Hydrogen sulfide gas is a colorless chemical compound produced by bacterial breakdown of organic materials in human and animal wastes commonly seen in sewers and dumps.
CUC estimated that about 60 miles of sewer mains on the island are vulnerable to breakdown due to hydrogen sulfide gas.
“Approximately 60 miles of force and gravity sewer mains have been compromised by naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide gas. This means holes throughout and 200-foot section collapse in San Jose last month. While this collapse was fixed, other collapses are likely,” a report about CUC states.
The report published in the Commonwealth Register along with Executive 2009-04, which extends for yet another 30 days the state of disaster emergency for the CNMI, stressed that CUC is losing about $7 million a year for its wastewater and water services.
CUC has been required by the federal court to improve its water and wastewater systems and ensure that they comply with U.S. law.
CUC said its financial crunch is taking a toll on its ability to immediately address those concerns.
“CUC faces additional, critical challenges in the water/wastewater area. Failures of key aspects of the systems could harm our people and our ability to meet commitments to the [Environmental Protection Agency] and the federal district court,” the report stated.
As of this month, CUC said three different pumps are out of service at its water wells.
Add to that the corrosion problem due to old age at some wastewater collection pipes.
“Materials have entered the wastewater collection pipe through pipe failure. Pipe failures result from age [some over 30 years old] and undue corrosion. For instance, the iron pipe for the main pumping station to the Agingan Point Wastewater Treatment Plant failed completely after only six years of service. Sewage lift stations are vulnerable,” CUC said.
