain stipulations are not met, CUC can be penalized up to $1,000 per day per violation for the first 30 days; $2,000 per day per violation following the 30 days; and $5,000 per day per violation for each day after.

A representative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said he could not comment on the agreement because it has not been finalized by the U.S. Department of Justice.