(DEQ) — Several used oil drums, which contain various hazardous chemicals, have been dumped at several locations on Saipan.
Division of Environmental Quality inspectors have removed two abandoned 55-gallon used oil drums at Naftan Point. 
The drums were first identified on Feb. 16 and have been placed in the Saipan Mayor’s Office storage facility. 
On March 13 and 27, DEQ enforcement officers found four more abandoned 55-gallon drums at Tomorrow Enterprises, a former garment factory on Navy Hill and near a private residence in Achugao. 
Improper disposal of used oil drums is not a new practice.  Last year in July, seven 55-gallon drums were found at Isley field in Koberville. 
Used oil is a potent cocktail of chemicals, which include barium, chromium and zinc and combustion-by products such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
These chemicals are harmful to the environment and human health, with the potential to cause cancer and other health problem. 
Oil decomposes very slowing and has the potential to contaminate our groundwater supply. 
One liter of oil can contaminate 1 million liters of drinking water and can be taken up into plants from the soil and enter the food chain. 
DEQ advises residents to dispose of their used oil properly.
Do not pour oil down the drain or into the gutter; do not mix it with other materials such as paint or solvents; do not throw it in the trash, bury the oil or oil drum or abandon it on someone else’s property; do not burn it. 
Call DEQ’s used oil program to report abandoned used oil drums, and to get more information on proper disposal at 664-8500 or -8501.