OVER 800 pieces of live World War II unexploded ordnance will be detonated on June 15 and 16 at the Laderan Laguun Cliff Line which is south of the Marpi landfill project, according to the Emergency Management Office.
Projectiles, rocket launchers, grenades, mortars and a 300-lb. depth charge are among those that will be detonated.
Rudolfo M. Pua, EMO director, said in an interview that the U.S. Navy Explosives and Ordnance Disposal Team from Guam will spearhead the detonation with EMO as the main coordinator.
“We might also invite top government officials, including Gov. Juan N. Babauta, to push the main button to detonate the bombs once they’re all set,” Pua told Variety.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave a 90-day emergency permit to the CNMI for the detonation of unexploded munitions on Tinian and Saipan.
“We had to do the detonation before July when that permit expires,” Pua added.
The Navy and EMO conducted a detonation on Tinian’s Pina Quarry Pit in May, involving a total of 454 pieces of live ordnance.
In a separate advisory issued yesterday, EMO said the two-day detonation on Saipan will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
EMO told the public not to go near the detonation site to ensure their safety.
“Due to the danger imposed by this operation, the general public, especially tour operators, fishermen and commercial pilots are strongly advised to stay at least one mile away from this area during the date and time indicated,” said EMO.
The EMO advisory came out a few days after all the local regulatory agencies approved the necessary permits for the open burning of live military ordnance, including the approvals from the Division of Environmental Quality, the Coastal Resources Management, the Historic Preservation Office and the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Saipan was the site of major battles and military operations during World War II.
