In its official business agenda, the Members considered and approved a total of seven (7) permits including four (4) residential and three (3) other projects. These permits were issued with specific conditions in conformance with required statutes and regulations of the Republic of Palau. Permits are issued to assist in reducing impact to the project surroundings while allowing desired development to take place.
The four individual projects permitted to begin construction work for residential purposes included PEA-171-09, Justina Ramarui in Ngeruikl, Ngchesar State; PEA-172-09, Uburk Ngiratei in Ngermid, Koror State; PEA-173-09, Augustus Kadoi in Madalaii, Koror State; and, PEA-179-09, Julian T. Kodep in Ngeruliang, Melekeok State. Residential permits PEA-175-09 and PEA-176-09 were deferred until submittal of appropriate road design and percolation testing results, respectively.In addition, the Board approved the following proposed projects to commence work: PEA-177-09, Oscar Hainrick, Piggery Farm in Imeong, Ngaremlengui State and PEA-181-09, Palau Royal Resort, Generator Room Extension in Malakal, Koror State. PEA-140-09, George Rechucher and WCTC, WCTC Minimart & Services Station in Ngeburch, Melekeok State was approved with the condition that the permittee conduct community/state meetings to address the socio-economic impact of the project.In related Board matters, the Board approved final adoption of the Regulation of Water Use Reclassification to Class “B” (Commercial/Docks) for certain areas fronting Echol, Ngerkebesang, Koror State to allow over water activities and use for the Palau Ocean Resort project. Also, the following violations by individuals and companies were discussed in the same board meeting: NOV 09-35, Bureau of Public Works, sewage overflow in Meketii, Koror State and Cease and Desist Order 06-35, Kwang Seok Kim, Solid Waste Management violations in Ochelochel, Airai State. The permit for PEA-042-07, Ye Seung Marine Products Co., Ltd., Ngchesar Fishery Port Project in Tabrengesang, Ngchesar State was revoked for failure to comply with EQPB directives, notwithstanding multiple extensions of time.By law, EQPB board meetings are open to the public. Agenda for each board meeting are announced through the government’s radio station T8AA and 87.9FM prior to the scheduled meeting date. The public is encouraged to attend the open agenda items of the meetings.In other related news, the EQPB is pleased to have on board Ms. Lynna Thomas as the Coordinator for the IWRM Project. Ms. Thomas recently returned to Palau after about eight years of school at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. The EQPB welcomes on board Member Yamada and Member Ngiraiwet along with Ms. Thomas.
