[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6589838,"mediaKeyId","5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf","parentId",5460913,"title","Guam EPA reviews testimony on environmental trust fund, zoning and composting bills; board signals support with comments","audioSeconds",1084,"startMs",4930000,"endMs",6014000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf&start=4930&end=6014","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf/thumbnail_4930000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6589838/Guam-EPA-reviews-testimony-on-environmental-trust-fund-zoning-and-composting-bills-board-signals-support-with-comments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589838-df65fe4de7884f7dbd7e727cdfe25925/orig.mp4?Expires=1770517003&Signature=TDp584kZG33x1slBi4IaDeUQZm7BnLW~yixR0eH47sAtaJJaJh~CMObmAlg3dPZOCOxNqWiBuhNS9YPFsO8hDreql9AXNq1zOcrUucfDjcSiMCUwf-jDbWIUs0JObnXj~hPX5AImKDnBf97ZYCrKTsT4vdbxJA1UA3cc0UYhT9xiBJ3oFdY2CcQEBHtMeHNNjP3BKUXHQUiAOQo7Da~K43fcbz5227bZD7QG-n9WFrXK~bHvF87-9VZ7V6VgagZ8-pi6vUiiGCgSIKgyoBUDNuuSnQNxDWplr6OO-YpJCRJpRQ6qh24zi64JQ1jJWRSPh6VO82vaRfRCBaIcB48~PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Guam Environmental Protection Agency","date","2025-07-24T08:38:06.807Z","article","Guam EPA staff briefed the board on several legislative items for which the agency provided testimony or may provide comments: a bill to amend the Environmental Trust Fund (Bill 132‑38); a lease amendment affecting the Guam International Country Club and potential solar farm (Bill 135‑38); zoning changes for affordable housing (Bill 164‑38); and a bill to expand small‑scale composting exemptions (Bill 141‑38).

Environmental Trust Fund (Bill 132‑38)

Michelle summarized the agency’s testimony in support with comments. Key points conveyed by staff include removal of an outdated $5,000 per‑incident cap, expansion of allowable uses (solid waste management, compliance/enforcement, drinking water, air quality, recycling, monitoring, planning, and technical assistance), removal of an emergency‑declaration requirement to access funds, and creation of a reserve fund. Staff noted the bill would also remove a 25% administrative cap that limited the administrator's use of the fund; the agency asked that reporting requirements and prioritization be maintained. Board members generally indicated support for Guam EPA’s testimony and suggested the agency retain authority to seek reimbursement from responsible parties where feasible; staff said additional discussion about enforcement authority and cost recovery would be a separate topic.

Solar lease and zoning testimony (Bills 135‑38 and 164‑38)

Staff told the board that they provided technical testimony on Bill 135‑38 (a proposed lease amendment to allow solar use at the Guam International Country Club property) and were asked by a committee member about solar panel disposal and PFAS. Michelle said staff confirmed that some solar panels contain PFAS and that end‑of‑life panels are managed as hazardous waste; staff added manufacturers are developing PFAS‑free alternatives.

On Bill 164‑38 (streamlining zoning changes for affordable housing), the agency said it supported the bill with caveats: zone changes should not be applied to unsewered properties that overlay the groundwater protection zone (GPZ), and the bill should not conflict with Guam's groundwater quality standards (22 GCA section 5101(c)(1)(B)). Staff also noted that advanced nitrogen‑reducing on‑site systems should be limited to single‑family (R‑1) dwellings in lieu of sewer in some locations.

Composting exemption (Bill 141‑38)

Staff said they support most sections of the composting bill that expand small‑scale composting (community gardens, farms, apartment buildings, small businesses) but flagged concerns about section 4, which the agency said may create permitting gaps or trigger other agencies' requirements (stormwater, fire, etc.). The agency recommended that Guam EPA retain authority to craft implementing regulations to address technical details and cross‑agency coordination.

Board direction

Board members said Michelle's testimony aligned with the board’s priorities and that the agency may provide an endorsement or cosign testimony if requested. Staff cautioned about ex parte communications among board members outside the open meeting process and said board members may provide individual comments directly to staff but must not deliberate collectively outside a public meeting.

