The military’s approval, however, is needed by Tinian officials.
Last week, the Coastal Resources Management Office approved the permits of Marianas Resort Development Corp., which identified the current open dump as part of the area where its casino facility will be located.
Sen. Henry H. San Nicolas, Covenant-Tinian, and Rep. Edwin P. Aldan, Covenant-Tinian, yesterday said the island’s delegation will ask the military “to allow us to use the original site we identified for the landfill relocation or we can jointly use the area for economic development.”
Tinian’s current dump is not compliant with environmental regulations and poses numerous environmental and health hazards to the public. The dump is also near the West Tinian Airport.
San Nicolas yesterday said they have asked “concerned individuals” to expedite the negotiation with the military. “We believe that the area is accessible and safe for our people,” he said.
Tinian is now completing the survey for the military site so it can come up with a detailed plan of relocation.
The Marianas Resort Development Corp. said the closure of the dump is very vital to its casino and golf course project as its hotel facility will be constructed near the dump.
