Team to hear buildup concerns
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • October 28, 2009
Culture clash and the availability of resources were two primary concerns expressed by members of local government agencies, nonprofits and the general public on the Guam Compatibility Sustainability Study yesterday.
At a workshop sponsored by the governor's office, members of the governor's Advisory Consulting Team told the public that the study hinges on their voicing of concerns dealing with the compatibility issues caused by the impending military buildup.
"This is your opportunity to provide direction in the development of our roadmap for our children and future generations," Gov. Felix Camacho said. "Your participation at the public workshop is vital."
The compatibility study addresses the public's concern with regard to how to protect existing communities, and provide opportunities for economic development.
The Advisory Consulting Team primarily consists of members from the Matrix Design Group Inc., an interdisciplinary planning and engineering firm specializing in professional engineering consulting for the public and private sectors. The team will hear about issues the public has identified as areas of concern, and will provide a set of recommendations to the military and GovGuam on possible actions to take to ease the transition, the team's project manager and Matrix Design Group Vice President Celeste Werner said.
Dawn Cruz, a residential supervisor at Sanctuary Inc., said members of her nonprofit organization were interested in problems that may arise socially, such as new forms of bullying among youths. Additionally, she wanted to find out how the shift of 8,000 Marines and their families to the island would affect the number of youths that Sanctuary Inc. sees at its shelter.
"Are we going to have a long waiting list?" she asked. "We need to prepare ourselves for the demand."
She added that programs such as those for substance abuse prevention or family counseling may have to be altered to meet the needs of a new group.
Aside from social issues that may arise as a result of cultural differences, Guam residents said that establishing the infrastructure to support the influx of people on the island would be the biggest challenge.
"A lot of the infrastructure is a big problem. Having enough water to provide the number of people living on the island as well as power," Dededo resident Joann Fontenot said. "If we can have all that structured, then, of course, everyone will be living comfortably."
Meanwhile, Tamuning Vice Mayor Louise Rivera added that land use is of concern to her because she has seen several projects approved by the Land Use Commission, but very few that have been enforced in a timely manner.
The team also explained the process of drafting an environmental impact statement, in preparation for the release of a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) projected for Nov. 20.
The EIS is a detailed study of the potential consequences a federal action -- in this case, the buildup -- might have on people or the environment, and potential alternatives that would avoid or reduce those impacts, the One Guam Web site states. Once the draft is released, the public has 45 days to review it before the final EIS is published in the Federal Register.
But on Friday, Sens. Judy Guthertz and Rory Respicio, in a letter to Maj Gen. David Bice of the U.S. Marine Corps, requested an extension of the time needed for the public to review the draft after its release.
Following U.S. Ambassador John Roos' indication that Washington may give the new Japanese leadership more time to review the U.S.-Japan agreement on the realignment of forces, the two senators said that the people of Guam should similarly be granted an extension to review the EIS.
"Japan has announced that their decision may not be forthcoming until next summer," the letter reads. "From our perspective, the extremely restrictive 45-day review period is simply a matter of bureaucratic convenience, unrelated to the broader public purpose that it should serve, and certainly no longer sensible, based on the extension given to Japan."
Showing posts with label Environementa Impact. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Environementa Impact. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Hopes, concerns over US military build up in Guam
Hopes, concerns over US military build up in Guam
Sean Dorney, Guam
Last Updated: 21 hours 2 seconds ago
The business community on Guam is nervous about the possibility that the new government in Japan may try to change the agreement relating to America's proposed massive military build up on the island.
Under the 2006, deal brokered with the previous government, Japan would contribute billions of dollars to the relocation of 8,000 marines and their dependents from Okinawa to Guam.
"It is a huge operation...it's a ten billion dollar program with six billion dollars coming from the government of Japan and the remainder coming from the US government," said Captain Neil Ruggiero, a public affairs officer at the joint Guam program office.
Guam's government is excited by the prospect, but is wondering how it is going to cope.
Guam's business community, however, is less concerned and has been hosting a series of visits by foreign businessmen.
"There has been a couple of delegations from Australia that have come to the island looking at the opportunities, so the opportunities, the opportunities are huge," said Frank Campillo, chairman of Guam's Chamber of Commerce.
Apart from the concern over the new Japanese Government's commitment, there's an environmental issue to be resolved.
The proposed marine base is last remaining native habitat for a threatened bird species.
"There are two Marianas Crows left...they're two males, unfortunately, and we call the Heckel and Jeckelm," said Captain Neil Ruggiero.
"But by law we have to preserve the habitat where, if these species were going to be reintroduced in the future, you know, this is where they'd be reintroduced."
Under current planning, this massive military build-up will begin next year.
The United States already has a signifcant military presence in Guam, with large air and naval bases.
Sean Dorney, Guam
Last Updated: 21 hours 2 seconds ago
The business community on Guam is nervous about the possibility that the new government in Japan may try to change the agreement relating to America's proposed massive military build up on the island.
Under the 2006, deal brokered with the previous government, Japan would contribute billions of dollars to the relocation of 8,000 marines and their dependents from Okinawa to Guam.
"It is a huge operation...it's a ten billion dollar program with six billion dollars coming from the government of Japan and the remainder coming from the US government," said Captain Neil Ruggiero, a public affairs officer at the joint Guam program office.
Guam's government is excited by the prospect, but is wondering how it is going to cope.
