GUAM — Andersen Air Force Base officials are seeking an Environmental Protection Agency permit so the base can operate a hazardous waste management facility.
The facility would be within the boundaries of the base, extending from the far end of Tarague Beach and ending just before Tagua Point. Officials have used the area for emergencies and training, situations exempt from permit regulations.
The Air Force wants to use the site as an explosive ordnance disposal range — an open burning/open detonation unit for the treatment of hazardous wastes such as waste ammunition and waste explosives.
The permit defines the purpose and to what capacity the facility may function as well as providing operation and maintenance procedures. The permit also addresses possible environmental concerns and highlights Air Force and EPA guidelines to ensure the facility remains ecologically friendly.
After several meetings between EPA and Air Force officials, a draft permit was written and is being offered to the public for review and commentary.
“Andersen has met every provision and compliance stated within the permit,” said Michael O’Mallan, an EPA environmental specialist and one of two officials involved in issuance of the permit.
“I am not aware of any formal objections to the permit or the creation of this facility voiced by any member of the local populace at this time,” O’Mallan said.
The EPA will hold a final public hearing on the permit at 5 p.m. Oct. 13 at Guam’s EPA conference room, 17-3304 Mariner Avenue, Tiyan.
The public comment period is scheduled to end Sept. 26. Copies of the permit can be obtained at the EPA Administrative Office.
To comment, submit questions or concerns in writing to: Guam Environmental Protection Agency; PO Box 22439, GMF; Barrigada, Guam 96923. Call the EPA at 671-475-1658/9 for more information.
