It is expected to take at least two years to finish the work to permanently close the Ordot Dump, which includes installing a cap and constructing stormwater, leachate and landfill gas controls. Meanwhile, interim measures will be put in place immediately to protect the public health and the environment until permanent closure is complete. The Ordot Dump has had a long history of illegal discharges into the Lonfit River, garbage fires, and public complaints about odors, rats, and mosquitoes.
“Today marks the beginning of the end for the Ordot Dump. This source of garbage fires, noxious odors and health risks is finally closing for good,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “EPA, Guam EPA and the Receiver will be working together to ensure a safe closure that protects the environment and community of Ordot Chalan-Pago.”
The new Layon landfill will open and begin accepting waste today, Sept. 1. The construction of the Layon landfill and the closure of the Ordot Dump are requirements of a 2004 federal Consent Decree between the United States and the Government of Guam. In 2008, in order to achieve compliance with the Consent Decree, the U.S. District Court of Guam appointed Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc. as the Receiver of the Solid Waste Management Division of the Guam Department of Public Works.