Guam's business community, however, is less concerned and has been hosting a series of visits by foreign businessmen.
"There has been a couple of delegations from Australia that have come to the island looking at the opportunities, so the opportunities, the opportunities are huge," said Frank Campillo, chairman of Guam's Chamber of Commerce.
Apart from the concern over the new Japanese Government's commitment, there's an environmental issue to be resolved.
The proposed marine base is last remaining native habitat for a threatened bird species.
"There are two Marianas Crows left...they're two males, unfortunately, and we call the Heckel and Jeckelm," said Captain Neil Ruggiero.
"But by law we have to preserve the habitat where, if these species were going to be reintroduced in the future, you know, this is where they'd be reintroduced."
Under current planning, this massive military build-up will begin next year.
The United States already has a signifcant military presence in Guam, with large air and naval bases.
‘Guam can’t expect DoD aid for buildup’
‘Guam can’t expect DoD aid for buildup’
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 04:35
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
Second of a series
IT IS a policy of the Department of Defense not to provide funding for any buildup areas in a community, according to Celeste Werner, AICP president of Matrix Design Group, which is part of the governor’s Advisory and Consulting Team.
“There are a number of communities that are struggling with the exact same issues that Guam is experiencing as far as not having the funds to provide or get ready for the buildup,” Werner told Variety.
These communities, she added, are doing exactly what the government of Guam is trying to do, which is identify requirements.
“Identify them even though they don’t know what the real mission is because it’s changing. The draft environmental impact study is not out yet. They’re pulling their information together and in most cases, they’re in the same position,” said Werner.
While the consulting group can only provide input to the military, Werner foresees issues that need to be negotiated. “The military can say these are our projections and it may not be the same as ours, so there may be issues that need to be negotiated out,” she said.
Japan’s money
Werner noted that the funding that the government of Japan is providing is earmarked just for military construction projects.
“GovGuam has no control over that so we’re just focusing on what GovGuam can provide for revenues. We represent GovGuam. We worry about what GovGuam’s position is and make sure that it is fair and balanced across the board,” she said.
“Our documents will provide a third party objective, technical, professional review and opinion and recommendation that is not just coming from GovGuam. You can use those in plans and then go forward and identify more funds from different federal agencies,” said Werner.
Creative funding
Werner said the rush for federal funds is very competitive.
“Guam isn’t the only one vying for federal dollars for its own buildup. Some communities are being creative about how they are going to fund it,” Weerner said.
Some communities are doing public private partnership. Others are partnering with different nongovernment organizations involved with environmental issues that may have the same mission or goal as Guam in some specific areas that would require some additional funding.
“This is pulling both public and private in a partnering opportunity,” said Werner.
Werner said her group will be able to provide solid factual data with a third party objective and show the justifiable need for whatever Guam needs to meet and sustain the challenges of the buildup.
A series of workshops will be held to address the socio-economic impact of the buildup as well as an orientation of the national environmental policy act process related to the buildup.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 04:35
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
Second of a series
IT IS a policy of the Department of Defense not to provide funding for any buildup areas in a community, according to Celeste Werner, AICP president of Matrix Design Group, which is part of the governor’s Advisory and Consulting Team.
“There are a number of communities that are struggling with the exact same issues that Guam is experiencing as far as not having the funds to provide or get ready for the buildup,” Werner told Variety.
These communities, she added, are doing exactly what the government of Guam is trying to do, which is identify requirements.
“Identify them even though they don’t know what the real mission is because it’s changing. The draft environmental impact study is not out yet. They’re pulling their information together and in most cases, they’re in the same position,” said Werner.
While the consulting group can only provide input to the military, Werner foresees issues that need to be negotiated. “The military can say these are our projections and it may not be the same as ours, so there may be issues that need to be negotiated out,” she said.
Japan’s money
Werner noted that the funding that the government of Japan is providing is earmarked just for military construction projects.
“GovGuam has no control over that so we’re just focusing on what GovGuam can provide for revenues. We represent GovGuam. We worry about what GovGuam’s position is and make sure that it is fair and balanced across the board,” she said.
“Our documents will provide a third party objective, technical, professional review and opinion and recommendation that is not just coming from GovGuam. You can use those in plans and then go forward and identify more funds from different federal agencies,” said Werner.
Creative funding
Werner said the rush for federal funds is very competitive.
“Guam isn’t the only one vying for federal dollars for its own buildup. Some communities are being creative about how they are going to fund it,” Weerner said.
Some communities are doing public private partnership. Others are partnering with different nongovernment organizations involved with environmental issues that may have the same mission or goal as Guam in some specific areas that would require some additional funding.
“This is pulling both public and private in a partnering opportunity,” said Werner.
Werner said her group will be able to provide solid factual data with a third party objective and show the justifiable need for whatever Guam needs to meet and sustain the challenges of the buildup.
A series of workshops will be held to address the socio-economic impact of the buildup as well as an orientation of the national environmental policy act process related to the buildup.
Governor asks for 120 more days for DEIS
Governor asks for 120 more days for DEIS
Posted: Oct 27, 2009 3:22 PM
Updated: Oct 27, 2009 5:21 PM
by Nick Delgado
Governor Felix Camacho has officially requested for 120 days for the public and government leaders to review and provide comment on the draft environmental impact statement expected to be released next month. In a letter to Joint Guam Program Office Director David Bice, the governor said the additional 75 days would ensure adequate time to examine and respond to the largest draft EIS in Guam's history.
