Because it is located in a fragile wetland environment, the construction of the boardwalk, dock, and bridge is considered a major siting which requires a permit from the Coastal Resources Management program agencies, as well as an earthmoving permit from the Division of Environmental Quality.
Leon Guererro failed to obtain any permits prior to the construction at Lake Susupe, despite seeking and receiving advice from CRM that permits were required.
A notice of violation was issued to Leon Guerrero on Jan. 9, 2009, and although CRM helped him fill out a permit application on Jan. 21, 2009, no permit applications have yet been received by the agencies.
CRM performed a follow up inspection of the site on Jan. 27, 2009, in which the enforcement officers found that additional work had been undertaken in violation of CRM’s Jan. 9, 2009 notice of violation and that fill materials had been placed in Lake Susupe.
The Coastal Resources Management Act authorizes the creation of a coastal resources management regulatory program that provides for a permit system and the designation of areas of particular concern throughout the CNMI, 2 CMC § 1531(c), including Lake Susupe.
“We are very excited about the possible potential of this project and believe this could be beneficial for both residents and tourists to enjoy, but any project that is considered a major siting as this one is, is required to first obtain a CRM permit. Our office counseled Mr. Leon Guerrero repeatedly of this requirement,” said John B. Joyner, CRM director, “and the CRM and DEQ rules and regulations must be respected in light of Lake Susupe’s delicate ecosystem. In spite of the positive potential of this particular project, future unpermitted developments could be much more damaging to the environment than this one appears to be.”
The administrative order requires Leon Guerrero to submit applications for permits to the CRM and DEQ.
Leon Guerrero is also required to pay a $5,000 fine to CRM, and to schedule a meeting with CRM and DEQ within seven business days of the administrative order.
Pre-application meetings are available and encouraged with the regulatory agencies to speed the processing and approval of permit applications.
For more information about the application process, visit www.crm.gov.mp or www.deq.gov.mp; or call the agencies to set up a consultation appointment.
Rota commission says gaming rules now in effect
ROTA — The Rota Casino Gaming Commission has been working on creating, drafting and implementing of the rules and regulations for the island’s casino industry, a media release stated.
The rules and regulations were published on Dec. 22, 2008 and are now in effect.
The commissioners’ goal was to ensure that the rules and regulations are attractive to potential investors and conducive to the operation of casino.
The rules and regulations also provide adequate and systematic procedure on investigation and enforcement which are essential to maintain the integrity of the casino industry.
Moreover, consistent with the Rota Casino Act of 2007, the rules provide specific guidance to monitor and safeguard the casino industry and to protect the interest of the public.
Additionally, the commission is in the process of creating a Web site which would allow the public, potential investors, and tourists essential information about the potential casino industry and other investment on Rota.
The rules and regulations are published in the Commonwealth Registrar.
For more information, call the commission at 532-7242 or e-mail [email protected].
New books on Guam, Palau, Yap
A NEW book by Guam-based marine photographer Tim Rock highlighting the undersea beauty of Guam’s ocean and the beautiful coastal topography is now available, a media release stated.
Guam is a special mix of urban development and natural beauty.
Surrounded by miles of stunning coastline and rich coral reefs, it has one of the most diverse marine life communities in the Pacific with 400 coral species and over 1,000 different fish.
A melting pot of cultures make up the population and a great variety of marine life, history and natural formations highlight the surrounding seas.
In this book the author starts in the north and circumnavigates the island, traveling down the east coast, around the southern tip and then visually visiting the popular west coast reefs and bays.
The 160-page book contains 275 color photos above and below Guam with captions.
New Palau coffee table
This book contains over 240 photographs by Tim Rock.
Palau is one of the most beautiful island archipelagos on Earth.
Rock has compiled a unique look at the 100-mile long island chain from north to south.
See feeding manta rays, watch gray reef sharks, swim with dolphins and jellyfish.
Explore hidden waterfalls and dense jungles.
Meet the people and see the rich culture. This stunning hard cover volume is like no other book on the Palau islands.
Amazing images on both land and sea make this a must have edition.
This is the latest 2009 edition of “Yap — Micronesian Magic” by Tim Rock.
There are new images, more sharks and plenty of color in this latest book.
Rock has spent a lot of time in beautiful and traditional Yap.
This book highlights the unique culture, natural island beauty, amazing reefs, schools of reef sharks and manta ray families and much more.
In all, 333 color and B&W photos make this book a true collector’s edition about the special and remote island of Yap in the Western Pacific Ocean.
For more information visit the Web site at http://www.blurb.com/user/store/timrock
