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CUC seeks USDA loan for wastewater outfall
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Posted on Jun 26 2004
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is applying for a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund the construction of an ocean outfall that would discharge effluent from the Agingan Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Once the CUC obtains the loan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it would set the schedule within the wastewater treatment facility should be back into compliance with environmental regulations.
The construction of the outfall is estimated to cost about $5 million, according to EPA Region 9 wastewater expert Mike Lee.
For several years now, the facility has been discharging effluent at the Agingan Point cliffline. An outfall design, however, has been completed, according to Lee.
A special report by the Saipan Tribune some three years ago illustrated the facility’s dismal efficiency in treating wastewater, which meant its effluent contributed pollutants to the lagoon. At that time, the facility’s clarifier—a mechanical part that purifies wastewater—was damaged.
The CUC managed to repair the clarifier eventually. Lee said the facility continues to function properly to date. (John Ravelo)