On that note, the Matrix Design Group is holding the first of several town hall meetings this evening, as they attempt to educate the public about a compatibility sustainability study and the National Environmental Policy Act process related to the military buildup. This evening's town hall meeting, which begins at 6, is being held at the Tamuning Community Center.
Another will be held at the Dededo Community Center and a third town hall meeting will be held at the Agat Senior Citizen's Center on Thursday evening from 6-8:30.
The company has been contracted by the government to review the voluminous draft environmental impact statement when it is released to the public on November 20.
Posted: Oct 27, 2009 3:22 PM
Updated: Oct 27, 2009 5:21 PM
by Nick Delgado
Governor Felix Camacho has officially requested for 120 days for the public and government leaders to review and provide comment on the draft environmental impact statement expected to be released next month. In a letter to Joint Guam Program Office Director David Bice, the governor said the additional 75 days would ensure adequate time to examine and respond to the largest draft EIS in Guam's history.
On that note, the Matrix Design Group is holding the first of several town hall meetings this evening, as they attempt to educate the public about a compatibility sustainability study and the National Environmental Policy Act process related to the military buildup. This evening's town hall meeting, which begins at 6, is being held at the Tamuning Community Center.
Another will be held at the Dededo Community Center and a third town hall meeting will be held at the Agat Senior Citizen's Center on Thursday evening from 6-8:30.
The company has been contracted by the government to review the voluminous draft environmental impact statement when it is released to the public on November 20.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Report: 1,600 civilian jobs with buildup
Report: 1,600 civilian jobs with buildup
By Steve Limtiaco • Pacific Daily News • October 16, 2009
The military buildup is expected to create at least 1,600 full-time civilian jobs on Guam to support the Marines, Air Force and Navy, according to a labor report released yesterday by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
The Army also will need full-time civilian workers, the report states, but no estimates are available.
The military plans to transfer about 8,000 Marines and 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to a new base on Guam by 2014 as part of a military buildup that also will see increases in Air Force, Navy and Army activity on the island.
The Marine Corps, which is expected to hire the bulk of those civilian workers -- at least 1,450 -- believes most of those jobs need to be filled by Guam residents "because the officials do not think that many current employees will move from Okinawa," the report states.
The number and types of jobs required could remain sketchy until next January, the report states, when the military finalizes the buildup's environmental impact statement. That statement is expected to include an analysis of the buildup's socioeconomic impact.
Information needed
The report notes that the University of Guam believes the military will need qualified engineers and is considering setting up a new engineering program -- a process that could take three years.
But the university needs better information about the types of jobs and when they will be needed, the report states.
The Defense Department needs to keep Guam's government and educational community better informed about the labor requirements and opportunities that will be created on the island, the report states.
"Without this information, the government of Guam may be challenged to effectively plan for potential jobs that support the buildup and future continuing military presence, including the ability to train and prepare individuals so they qualify for these jobs," it said.
The transfer of the Marines would be a huge economic boon for Guam, if it's prepared to handle the influx and all the jobs the move will create.
It's estimated the move will cost $15 billion or more and will generate as many as many as 20,000 construction jobs during peak phases, GAO determined.
Basic infrastructure construction is scheduled to begin next year, and lawmakers want as many as possible of the jobs to go to American workers. A provision in the recently passed Defense Authorization bill contains provisions that promote the hiring of American labor.
Specifically, the bill:
# Requires that contractors advertise for and recruit American workers before foreign workers can be hired;
# Gives the Labor Department broad oversight authority over contractors; and
# Mandates that Guam's prevailing wages be reassessed and, if necessary, readjusted so they're more aligned with mainland pay. This would discourage importing foreign workers.
The Pentagon replied to the GAO report, saying, "It is the department's intent to provide the maximum advance information to the government of Guam."
It added, "The DOD will identify federal civilian and contractor support positions as they become known to assist the government of Guam in the planning for the necessary adjustment in local facilities and public services, workforce training programs and local economic development activities."
By Steve Limtiaco • Pacific Daily News • October 16, 2009
The military buildup is expected to create at least 1,600 full-time civilian jobs on Guam to support the Marines, Air Force and Navy, according to a labor report released yesterday by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
The Army also will need full-time civilian workers, the report states, but no estimates are available.
The military plans to transfer about 8,000 Marines and 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to a new base on Guam by 2014 as part of a military buildup that also will see increases in Air Force, Navy and Army activity on the island.
The Marine Corps, which is expected to hire the bulk of those civilian workers -- at least 1,450 -- believes most of those jobs need to be filled by Guam residents "because the officials do not think that many current employees will move from Okinawa," the report states.
The number and types of jobs required could remain sketchy until next January, the report states, when the military finalizes the buildup's environmental impact statement. That statement is expected to include an analysis of the buildup's socioeconomic impact.
Information needed
The report notes that the University of Guam believes the military will need qualified engineers and is considering setting up a new engineering program -- a process that could take three years.
But the university needs better information about the types of jobs and when they will be needed, the report states.
The Defense Department needs to keep Guam's government and educational community better informed about the labor requirements and opportunities that will be created on the island, the report states.
"Without this information, the government of Guam may be challenged to effectively plan for potential jobs that support the buildup and future continuing military presence, including the ability to train and prepare individuals so they qualify for these jobs," it said.
The transfer of the Marines would be a huge economic boon for Guam, if it's prepared to handle the influx and all the jobs the move will create.
