THE U.S. Geological Survey has advised the CNMI government to postpone the establishment of a rural homesteading program for the Northern Islands until a seismic network is reestablished in the area.
In a May 22 letter, Rodolfo M. Pua, director of the Emergency Management Office, informed the House Committee on Natural Resources that before the Legislature considers the passage of H.B. 13-36, or the Northern Islands Rural Homesteading Act of 2002 introduced by Rep. William S. Torres, R-Saipan, “it should seriously look into the recommendations made by USGS” in developing mitigation plans on safety and emergency issues on the island.
The bill seeks to establish a homesteading program on Anatahan, Sarigan, Alamagan, Pagan and Agrigan.
Based on a study made by USGS geologists led by Richard B. Moore from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the Northern Islands need a seismic network which will provide “a very cost-effective way to give early warnings of an impending eruption.”
The group particularly raised concern on having a homestead on the northern part of Pagan and Anatahan.
Based on the group’s analysis, Pagan is “the most volcanically active of the major inhabitable islands.”
The “seismic swarm activity” in Anatahan that happened in 1990 is also of concern to USGS. “This land is potentially the most explosive of the Northern Islands. Continued upkeep and timely maintenance of the seismic station is essential,” the group said.
Also, while the most recent volcanic eruption on Agrigan occurred in 1917, the group said a seismic monitoring in the area should nonetheless be maintained.
Alamagan has no historic eruptions but USGS said the volcano in the area has steep sides and has a “potential to erupt explosively” thus continued seismic monitoring is also needed. Also, the group said they have to look at the past “eruptive behavior” of Sarigan. USGS specifically recommended the following:
• Restore seismographic network operation for the Northern Islands with radio telemetry of seismic signals from field stations on Agrihan, North Pagan, South Pagan, Anatahan and Saipan.
• To implement installation on new Kinemetric seismograph instrumentation, contract services with Kinemetrics, Inc. should be considered a high priority.
• Expert instrument specialists from the manufacturer should provide the necessary training and assistance in the proper installation of seismographs in the CNMI.
• Villages on the Northern Islands should operate a portable seismograph and learn to recognize the common signals caused by earthquakes, weather conditions, cultural noise or instrumental problems. They, with the help of civil authorities, should also prepare safety procedures and evacuation plans.
EMO also recommended that the committee include them and USGS to work with the Marianas Public Land Authority during the planning stage of developing the mitigation plan. Also, funds should be budgeted for the purchase, maintenance and repairs of equipment needed for the seismic network.
