(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality has served Samkor Inc. with an administrative order for violating the Commonwealth Environmental Protection Act, the Commonwealth Solid Waste Management Act, CNMI Solid Waste Management Regulations and CNMI Used Oil Management Regulations.
DEQ inspectors found large piles of scrap metal, used tires, green waste, and other materials reaching heights of well over 15 feet on the site; stacks of crushed metal exceeding 10 feet in height; and debris covering the facility, including plastic, seat cushions, broken ceramics from electrical wire parts, broken headlight/signal light parts, and broken glass among other debris.
DEQ also observed Samkor staff dismantling scrap vehicles on bare ground, which increases the likelihood of soil and water contamination.
DEQ inspectors noted that Samkor had no process for segregating hazardous fluids such as gasoline, transmission fluid, brake fluid or oil, or any other hazardous material.
The inspection further revealed the absence of any secondary containment in the working area, ponding basins at the site, or other stormwater controls that would prevent the runoff of hazardous substances into the waters of the CNMI.
These practices pose a risk to human health and the environment.
In addition, DEQ charged Samkor for improper storage of 55-gallon drums of used oil, used diesel and used coolant. All drums on site, including the fuel storage area, were labeled improperly.
The administrative order was issued subsequent to Samkor’s failure to comply with several notices of violation, dating back to 2002.
DEQ has ordered Samkor to cease and desist from disposing of solid waste at the Lower Base facility and has given Samkor until Jan. 31 to remove all existing solid waste, including scrap metal, used tires, batteries, green waste and other debris as well as pay for any fees required for disposal.
Other conditions of the order include the submissions of a solid waste permit application, used oil notification form, and an oil spill response plan.
Samkor must also conduct a site investigation to assess the extent of hazardous waste contamination, if any, at the facility.
Samkor may not accept any waste or scrap material from the public or any other source at the facility until further notice.
As the regulatory agency, DEQ may assess a civil fine in the amount of $1,000 per violation per day.
In addition, DEQ may assess a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per violation per day for failure to comply with the Commonwealth Environmental Protection Act.
Samkor will be subject to fines and civil penalties for failing to comply with the administrative order.