KOROR (Palau Horizon) – In its regular board meeting on February 25, the members of the Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB or Board) discussed seven permit applications and took action on four legal matters.
The permits were issued with specific conditions that conform with the required statutes and regulations of the Republic of Palau. The permit conditions are essential thus full adherence to them by the developers/contractors is much appreciated in order to minimize impacts to the surrounding environment while facilitating the desired development in Palau, said Executive Officer Franz. Any violation of the permit and its conditions will result in legal actions by the Board in the form of a cease and desist order, stop work and/or civil monetary fines of up to $10,000 per day per violation. The Board encourages the public to work within the permit conditions and to consult frequently with and seek assistance from the EQPB staff to address any concerns or questions they have regarding their permits, permit conditions, mitigations, etc.
According to the Board’s Executive Officer Portia K. Franz, the Board approved three (3) earthmoving permits for residential purposes: Robert Isimang’s patio with concrete floor in Ngerkebesang, Koror State; Roman Omengkar’s fill project in front of his house in Ngerang, Melekeok State; and, Victoria Johanes’ residence connection to sewer system in Iyebukel, Koror State.
For other permits, the Board approved Surangel & Sons Company’s request for permit and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI) to open Disposal Area No. 4, which is going to be located at previous staging area, right across from the entrance to PMA High School in Ngerusar, Airai State. This is the last of the disposal areas proposed by the company as part of the Palau International Airport Secondary Apron project. The Board also gave approval to Laurentino Ulechong & LU Rent & Lease to construct a commercial/parking building in Meketii, Koror State after he obtained an assurance letter from Bureau of Public Work’s Director that sewer capacity in the area is sufficient to accommodate the building’s estimated wastewater load for project plan submitted to EQPB. Henceforth, a strict condition will be placed on the permit to prohibit any other use/purpose of the building without first obtaining a permit from EQPB, especially if the parking lot area is to be converted into an auto repair shop or other usage not of office business as proposed. It should be noted that a Notice of Violation was issued to Bureau of Public Works for sewage overflow from the manhole in this area. No permanent solution has been provided to EQPB at this time.
Also during the meeting, while the Board approved Telouch Tellei & King’s Construction’s project to construct a laundromat, store and residential project in Ngerubesang, Melekeok State, it discussed Hawaiian Belau Rock Company’s Quarry Project in Oikull, Koror State. Since all information for this project, including the overwhelming public support obtained during the public hearing on February 22, 2010, the Board’s site visit, mitigations, etc., the Board will be discussing this application in its next board meeting for permitting.
The Board discussed four legal items on their agenda however, information on these will be made available in the future.