Ending

No formal board votes were taken on any of the bills at the meeting; staff said committee reports were still being finalized and further amendments remain possible.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Guam EPA Board of Directors Regular Meeting - Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 4:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Guam EPA staff reviewed testimony and board comments on four bills under consideration by the Legislature, including amendments to the Environmental Trust Fund and changes that could affect solar leases, zoning for affordable housing and small‑scale composting.","taxTitle","Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Agencies, Executive , Guam","taxId",18959,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6589845,"Guam EPA presents new on‑site wastewater rules requiring NSF‑certified 'type 4' systems, operating permits",2702,2060000,4762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf&start=2060&end=4762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf/thumbnail_2060000.jpg","/articles/6589845/Guam-EPA-presents-new-onsite-wastewater-rules-requiring-NSFcertified-type-4-systems-operating-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589845-8c05e80d5a2b2d04658ba5321be06abb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770517003&Signature=V9FdjJ5eLDN84XJW4ehlvMWdLHwBl3iYKmskiKeq~jpfoZnWxd40ZGDtFjCynvjRjiOHobacSpu2R7mHDXbbPtd4A~HymneCvQ7inNarhEOCd56h4xkEoxjlUQXvA3CFakt6mBVit0AIaixH7cg3FOW2diEgbpd3JETvOQNRXF~nfN1bVV8IJcSNnVKu2XX4EJC-kOZSobm3HWHOJfTb58B36V2an68EjfXSUWUSYowkPXB6Fqm6ADkrSzdPK29KuTT9EbulPrM3j3Tec~W~v1K-lmrBLHFJa-mQmIA8I2lmM5BeOKlc0zdNYr35Wn1j-lZr3izCg9w~sxtzTw1E1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Guam Environmental Protection Agency staff presented draft amendments to the agency's on‑site wastewater disposal regulations Thursday that would require higher‑performance treatment systems in specified areas and add ongoing operating permits and construction standards.

The draft rule package, developed over several years and presented by Brian (former Guam EPA staff, presenter), implements amendments to 22 GCA chapter 12 and the toilet facilities and sewer connection law (10 GCA chapter 48) and carries out provisions of Public Law 37‑105 and Public Law 38‑7, the presenter said. The rules would require NSF‑certified ‘‘type 4’’ nitrogen‑reducing systems in some locations, mandate site soil (percolation) tests for all on‑site systems, require watertight septic‑tank construction, and add operating permits for certain system types.

The amendments would require type 4 systems — third‑party certified under the NSF program cited in the presentation — to achieve a minimum 50% reduction in nitrogen loading to the aquifer and would require operating permits renewed every two years for type 4 systems and mound systems and annually for holding tanks. The proposal also adds standards for cast‑in‑place (monolithic) concrete septic tanks or equivalent certified units and requires water‑tightness testing, the presenter said.

Why it matters: Guam relies on on‑site systems across the island. Guam EPA emphasized the rules are intended to limit nitrogen contamination of the island's aquifer and to modernize regulations that have not been substantially revised since the 1980s.

Key elements presented

- Type 4 systems: Package treatment units that provide aeration and timed cycles to nitrify then denitrify wastewater; the draft requires NSF certification for systems used where type 4 is mandated (presenter’s description). The presenter said certified systems should guarantee at least 50% nitrogen reduction when operated and maintained per manufacturer specifications.

- Operating permits and O&M contracts: Type 4 and mound systems would require a two‑year operating permit and a manufacturer‑authorized operation and maintenance (O&M) contract from an approved provider; holding tanks would require a one‑year permit and a registered hauler pumping contract. O&M providers must hold or contract a Guam EPA Class 1 wastewater operator or higher or equivalent, the draft says.

- Percolation tests and construction standards: The draft makes mandatory percolation (site soil) tests and requires septic tanks be cast concrete built to specified monolithic‑pour standards, or equivalent certified precast/plastic tanks meeting adopted code sections. The International Private Sewage Disposal Code sections were cited as the construction/design reference the agency proposes to adopt in part.

- Holding tanks and mounds: Holding tanks would be narrowly allowed (single‑family dwellings, government facilities or written administrator approval for specific commercial uses) and owners must provide realistic, documented long‑term pumping cost estimates; Guam EPA staff warned holding tanks can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per month and carry higher risks of illicit discharge if not properly managed. Mound systems were presented as an option for saturated or poor soils (often in southern areas).

Board exchange and next steps

Board members asked about failure modes, storm‑power outage impacts, and long‑term costs. Brian said type 4 systems revert to septic‑tank‑level performance during extended power outages and that a temporary reduction in nitrogen removal should be expected after outages. He noted the proposed requirement of presoaking test pits for 24 hours in percolation testing to reduce seasonal variability.

Guam EPA staff notified the board of a public hearing scheduled for July 30 at 4 p.m. to receive comments on the draft State Implementation Plan and related regulatory proposals; the presenter and staff said they expect to return to the board in August with final rule language and a vote request.

Staff emphasized the package focuses on balancing environmental protection (particularly wellhead protection and aquifer quality) with permitting flexibilities — smaller leaching fields and exemptions in some situations — enabled by the higher‑performance systems.

