Edwin Aldan
TINIAN Mayor Edwin P. Aldan is seeking the Department of Defense’s assistance to build a permanent landfill on the island.
In his letter to Steve Chung, the Pacific Readiness senior project manager of DoD’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation or OLDCC, Aldan said Tinian’s priority is the planning and development of a future permanent landfill at Atgidon Site. This project, he said, is crucial “for improving our community’s infrastructure and enhancing our overall environmental management strategy.”
To ensure the project’s success, the mayor said he and the other Tinian leaders believe that “it is vital to engage a solid waste consultant with expertise in landfill construction plan and design.” The consultant, he added, “will play a key role in guiding the Tinian municipal government through the pre-design and design phases of the landfill project, helping them make informed and sustainable decisions.”
The scope of work will include site selection, soil testing, surveying, permitting, landfill design, cost estimation and projected construction timelines.
Aldan is also seeking DoD’s support for funding a study to assess Tinian’s water supply, particularly the impact of military activities on the island. This study, he said, is critical as Tinian relies on a single aquifer to supply fresh water to the entire island, directly affecting the livelihood of its residents.
“I firmly believe that with [the] support of qualified consultants, we can achieve an efficient, effective and environmentally responsible outcome. These projects will not only improve waste management in our municipality but also promote the well-being and sustainability of our entire community,” Aldan told the DoD official.
“We greatly appreciate your consideration of our request for assistance in engaging the necessary expert services for these vital projects. With OLDCC’s support, we look forward to making significant advancements for our community,” he added.
