EQPB issued Notice of Violations to Bureau of Public Works of the Ministry of Resources and Development for violating the EQPB Regulations on Illegal Discharge of Raw Sewage into various manholes in the State of Koror.
The Public Works offices in Malakal and in Meyuns were also cited for the same violations, Illegal Discharge of Raw Sewage.Aside from Public Works, EQPB also cited Bekokewii Farm and Palau Vacation Hotel for violations.The farm was cited for EQPB Pesticide Regulation Section 2401-33-05 (B) (12) for the use of a restricted pesticide.EQPB said the owner of Bekokewii farm, Benjamin Ngirdimau, a retired police officer and Minghua Xu were notified of the violations during a routine inspection to monitor pesticide use.EQPB said long bean samples were collected and analyzed in a laboratory in Hawaii and found that the samples were positive for Methomyl, a restricted use pesticide.EQPB said the farm was cited because no one at the farm is a certified pesticide applicator and use of that particular pesticide was a clear violation.A Cease and Desist order and order to pay civil penalty for violation was issued to Ngirdimau.Ngirdimau appeared in front of the Board and asked for a reduction in his fine.The owner agreed to pay the fine and arrangements to help reduce the likelihood of further illegal pesticide use in Palau.EQPB said that they also cited Palau Vacation Hotel for violating its permit conditions.The agency also issued a Cease and Desist Order and Order to pay Civil Penalty.The hotel complied with the permit conditions and paid the fine in full.EQPB also issued Notice of Violation to Andres Thing of Ochelochel, Airai State, for violation of EQPB Regulation on Earthmoving.EQPB said they took action on these things during the Board’s regular meeting on December 5.The agency also took action for the completion of Phase 5 of the Airai State Road Improvement Project in Ngerusar and Ked, in Airai.EQPB said the project is to concrete the remaining portion of the Ngerusar and Ked road so that the local community, school and visitors can finally travel safely with no additional damage to their vehicles.The EQPB Office would like the public to know that the Koror-Airai Water Treatment Plant purifies over 4 million gallons of water each day in order to provide residents with safe and clean drinking water. The agency would also like to remind the public to conserve water.“Together, we can save millions of gallons of Palau’s water everyday. Each of us must take on the responsibility of water conservation now. Don’t let water go to waste,”EQPB said in a press release.EQPB welcomes any comments and concerns that the public may have and can be reached at 488-1639/3600 or via email, [email protected].