It's estimated the move will cost $15 billion or more and will generate as many as many as 20,000 construction jobs during peak phases, GAO determined.
Basic infrastructure construction is scheduled to begin next year, and lawmakers want as many as possible of the jobs to go to American workers. A provision in the recently passed Defense Authorization bill contains provisions that promote the hiring of American labor.
Specifically, the bill:
# Requires that contractors advertise for and recruit American workers before foreign workers can be hired;
# Gives the Labor Department broad oversight authority over contractors; and
# Mandates that Guam's prevailing wages be reassessed and, if necessary, readjusted so they're more aligned with mainland pay. This would discourage importing foreign workers.
The Pentagon replied to the GAO report, saying, "It is the department's intent to provide the maximum advance information to the government of Guam."
It added, "The DOD will identify federal civilian and contractor support positions as they become known to assist the government of Guam in the planning for the necessary adjustment in local facilities and public services, workforce training programs and local economic development activities."
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Residents & officials want more time, more input
Residents & officials want more time, more input
Posted: Oct 06, 2009 11:01 PM PDT
Updated: Oct 06, 2009 11:11 PM PDT
by Janjeera Hail
Frustrations are mounting as preparations for the impending military buildup continue on a daily basis. Senators have already expressed concerns after a briefing with the Joint Guam Program Office on Monday, and now KUAM News has confirmed more discussions will be held in Hawaii this week.
But officials and island residents are calling for more time and more input.
"I don't think that's ample time," stated Guam resident Tessy Paulino. After receiving an invitation just five days ago, Bureau of Statistics & Plans Director Tony Lamorena will make his way to Hawaii to attend a technical review of the more than 8,000-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the military buildup. He said, "Because of the lateness of the invitation I am the only one going. And so I am working very closely with the other regulatory agencies so I can get all their issues and concerns so I can relay that message to the team."
Lamorena says the DEIS was divided among the corresponding local and federal agencies so it could be reviewed and commented on as quickly as possible. He expressed frustration that the decision was made to hold the meeting in Honolulu, thousands of miles from the island and the people it will directly impact.
"It should be held on Guam," he maintained. "I really think a project of this magnitude should be held on Guam so we can get the input of as many regulatory agencies as possible."
While some island residents like Jon-Carl Peterson expressed faith that there is true concern behind the military's actions, saying, "I feel like it's not so courteous but yet at the same time I'm sure there's a rush and a reason they gave us a deadline. I mean, if they gave us a hundred days would we get it done?"
Others, like Paulino, are disappointed, saying there's a possibility the military's recent actions could reflect a broader disregard for local input that will continue through the buildup. "It could be, yeah. That's pretty sad and disappointing news though."
Island residents and local leaders will have a chance to voice their concerns when a public review is held in November.
Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz joined some of his other colleagues who have already written officials asking for additional time to review the DEIS. Additionally, Cruz has written Governor Felix Camacho asking information about Matrix Design Group, Inc. and its role as the government's advisor for the review and comment process.
The Vice-Speaker is concerned that the Legislature was excluded from consultation services in the Administration's request for proposal for advisory services.
Posted: Oct 06, 2009 11:01 PM PDT
Updated: Oct 06, 2009 11:11 PM PDT
by Janjeera Hail
Frustrations are mounting as preparations for the impending military buildup continue on a daily basis. Senators have already expressed concerns after a briefing with the Joint Guam Program Office on Monday, and now KUAM News has confirmed more discussions will be held in Hawaii this week.
But officials and island residents are calling for more time and more input.
"I don't think that's ample time," stated Guam resident Tessy Paulino. After receiving an invitation just five days ago, Bureau of Statistics & Plans Director Tony Lamorena will make his way to Hawaii to attend a technical review of the more than 8,000-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the military buildup. He said, "Because of the lateness of the invitation I am the only one going. And so I am working very closely with the other regulatory agencies so I can get all their issues and concerns so I can relay that message to the team."
Lamorena says the DEIS was divided among the corresponding local and federal agencies so it could be reviewed and commented on as quickly as possible. He expressed frustration that the decision was made to hold the meeting in Honolulu, thousands of miles from the island and the people it will directly impact.
"It should be held on Guam," he maintained. "I really think a project of this magnitude should be held on Guam so we can get the input of as many regulatory agencies as possible."
While some island residents like Jon-Carl Peterson expressed faith that there is true concern behind the military's actions, saying, "I feel like it's not so courteous but yet at the same time I'm sure there's a rush and a reason they gave us a deadline. I mean, if they gave us a hundred days would we get it done?"
Others, like Paulino, are disappointed, saying there's a possibility the military's recent actions could reflect a broader disregard for local input that will continue through the buildup. "It could be, yeah. That's pretty sad and disappointing news though."
Island residents and local leaders will have a chance to voice their concerns when a public review is held in November.
Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz joined some of his other colleagues who have already written officials asking for additional time to review the DEIS. Additionally, Cruz has written Governor Felix Camacho asking information about Matrix Design Group, Inc. and its role as the government's advisor for the review and comment process.
The Vice-Speaker is concerned that the Legislature was excluded from consultation services in the Administration's request for proposal for advisory services.
Cruz: Extend time for buildup study's review
Cruz: Extend time for buildup study's review
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • October 8, 2009
Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz has asked the Joint Guam Program Office to extend the review period of the draft Environmental Impact Statement.
