PNC :: Lawmakers Hear From Fisherman's and Farmers Co-op's Concerns with Military Buildup

PNC :: Lawmakers Hear From Fisherman's and Farmers Co-op's Concerns with Military Buildup

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Guam - The commitee on natural resources and federal affairs held a briefing on the buildup this morning.

They spoke to the Fisherman's Co-op the Farmers Co-op the Guam Organization of Saltwater Anglers and the Department of Agriculture. The focus of the meeting was to gather input from these organizations on their thoughts about the draft environmental impact statement. Fisherman Co-op general manager Manny Duenas says the Co-op is concerned about the proposed dredging of Apra harbor and the impacts it will have on the ecosystem as 25 acres of coral and marine life will be dredged. Duenas says they are concerned about the the dredge material that will be dumped off the coast of Guam without being tested for nuclear wasted and other contaminants.

Duenas says the Fishermans Co-op is also concerned about impacts to the Pagat and Sasayan valley area if it is used as a firing range. If this happens he says the area will be off-limits to fishermen and the firing range will litter the surrounding waters with ammunition.

Written by : Clynt Ridgell