GUAM — The Guam Environmental Protection Agency has launched an investigation into the Oct. 15 East Agana landslide, issuing a stop-work order to Palisades Estates and beginning water-quality testing in Agana Bay while crews clear debris and install temporary sediment controls.
In an Oct. 17 news release, GEPA said the review, conducted with the Department of Public Works, will examine the cause of the slide, whether nearby construction was in compliance with agency standards prior to the incident, how to divert stormwater away from the cliffside, and any environmental and marine impacts to the bay, including mitigation, cleanup, and restoration steps.
GEPA said it sent the Oct. 15 stop-work order to Palisades Estates requiring construction to cease and for sediment ponds to be drained away from the cliffside to avoid off-site discharges during heavy rain; the agency said it will verify that approved mitigation measures “are in compliance” next week.
DPW has begun clearing landslide debris along Route 1 to reduce silt flowing into Agana Bay, while temporary best-management practices are being installed to prevent additional sedimentation. GEPA and DPW are also assessing damage to the Tiyan municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and working to identify responsible parties for losses, damages, cleanup, and restoration.
GEPA’s Environmental Monitoring section has started water-quality sampling in Agana Bay and plans to continue monitoring to ensure standards are met; the agency said it will provide community updates as the investigation continues.
