Comments sought on dump re-use plans

As everyone is aware, the Puerto Rico Dump is no longer used as a disposal site for solid waste. While PRD is closed to public use, it still needs to be closed in compliance with all applicable federal and local Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations.

To this end the Department of Public Works, in cooperation with the U.S. EPA, secured a Brownfields Assessment Grant. This grant was to study and evaluate the end use of the property so that we may move on to full closure. Earth Tech was hired to perform this evaluation and provide a final report of findings. A key organization participating in this process is the CNMI’s Solid Waste Task Force headed by Lt. Governor Benavente. The task force provides an ongoing forum for all interested parties to consult and coordinate efforts with respect to project planning, oversight, funding and resolution of waste management issues. The SWTF evaluated potential end uses on Feb. 25, 2004. Consensus was reached that the four alternative end uses that would be evaluated further were:

1. In-place Closure with Restricted Access;

2. In-place Closure as a Passive Public Park;

3. In-place Closure as an Expanded CPA Port Facility;

4. In-place Closure as a Cruise Ship of Floating Hotel Facility;

Earth Tech performed an initial evaluation of these alternatives and a public meeting was held on June 18, 2004. This meeting was designed to present the alternatives to the public and solicit comments. During this meeting it was determined that an additional period of public comment should be provided. The Solid Waste Management Division has on display, at the Lower Base Refuse Transfer Station, artists’ renderings of the proposed end uses. There are also summary sheets outlining the various advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives.

We encourage interested members of the community to visit the Transfer Station and provide any comments. These comments may be delivered by e-mail to DPWsolidwaste@gtepacifica.net or via phone to 322-2745. Public participation is critical to determine what end use is most suited to the needs of the CNMI.

There is still a need to compliantly close PRD. This assessment will provide us with an unfettered evaluation of what the property will become and allow the CNMI to move forward to begin construction activities designed to close PRD in an environmentally responsible manner. Once again, we encourage all interested parties to review the alternatives and provide any appropriate comments.

Steve Hiney
Program Manager
Department of Public Works-Solid Waste Management Division
Lower Base Refuse Transfer Station