But Aggreko officials yesterday said the operation of their generators will comply with safety and environmental regulations.
Under the $6 million contract signed by Aggreko International Projects Ltd. and CUC, the utilities agency has to provide the “main earthing connection terminal point” that will allow the company to connect its generators to the power plant.
A CUC source, who declined to be identified, told Variety that there are safety concerns if the connection is not in accordance with the rules.
“If they use a tube or a PVC pipe it will easily be punctured and most likely will become brittle because of the reaction from the fuel,” he said.
The installation of the fuel pipe should be supported to prevent it from breaking down, he added.
Yesterday, CUC Executive Director Antonio S. Muna showed reporters the site where the Aggreko generators were being installed in Lower Base.
Muna said Aggreko is providing CUC “first class service” that will give Saipan a stable power supply while the rehabilitation process continues at Power Plants 1 and 2.
He said 12 generators and three transformers have already been installed by Aggreko in Lower Base.
Aggreko site manager Wayne Lee said they always observe safety standards.
Muna said CUC and Aggreko will also comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
Aggreko electrical engineer Jeff Hogg said they have encountered “no problems so far” as “everything is being done in accordance with the safety standards.”
He added, “We also have an emergency response plan.”
Under the contract, the erection, commissioning and dismantling of the plant will be performed by Aggreko with the assistance of unskilled labor, craneage and transport arranged by and paid for by the company.
However, CUC will obtain, at its own cost, all permission, licenses, dispensations and any other dispositions and orders for operating the plant.
CUC will likewise prepare the site and all civil works for the erection and operation of the plant.
Muna said the Aggreko site is near the CUC warehouse that used to be the Department of Public Works building.
According to Aggreko, its generators will be isolated from the soil and mounted by a good foundation or steel.
Aggreko engineers are on the site to make sure that the preparation is in compliance with all safety rules, Muna said.
By Sept. 12, CUC will be able to use 13 megawatts of power that will be supplied by Aggreko, he added.
