The meeting was led by the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) through the assistance of United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
Michelle Rogow, USEPA scene coordinator emergency response section, said the aim of the meeting was to figure out where the chemicals are being used in Palau, the amount of chemicals being imported to Palau, where they are going to used and if they are properly stored.
Rogow said this is a long time process but it can do it through the gathering information from the different agencies and ministries in Palau.
She believes that every ministry has a different piece and concerns with the respective chemicals.
Rogow added that after gathering all information, they can organize a strategic plan on the prevention and management system on chemicals.
Rogow said Palau does not have many industries, no production of chemicals and many manufacturing companies but the purpose of the meeting was to prevent chemicals as well as to protect the public safety.
The National Chemical Management Taskforce is comprises of: the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, EQPB, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment & Tourism, Chamber of Commerce, Governors’ Association, PCC, House of Delegates and Non-Government Organizations.