In a letter to Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the office coordinating the military buildup on Guam, Cruz said more time will be needed for the Legislature and the public to go over the study's 10,000 pages and to properly respond.
Cruz, in his letter, said keeping the review and comment period to 45 days would be "a disservice to the people of Guam."
The detailed study, which looks at the potential consequences the planned military projects will have on the island's environment, is set to be published Nov. 20 on the Federal Register.
Cruz noted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is allowing 60 days for people to comment on a proposed offshore disposal of dredged material from Apra Harbor.
"Surely, the sheer volume of the buildup (draft Environmental Impact Statement) and the complexity of issues it covers warrants a comment period longer than 45 days," his letter stated.
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • October 8, 2009
Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz has asked the Joint Guam Program Office to extend the review period of the draft Environmental Impact Statement.
In a letter to Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the office coordinating the military buildup on Guam, Cruz said more time will be needed for the Legislature and the public to go over the study's 10,000 pages and to properly respond.
Cruz, in his letter, said keeping the review and comment period to 45 days would be "a disservice to the people of Guam."
The detailed study, which looks at the potential consequences the planned military projects will have on the island's environment, is set to be published Nov. 20 on the Federal Register.
Cruz noted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is allowing 60 days for people to comment on a proposed offshore disposal of dredged material from Apra Harbor.
"Surely, the sheer volume of the buildup (draft Environmental Impact Statement) and the complexity of issues it covers warrants a comment period longer than 45 days," his letter stated.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Buildup panel to hold oversight on draft EIS
Buildup panel to hold oversight on draft EIS
Wednesday, 07 October 2009 03:31
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
SENATOR Judi Guthertz, chairman of the legislative committee on military buildup, will call for an oversight hearing on Oct. 15 to discuss the draft environmental impact statement pertaining to the military buildup on Guam.
The draft EIS was provided to lawmakers by officials of the Joint Guam Program Office on Monday and the public has been given 45 days for comments when the full study is released on Nov. 20.
Guthertz, in a letter to Gov. Felix Camacho, said the 45-day comment period was insufficient given the fact that the government of Guam does not have the technical expertise to provide a comprehensive response to what the military has come up with.
“We have neither the expertise nor the funds to hire experts to conduct such a critical review, especially not within 45 days,” Guthertz said.
Guthertz was also not satisfied with the information provided by the governor's office when she sent a July 31 Sunshine Act request for all information from all sources received by the government of Guam in support of the military buildup.
The senator said it was disquieting to learn that certain members of the governor's office and certain directors were provided information on the EIS, but they had to sign a document stating that they would not disclose any information regarding the voluminous document, not even to the governor. “That’s not right,” Guthertz said.
The oversight chair has directed the head of certain lead agencies to be at the oversight. These agencies are: the Guam Coastal Management Programs, the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, the division of Aquatics and Wildlife Resources, Department of Agriculture, the State Historic Preservation Office and the Department of Public Works.
Guthertz has also written a letter to Tony Babauta and Gary Kuwabara, assistant secretaries of the Office of Insular Affairs and the Office of Economic Adjustment, respectively, informing them of the EIS.
She also told them she believes the governor intends to use funds provided by the OEA to provide the needed expertise for his review and comment on the draft. However, noted the lawmaker, the legislature will not have access to those funds.
Guthertz stressed that lawmakers must be able to review the draft EIS and provide substantive comments on it.
Guthertz is requesting from Babauta and Kuwabara any grant funds that their office can provide to hire experts to conduct a comprehensive review.
Various issues still need to be addressed in the EIS such as an updated location/impact study analysis for Army munitions storage which is deemed classified. Identified major issues that still need to be addressed are the water and waste infrastructure requirements, the aquifer capacity and management, workforce housing impacts, coral assessment methods and mitigation, impact on air quality and energy and the adaptive program management.
On Oct. 8, and from Oct. 13 to 17, agencies will be meeting in Hawaii to discuss the responses and comments regarding the draft EIS. New information, finalizing the EIS language from comments and responses as well as planning the final steps in preparation for the buildup will be discussed.
Wednesday, 07 October 2009 03:31
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
SENATOR Judi Guthertz, chairman of the legislative committee on military buildup, will call for an oversight hearing on Oct. 15 to discuss the draft environmental impact statement pertaining to the military buildup on Guam.
The draft EIS was provided to lawmakers by officials of the Joint Guam Program Office on Monday and the public has been given 45 days for comments when the full study is released on Nov. 20.
Guthertz, in a letter to Gov. Felix Camacho, said the 45-day comment period was insufficient given the fact that the government of Guam does not have the technical expertise to provide a comprehensive response to what the military has come up with.
“We have neither the expertise nor the funds to hire experts to conduct such a critical review, especially not within 45 days,” Guthertz said.
Guthertz was also not satisfied with the information provided by the governor's office when she sent a July 31 Sunshine Act request for all information from all sources received by the government of Guam in support of the military buildup.
The senator said it was disquieting to learn that certain members of the governor's office and certain directors were provided information on the EIS, but they had to sign a document stating that they would not disclose any information regarding the voluminous document, not even to the governor. “That’s not right,” Guthertz said.
The oversight chair has directed the head of certain lead agencies to be at the oversight. These agencies are: the Guam Coastal Management Programs, the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, the division of Aquatics and Wildlife Resources, Department of Agriculture, the State Historic Preservation Office and the Department of Public Works.
