BEFORE CLEARING LANDFILL SITE Search for reed warbler nests urged

Construction of the Marpi Solid Waste facility may result in an increase of the two nightingale reed-warbler territories of four birds that encroach on the project site.

According to the solid waste task force, the project site should be searched for active reed warbler nests prior to the clearing. “If any are identified, it will be important to ensure all nestings have fledged before habitat clearing activities commence,” the task force added.

Results of the survey data indicate that two reed-warbler territories occur on the project site. Based on the total island population of 4,867 birds, the Marpi Solid Waste facility component may affect only a total of 0.08 percent of the Saipan population of reed-warblers.

The CNMI government has been having difficulty convincing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials in Hawaii to give a go signal for the construction of Marpi landfill, which will pave the way for the closure of the Puerto Rico dump.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife has refused to give its stamp of approval on the project as it expressed apprehension on its effect on the endangered nightingale reed warblers, a type of bird found only in the Northern Marianas.

Apparently exasperated on the failure to get the federal agency’s approval, the Division of Environmental Quality said the CNMI government cannot allow further delays because the health of the people is at stake.

The CNMI government is under compliance to close the dump as it poses environmental and health hazards in the community. DEQ has assured that the Northern Marianas will implement the necessary mitigation measures to protect the reed warbler.

A transfer station will be established in the Lower Base area to reduce overall hauling costs, minimize traffic impact and significantly reduce potential for illegal dumping.

In a move to better plan the size and projected use of the new landfill and other facilities, waste surveys have been conducted to determine the type, volume and weight of wastes currently being disposed of at the Puerto Rico dump.

The Division of Solid Waste Management has initiated management strategies to improve the existing operations at the Puerto Rico dump and is developing a system of tipping fees, or charges for the disposal of solid waste, which will help defray the cost of operations. (LFR)