The HP Frontline Metals Trading Company, Santos Borja and Myrna Catindig were ordered to cease and desist violating the EQPA and were issued a fine of $50,000 for the collection, transport, and storage of hazardous wastes in Ngerusar, Airai State. The parties engaged in these activities without approved Hazardous Waster Permit from EQPB and in defiance of previous orders and warnings by EQPB to cease such activity. The hazardous wastes were in the form of used of electrical transformers containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). In addition to the fine, the Board ordered them to return the transformers to a secure location within the PPUC Compound in Malakal by January 31, 2010.
The Kwang Seok Kim and A&A Holdings Airai Scrap Metal Yard were also ordered to cease and desist violating the EQPA and to pay a fine of $50,000 for the unpermitted storage and processing scrap metals (junk cars) at Ochelochel, Airai State without an EQPB Solid Waste Management Permit. According to Executive Officer Franz, notwithstanding numerous stop work and other orders, Mr. Kim has not complied with the Board’s required corrective measures and has continued to operate and manage scraps in this area without a permit since 2005.
Meanwhile, the Hiromie Nabeyama was ordered to pay a civil penalty of $500 for conducting earthmoving work for a new residential structure in Ngerdubech, Ngatpang State without an EQPB Earthmoving Permit.
Shallum Etpison and the NECO Group of Companies, on the other hand, were fined $1,000 for constructing and operating and unpermitted commercial aquaculture facility in open water at Ngerchaol, Koror State. This follows the previous order and separate fine levied on the same parties for the unpermitted construction of a land based pond aquaculture project in Ngerbechedesau, Koror State.
According to Portia K. Franz, EQPB executive officer, the board has the statutory authority to take enforcement actions against any person who violates any provisions of the EQPA or any permit, regulation, standard or order issued under the EQPA. Such enforcement actions may include, penalty of up to $10,000 for each day of violation or commencement of a civil to enjoin such violation. Persons wishing to contest an order may request that the board conduct a public hearing on the matter.
