According to the Board’s Executive Officer Portia K. Franz, the Board approved two earthmoving permits that included Brenges Ngiramos’s residence in Dngeronger, Koror State, and Hiromi Nabeyama’s fill/leveling on dry land in Madalaii, Koror State.
After extensive review, EIA comment, joint site visit by Board, Staff, land owner, Oikull Rubak and Applicant, public hearing in Ngerikiil Center in Oikull, applicant presentation and submittal of additional information, the Board approved Hawaiian Belau Rock Company’s request for permit and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI) to construct and operate the Oikull Quarry to take place in Oikull, Airai State. During the public hearing, the applicant reiterates its plan to help maintain the Oikull road being used by its project. It was also revealed that the project will put forth assistance to the community in the form of Oikull Abai structure and funding for community improvement projects under traditional leadership.
During the meeting, the Board voted on its Final Order 10-22, to Bureau of Aviation, Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and Surangel and Sons Company, for violating permit conditions of the Airport Apron Project. The Board requires these violators to ensure compliance of the environmental laws and protection of the environment of Palau. The office of CIP was further ordered to employ an environmental inspector to oversee compliance of the permit conditions and to make sure their project contractors are properly trained and knowledgeable on use of the storm water management practices approved by the EQPB. If the Board’s final order is not complied with, the fine of $20,000 will be reinstated.
The Board also approved the removal plan proposed by the Palau International United Development Company (PIUD) to salvage a fishing vessel grounded in Angaur reef.
In previous board meetings, the Board took action on various matters on its legal agenda. CIP, Shine Engineering Co. Ltd., and FR Construction Company, as Permittees to the Koksai-Ngchesar Compact Connecting Road Project were found in violation of their EQPB Permit and were fined $10,000 for the violations. Toshiwo Takataro was fined $500 for conducting earthmoving to construct a home without the required earthmoving permit from EQPB. Also, Final Order 10-12 issued to Santos Borja, HP Frontline Metals Trading, Co. and Sintaro Kual as a result of their violations of EQPB’s Solid Waste Management Regulations in Angaur State, required the provision of in-kind services in the form of labor and materials including a 20 ft storage container for the construction of a Hazardous Materials Storage Facility at M-Dock.
In the matter of Shallum Etpison and SE Aquaculture Project, the Board denied the request of Governor Adachi to initiate rulemaking on marine water reclassification from current Class AA to Class B of an area in Rebai Melachel, including Ngerchaol Rock Islands Area where Mr. Etpison is proposing use for aquaculture. According to EQPB Executive Officer Portia Franz, “certain information is needed with regard to issues that directly impact the decision to reclassify the waters in that area and because of the time limit in the law, the Board is required to take action on the request.” Ms. Franz further added that the Board is denying the water reclassification request at this time, but on the condition that the request could be reinstated and rulemaking instituted if warranted as result of the submission of all necessary information and a decision on the underlying permit.
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