The construction of wastewater transmission and collection lines in the area is now necessary, he said.
He said while all of the homes and businesses in As Matuis have septic tank waste disposal systems, the topography and geology in the area have caused wastewater contaminants from an inadequate septic system leach field.
This removes contaminants and impurities from the liquid that emerges from the septic tank, polluting the groundwater and eventually creating a public health threat, Megarr added.
“An overwhelming majority of the village, including the highest homestead density area, has very limited slow rate process, making it poorly sited for use of septic leach fields,” he said.
According to Megarr, when properly sited and maintained on a routine basis, septic systems are an excellent waste management alternative.
However, if not properly sited, as in As Matuis, it can cause contamination of surface and groundwater resources that might lead to public health and pollution problems.
He submited an application for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In his letter, Megarr said the proposed project will cost $5.1 million and involves the construction of a variable grade sewer that will connect As Matuis to CUC’s existing sewer system.
He said the variable grade system will eliminate the use of individual leaching fields and create a closed wastewater system.
“This will protect the groundwater from contamination by nutrients, protecting the lagoon from eutrophication, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, protecting the public from potential health issues,” he added.
Megarr said the rehabilitation of CUC’s wastewater facilities is part of the federal stipulated orders.
CUC’s failure to comply with the stipulated orders “would have a devastating effect to the residents and the economy of the CNMI,” he added.
Non-compliance will also lead to a moratorium on sewer connections, which will further damage an already depressed CNMI economy, he said.