Guthertz has also written a letter to Tony Babauta and Gary Kuwabara, assistant secretaries of the Office of Insular Affairs and the Office of Economic Adjustment, respectively, informing them of the EIS.
She also told them she believes the governor intends to use funds provided by the OEA to provide the needed expertise for his review and comment on the draft. However, noted the lawmaker, the legislature will not have access to those funds.
Guthertz stressed that lawmakers must be able to review the draft EIS and provide substantive comments on it.
Guthertz is requesting from Babauta and Kuwabara any grant funds that their office can provide to hire experts to conduct a comprehensive review.
Various issues still need to be addressed in the EIS such as an updated location/impact study analysis for Army munitions storage which is deemed classified. Identified major issues that still need to be addressed are the water and waste infrastructure requirements, the aquifer capacity and management, workforce housing impacts, coral assessment methods and mitigation, impact on air quality and energy and the adaptive program management.
On Oct. 8, and from Oct. 13 to 17, agencies will be meeting in Hawaii to discuss the responses and comments regarding the draft EIS. New information, finalizing the EIS language from comments and responses as well as planning the final steps in preparation for the buildup will be discussed.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Residents say they should be consulted in military buildup
Residents say they should be consulted in military buildup
Friday, 25 September 2009 00:00
By Richelle Ann P. Agpoon - For Variety
COMMUNITY members have advised visiting U.S. Navy archaeologists to consult with indigenous groups regarding the impact of the military buildup on the CNMI.
Navy archaeologists Valerie Curtis, front, and Eric West, fourth from left, pose with officials of the U.S Navy, the Historic Preservation Office, the Air Force and Saipan community members after the public meeting held at the Coastal Resources Management Office in San Jose on Wednesday.
“The indigenous groups are the ones utilizing the resources and you need to consider their side,” Saipan resident James Arriola said during the public meeting on Wednesday.
Traditional healers, for example, utilize the plants that may be affected by the buildup, he added.
According to archaeologist Valerie Curtis they would take into consideration the need to preserve traditional herbs and plants.
In a separate meeting on Tinian, Tuesday, residents suggested calling the military buildup area its traditional name, “old village.”
A recommendation was also made to document the history of the place where ancient remains can still be found.
Curtis said they want to preserve the area’s “essence of history.”
She said they will write about the history of the area and copies will be given to the Historic Preservation Office and the Public School System.
The Tinian people were also concerned about having access to the area even during the buildup, she added.
The people were particularly concerned about the Tinian pepper which grows in the area.
All the comments of the local people about historical and environmental impacts of the buildup will be considered by the military, Navy archaeologist Eric West said.
“The reason why we are doing the meeting is to hear the public’s opinion so we can make the appropriate mitigation,” West said.
Those who were not able to attend these meetings swill have another opportunity to raise their concerns in January.
For more information and comments, e-mail valerie.n.curtis@navy.mil This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Friday, 25 September 2009 00:00
By Richelle Ann P. Agpoon - For Variety
COMMUNITY members have advised visiting U.S. Navy archaeologists to consult with indigenous groups regarding the impact of the military buildup on the CNMI.
Navy archaeologists Valerie Curtis, front, and Eric West, fourth from left, pose with officials of the U.S Navy, the Historic Preservation Office, the Air Force and Saipan community members after the public meeting held at the Coastal Resources Management Office in San Jose on Wednesday.
“The indigenous groups are the ones utilizing the resources and you need to consider their side,” Saipan resident James Arriola said during the public meeting on Wednesday.
Traditional healers, for example, utilize the plants that may be affected by the buildup, he added.
According to archaeologist Valerie Curtis they would take into consideration the need to preserve traditional herbs and plants.
In a separate meeting on Tinian, Tuesday, residents suggested calling the military buildup area its traditional name, “old village.”
A recommendation was also made to document the history of the place where ancient remains can still be found.
Curtis said they want to preserve the area’s “essence of history.”
She said they will write about the history of the area and copies will be given to the Historic Preservation Office and the Public School System.
The Tinian people were also concerned about having access to the area even during the buildup, she added.
The people were particularly concerned about the Tinian pepper which grows in the area.
All the comments of the local people about historical and environmental impacts of the buildup will be considered by the military, Navy archaeologist Eric West said.
“The reason why we are doing the meeting is to hear the public’s opinion so we can make the appropriate mitigation,” West said.
Those who were not able to attend these meetings swill have another opportunity to raise their concerns in January.
For more information and comments, e-mail valerie.n.curtis@navy.mil This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Monday, May 18, 2009
Marine Protection as Empire Expansion
David Vine and Miriam Pemberton | May 6, 2009
Editor: John Feffer
Foreign Policy In Focus www.fpif.org
At the 100-day mark, the new president has tackled an extraordinarily
wide-ranging agenda, but one item will need his attention soon: closing the
empire of U.S. bases around the world. One place to start is to reverse the
marine protection areas that the last president established in the Pacific.
In a last-minute bid to salvage a legacy, President George W. Bush created
three new protected marine areas in the Pacific. Environmental groups like
the Natural Resources Defense Council applauded. But the situation is more
complicated than it looks.
Why would a president who rarely saw a public land or off-shore site he
didn't want to drill on, and whose climate change policies have done lasting
damage to oceans and their inhabitants worldwide, exhibit such concern for
marine life in these particular faraway places?
