VISITING U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX Administrator Wayne Nastri praised the CNMI for its commitment to prioritize environmental concerns like the construction of the $10 million Marpi landfill despite the islands’ current economic hardships.
Nastri, who was on Saipan yesterday en route to Palau, inspected the island’s “environmental hot spots”: the Puerto Rico dumpsite, the Marpi landfill project and the PCB treatment site in Tanapag.
“We know that the economy isn’t good and it’s difficult to take the stand where you are going to put the environment first. I am very impressed with the work that’s ongoing because it’s a difficult choice, but is certainly the right choice,” he said.
He said EPA will continue its oversight role to ensure that the PCB treatment facility operates safely and efficiently.
More than 50 percent of the 20,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil have so far been treated using the indirect thermal desorption method. The U.S. Army Corps is also set to ship to the U.S. today five containers of PCB filter cake and liner wastes for proper disposal.
“We’re actually pleased with the overall efficiency in terms of treatment,” Nastri said.
Nastri, along with John McCarroll, manager of EPA’s Pacific islands office, and Nathan Lau, associate director of EPA’s cross media division, headed yesterday for Koror, Palau for the 21st Annual Pacific Islands Environment Conference (see related story in Pacific Islands section).
“I can say that on my first visit here, I’m very impressed with the commitment to address environmental concerns,” Nastri added.
Robert Schwalbach, the governor’s senior policy advisor, lauded EPA’s efforts to assist the CNMI in addressing environmental concerns.
“On behalf of the governor, we’re very appreciative for your taking the time and effort to see us. We hope this is not the first time, and we will welcome you back,” he told Nastri.
