Teno to discuss PCB with OIA

Commonwealth leaders are hoping to secure the support of the Office of Insular Affairs on various issues including the shipment of PCB-contaminated soil to the mainland United States.

Before he departs for Washington DC. yesterday, the governor disclosed plans to meet with newly installed OIA Director Gale Norton. The executive director hopes to establish a more solid relationship with the Interior Affairs office.

The governor is taking the first step to renew the relationship between the local government and the agency tasked to look after the needs of US insular areas.

Mr. Tenorio said the meeting is CNMI’s commitment to work closely with the OIA in resolving pending issues previously identified by a special task force. This include programs aimed at developing the Commonwealth’s economy.

The governor also said he will also seize the opportunity to secure funding assistance for local projects, as well as tackle long standing issues like the Compact-Impact payments to the CNMI and the local government’s relationship with federal officials.

While in Washington, the governor will also attend the winter meeting of the National Governors’ Association, from where he hopes that the CNMI will gain more allies and support from state leaders.

Asked whether he will solicit OIA support on PCB issues, the local chief executive explained that if shipment of contaminated soil will ensure the safety of Tanapag residents, his administration will fully support the move.

“I will discuss important issues with Interior officials and to get their support,” he told reporters in an interview yesterday.

In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency early this month, then OIA acting director Nikolao I. Pula urged Administrator Christine Whitman to expedite the implementation of the EPA rule.

The ruling stipulated the return to the US customs territory of poly-chlorinated biphenyl waste in the Northern Marianas and other US insular areas.

He said OIA strongly supports the move and looks forward to EPA’s swift implementation of the ruling.

Presently, EPA and Army Corps of Engineers on-site representatives are still excavating some portion of the old cemetery in Tanapag Village and conducting re-examination of contaminated soil.

EPA official Michelle Rogow disclosed earlier that things are being weighed whether the contaminated soil will be shipped to the US mainland or will be subjected to on-site treatment.

The agency is still awaiting the result of the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis of the Environmental Chemical Corporation. (EGA)