One possible clue: This protective blanket will extend only 50 miles beyond
land, rather than the 200 that the law permits. Could it be his real concern
was for the land itself rather than for the water around it?
Because these aren't just any Pacific islands. Two - Wake and Johnston - are
home to important U.S. military installations, while a huge area of
protected ocean encompassing the Mariana Trench borders U.S. military bases
on Guam, Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Farallon de Medinilla. The islands are
right now at the receiving end of a major eastward shift in the U.S.
military base infrastructure from concentrating bases and troops in Europe
and Okinawa, Japan to concentrations elsewhere in Asia and the Mariana
Islands in particular. Guam is set to receive an additional 8,000 Marines
and 40,000 civilians on an island where the military already controls
one-third of all land.
In designating the protected areas, the White House took pains to say that
"nothing" in this action "impairs or otherwise affects the activities of the
U.S. Department of Defense."
Many in Guam are opposed to the expansion of the military's presence,
concerned about increased crime, accidents, violence against women, health
and environmental damage, and other forms of social and cultural disruption.
And remember too that the islands involved are effectively U.S. colonies
without full voting rights and congressional representation and are still on
the UN's list of territories slated for decolonization. Whatever else it may
do, the marine monument designation will add a positive environmentalist
spin to the permanent U.S claim on these territories as military outposts.
But this spin has a problem. Military bases and regular military operations
are notorious for their harmful impact on the environment. Such damage
includes the blasting of pristine coral reefs, clear-cutting of virgin
forests, deploying underwater sonar dangerous to marine life, leaching
carcinogenic pollutants into the soil and seas from lax toxic waste storage
and military accidents, and using land and sea for target practice,
decimating ecosystems with exploded and unexploded munitions. Guam alone is
home to 19 Superfund sites.
It's hard to imagine that the net result of
base-expansion-plus-monument-designation will be good for the surrounding
marine life.
In fact, the case of Vieques, Puerto Rico, offers a telling precedent: After
locals won a decades-long fight to evict the Navy from their island, the
Pentagon was exempted from cleaning up most of the environmental disaster
area it left behind when the federal government declared the former base a
"wildlife refuge."
How then can these precious resources really be protected? First, and most
importantly, the Pentagon cannot be exempted from environmental regulations.
Second, full control over Wake Island and Johnston Atoll should immediately
be transferred from the Department of Defense to the Department of the
Interior - there's no reason that the Pentagon should have its own private
islands. Third, the people of Guam and the rest of the Northern Mariana
Islands should be given full control over the areas above and below the
water surrounding its territory in full accordance with international law.
To fulfill the Pacific marine reserve's promise of environmental protection
and conservation, environmental groups initially enthusiastic about the Bush
plan must unite with allies on Capitol Hill and a growing movement of those
critical of the Pentagon's expanding reach to press the new administration
to reverse this expansion. Those concerned about the environment must make
sure that the Pentagon does not use the mantle of environmental protection
as a cover for its profligate and environmentally damaging plans to use
military bases to control the Pacific. With around 1,000 military bases
outside the 50 states - each one a possible environmental disaster area -
now is the time when we should be closing and consolidating our overseas
bases, not finding new and increasingly stealthy ways to solidify their
presence.
Miriam Pemberton is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.
David Vine is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at American University,
whose book about the military base on Diego Garcia, Island of Shame, will be
released in May by Princeton University Press. They are both contributors to
Foreign Policy In Focus.
http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/6103
Editor: John Feffer
Foreign Policy In Focus www.fpif.org
At the 100-day mark, the new president has tackled an extraordinarily
wide-ranging agenda, but one item will need his attention soon: closing the
empire of U.S. bases around the world. One place to start is to reverse the
marine protection areas that the last president established in the Pacific.
In a last-minute bid to salvage a legacy, President George W. Bush created
three new protected marine areas in the Pacific. Environmental groups like
the Natural Resources Defense Council applauded. But the situation is more
complicated than it looks.
Why would a president who rarely saw a public land or off-shore site he
didn't want to drill on, and whose climate change policies have done lasting
damage to oceans and their inhabitants worldwide, exhibit such concern for
marine life in these particular faraway places?
One possible clue: This protective blanket will extend only 50 miles beyond
land, rather than the 200 that the law permits. Could it be his real concern
was for the land itself rather than for the water around it?
Because these aren't just any Pacific islands. Two - Wake and Johnston - are
home to important U.S. military installations, while a huge area of
protected ocean encompassing the Mariana Trench borders U.S. military bases
on Guam, Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Farallon de Medinilla. The islands are
right now at the receiving end of a major eastward shift in the U.S.
military base infrastructure from concentrating bases and troops in Europe
and Okinawa, Japan to concentrations elsewhere in Asia and the Mariana
Islands in particular. Guam is set to receive an additional 8,000 Marines
and 40,000 civilians on an island where the military already controls
one-third of all land.
In designating the protected areas, the White House took pains to say that
"nothing" in this action "impairs or otherwise affects the activities of the
U.S. Department of Defense."
Many in Guam are opposed to the expansion of the military's presence,
concerned about increased crime, accidents, violence against women, health
and environmental damage, and other forms of social and cultural disruption.
And remember too that the islands involved are effectively U.S. colonies
without full voting rights and congressional representation and are still on
the UN's list of territories slated for decolonization. Whatever else it may
do, the marine monument designation will add a positive environmentalist
spin to the permanent U.S claim on these territories as military outposts.
