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DEQ presses for changes in sanitation bill
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Posted on Mar 22 2000
The Division of Environmental Quality has urged changes to a comprehensive bill promoting environmental health and sanitation in the CNMI in order to avoid possible duplication of functions between the agency and the Department of Public Health.
DEQ Director Ike Cabrera said several provisions in the proposed measure are now being addressed by the division as well as DPH under existing environmental laws earlier enacted by the Legislature.
“This duplication of authorities between DPH and DEQ will lead to confusion within the regulated community and possibly result in regulations from the two [agencies] that address the same problems,” he said in his testimony presented during a public hearing yesterday.
The House Health and Welfare Committee, led by chair Rep. Malua T. Peter, held the hearing as part of the review of HB 12-57 or the Commonwealth Environmental Health and Sanitation Act of 2000.
According to Mr. Cabrera, DEQ supports the proposal as a means to safeguard the health and welfare of residents and visitors alike, but added that it needs amendment to clarify the roles of the division.
It will also present problems to existing laws that become DEQ’s sole responsibilities, such as the drinking water regulations and pesticide regulations as well as solid waste management.
“DEQ recommends that the multi-agency task force initiated by DPH to evaluate this bill continue in its efforts to find areas of overlap between different government agencies. Any product developed by the task force should be utilized by the House to revise this bill,” said Mr. Cabrera.
DPH officials at the same hearing expressed support for the proposal, but said the House needs to make amendment to prevent potential future problems.
