The Division of Environmental Quality has asked the Legislature’s support in the agency’s efforts to reverse the present rate of pollution in Saipan lagoon which is affecting the image of the Northern Marianas as a tourist destination.

The Division of Environmental Quality has asked the Legislature’s support in the agency’s efforts to reverse the present rate of pollution in Saipan lagoon which is affecting the image of the Northern Marianas as a tourist destination.

Such assistance may be provided in identifying funding for storm drainage/stormwater quality improvement structures and sewer system upgrades which may require large capital expenditures.

“We have neglected our environment for so long that the consequences are now affecting our daily lives and tarnishing the image of our once-pristine islands. I believe that the time is right for the leadership of the CNMI to begin taking steps to reverse the damage,” said DEQ Director Ike Cabrera in his letter to Rep. Thomas B. Pangelinan.

The agency has been regularly issuing notices to Saipan residents about pollution in beaches, warning them against fishing or swimming in certain areas due to the presence of fecal bacteria.

These disease-causing organisms can be washed into the lagoon during rainstorms, which may be due to malfunctioning, overflowing or clogging of sewerlines.

In fact some garbage and wastewater discharges, or “non-point source pollution, in the sewer system, are now subject of several local and federal laws.

DEQ is presently working on a detailed analysis of the sources of this pollution for the Garapan drainage number 1, which discharges near the Dai-Ichi Hotel and has historically been the most polluted area.

To prevent further degradation of the environment, DEQ and other regulatory agencies have implemented several programs. DEQ’s Earthmoving permit system requires all new development to contain stormwater on their own lot, which in principle will prevent pollution from new sites from reaching the lagoon.
The Coastal Resources Management also requires pollution prevention measures for all new development.

However, these permitting systems do little to take care of the existing problem of runoff from developments and roads that were previously built without adequate stormwater control measures.

Unfortunately, permitting programs fail to address ongoing problems such as sewerline overflows, out-of-control animal populations and people’s behavior.

Mr. Cabrera said the Legislature can also assist in helping plan development to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations in relation to protecting the island’s fragile environment.