But this spin has a problem. Military bases and regular military operations
are notorious for their harmful impact on the environment. Such damage
includes the blasting of pristine coral reefs, clear-cutting of virgin
forests, deploying underwater sonar dangerous to marine life, leaching
carcinogenic pollutants into the soil and seas from lax toxic waste storage
and military accidents, and using land and sea for target practice,
decimating ecosystems with exploded and unexploded munitions. Guam alone is
home to 19 Superfund sites.
It's hard to imagine that the net result of
base-expansion-plus-monument-designation will be good for the surrounding
marine life.
In fact, the case of Vieques, Puerto Rico, offers a telling precedent: After
locals won a decades-long fight to evict the Navy from their island, the
Pentagon was exempted from cleaning up most of the environmental disaster
area it left behind when the federal government declared the former base a
"wildlife refuge."
How then can these precious resources really be protected? First, and most
importantly, the Pentagon cannot be exempted from environmental regulations.
Second, full control over Wake Island and Johnston Atoll should immediately
be transferred from the Department of Defense to the Department of the
Interior - there's no reason that the Pentagon should have its own private
islands. Third, the people of Guam and the rest of the Northern Mariana
Islands should be given full control over the areas above and below the
water surrounding its territory in full accordance with international law.
To fulfill the Pacific marine reserve's promise of environmental protection
and conservation, environmental groups initially enthusiastic about the Bush
plan must unite with allies on Capitol Hill and a growing movement of those
critical of the Pentagon's expanding reach to press the new administration
to reverse this expansion. Those concerned about the environment must make
sure that the Pentagon does not use the mantle of environmental protection
as a cover for its profligate and environmentally damaging plans to use
military bases to control the Pacific. With around 1,000 military bases
outside the 50 states - each one a possible environmental disaster area -
now is the time when we should be closing and consolidating our overseas
bases, not finding new and increasingly stealthy ways to solidify their
presence.
Miriam Pemberton is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.
David Vine is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at American University,
whose book about the military base on Diego Garcia, Island of Shame, will be
released in May by Princeton University Press. They are both contributors to
Foreign Policy In Focus.
http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/6103
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Environmental Survey in Okinawa
Okinawa leans toward allowing environment survey on Futemma relocation
Feb 7 08:22 AM US/Eastern
(AP) - TOKYO, Feb. 7 (Kyodo) — Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima showed a positive stance Thursday over a plan to start an environmental assessment later this month as part of procedures prior to the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futemma Air Station within the prefecture during a meeting with central government officials, participants said.
It came after the Defense Ministry resubmitted a report to the Okinawa prefectural government Tuesday containing concrete methods on how to conduct the environmental assessment, meeting a set of requests by Nakaima, who had complained the old report lacked details.
The participants, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura and Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, got together for the first time since December. But they mainly compared notes on the relocation issue Thursday and only agreed to meet again possibly by the end of March, the participants said.
Nakaima told reporters the latest report dealt with "most" of the requests he made.
The governor said the process of the environmental assessment will "proceed easily" if the prefectural government's panel on the issue recognizes the report as satisfactory, but declined to elaborate.
Nakaima also said the central government's side showed "more flexible" positions Thursday on other contentious issues such as redesigning of the current plan to build a relocation site.
The central and Okinawa governments have remained apart over a call by Okinawa to move offshore two runways in a V-shaped formation on the envisioned relocation site in Nago using the coastline at the Marine Corps' Camp Schwab and a new landfill.
Ishiba told reporters that he told the meeting the central government "cannot move the position of the runways without any good reasons." But he added the government will deal with the issue "fully recognizing there is such a call in the local community."
The planned relocation of the Futemma base in the densely populated central Okinawa city of Ginowan to Nago is a pillar of the overall plan for the realignment of the U.S. military presence in Japan in line with a 2006 bilateral accord.
Feb 7 08:22 AM US/Eastern
(AP) - TOKYO, Feb. 7 (Kyodo) — Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima showed a positive stance Thursday over a plan to start an environmental assessment later this month as part of procedures prior to the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futemma Air Station within the prefecture during a meeting with central government officials, participants said.
It came after the Defense Ministry resubmitted a report to the Okinawa prefectural government Tuesday containing concrete methods on how to conduct the environmental assessment, meeting a set of requests by Nakaima, who had complained the old report lacked details.
The participants, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura and Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, got together for the first time since December. But they mainly compared notes on the relocation issue Thursday and only agreed to meet again possibly by the end of March, the participants said.
Nakaima told reporters the latest report dealt with "most" of the requests he made.
The governor said the process of the environmental assessment will "proceed easily" if the prefectural government's panel on the issue recognizes the report as satisfactory, but declined to elaborate.
Nakaima also said the central government's side showed "more flexible" positions Thursday on other contentious issues such as redesigning of the current plan to build a relocation site.
The central and Okinawa governments have remained apart over a call by Okinawa to move offshore two runways in a V-shaped formation on the envisioned relocation site in Nago using the coastline at the Marine Corps' Camp Schwab and a new landfill.
Ishiba told reporters that he told the meeting the central government "cannot move the position of the runways without any good reasons." But he added the government will deal with the issue "fully recognizing there is such a call in the local community."
The planned relocation of the Futemma base in the densely populated central Okinawa city of Ginowan to Nago is a pillar of the overall plan for the realignment of the U.S. military presence in Japan in line with a 2006 bilateral accord.
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