Ending

No formal board action was taken on the rules at Thursday's meeting. Staff said they will post the proposed regulations, collect public comments at the scheduled hearing, and return with a recommendation for the board at the next meeting.","Guam Environmental Protection Agency staff presented draft amendments to the agency's on‑site wastewater disposal regulations Thursday that would require higher‑performance treatment systems in specified areas and add ongoing operating permits and construction standards.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6589833,"Guam EPA administrator reports staffing, inspections and Didido cleanup; agency considers committing EC grant funds to tipping fees",665,938000,1603000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf&start=938&end=1603","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf/thumbnail_938000.jpg","/articles/6589833/Guam-EPA-administrator-reports-staffing-inspections-and-Didido-cleanup-agency-considers-committing-EC-grant-funds-to-tipping-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589833-0502efeafb88a250766d380e70e9357b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770517003&Signature=KlJjd2mGy-sFuXnT3i7r8FZaJYvImBhKyNHAgF4UHn91atQL-Bq-6yWqsdrUv6ABwvx-Z5OfGCG3ep~KLkH00rVjivDjX0j2bSFk~U3cf6m8pxTq5dhSuKmYdr9x9opPCP4YdaSeJkQMzdFAPHvH-t-L185mV5Z2CFqs6kFT-mqNVrpKVOVq3MyttYwDOM2aMhXzUFrwYWhI~cuR1XuNob4fAxmW4HNOjiszPm8EFP9FxpRi~7bjEzpJD4QV~CmK0-XeofyI4GiwQoj~q0IcnZwnZaIkFJbQseynnBBftDBqwr3m29K1stjhil3bnyBzp3AR7SUoxA3NYV0T7Fxk9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Administrator Michelle gave a wide‑ranging update on agency operations, enforcement backlog and an ongoing cleanup being supported by U.S. EPA funds.

Staffing and contracts

Michelle said Guam EPA has 53 full‑time employees and is actively recruiting for several positions: public information officer (selection made; candidate unresponsive to start date), chief engineer (interviewed; awaiting DOA management review for above‑step recruitment), environmental technicians (one hired; one vacancy to be reannounced), engineer supervisor (certified list available), and other engineering and environmental health positions in recruitment or reannouncement. She said an AME Services contract for agency headquarters design was signed April 3 but remains at the Attorney General's office awaiting review since May 28; staff reported AG Office delays tied to understaffing in the solicitor division.

Inspections and permitting

Michelle reported that in the last two months Guam EPA conducted 299 inspections across programs and received 167 permit applications while issuing 384 permits (staff corrected that the 167 figure was applications and 384 was permits issued). Board members discussed fleet needs for inspection staff; staff said 15 operational fleet vehicles exist, with 4–5 inspectors routinely conducting field work and some sharing of vehicles across programs.

Didido cleanup and EC grant tipping fees

Michelle updated the board on the Didido site cleanup (federal Superfund/US EPA‑led) and said U.S. EPA had committed about $14 million to clean the site; that funding is nearing exhaustion, staff said. Guam EPA staff reported discussions with U.S. EPA on using EC grant funds to pay tipping fees charged by GSWA (Guam Solid Waste Authority) and said the agency had approval from the U.S. EPA program manager to commit at least $600,000 of EC grant funds for July invoicing; staff said US EPA is routing an action memo amendment to request additional EC funding and that Guam EPA expects invoices from GSWA to document costs.

Enforcement backlog and notices of violation

Board members raised concerns about a backlog of notices of violation (some dating to 2019–2022). Staff said some items are administratively closed but still listed and that the agency only recently regained dedicated legal counsel after a period without in‑house counsel, which slowed enforcement litigation and referrals to the AG's office. For some matters, alleged violators are out of jurisdiction, in bankruptcy, or there are outstanding invoice reconciliations; staff said they are working with AG and DOA to reconcile and prioritize actions. The board asked staff to produce a clearer status report of outstanding NOVs and enforcement cases.

Budget and grants

Staff said categorical consolidated grants will be eliminated for FY2026 but that the agency expects to receive remaining EC grant year‑4 funding (about $9 million) and approximately $1.9 million in categorical grant payments before September 30; staff warned fiscal exposure after FY2026 may require general fund support. Board members asked staff to review fee schedules and inflation adjustments; staff provided an inflation‑adjusted example in which a 1998 $500 permit fee would equate to about $962 today and noted fees likely underrecover current program costs.","Administrator Michelle updated the board on staffing vacancies, pending contracts at the Attorney General's office, inspection and permitting activity, backlog of notices of violation, and a potential $600,000 EC grant payment for tipping fees to support the Didido cleanup",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6589843,"Guam EPA board told DPW has requested $500,000 from recycling fund to clear impounded vehicles; agency says fund balance available",623,303000,926000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf&start=303&end=926","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460913-5bd7aa4a339a065ab1749af840198dcf/thumbnail_303000.jpg","/articles/6589843/Guam-EPA-board-told-DPW-has-requested-500000-from-recycling-fund-to-clear-impounded-vehicles-agency-says-fund-balance-available","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6589843-5e99e301f7108a3055ad93b669cb62c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770517003&Signature=Vbt8KKCldH5aezVZlr5QgG~VfHfMPcEY~dRk8ZxHHgYb1aXTkaWc8DN4jBSrhX4kvuRMmFKQm4t-5hR2kMRmCWOFxFntC38faSgzs7ePhW2A9G8~qIoBHk-YsXNzTWz6Rz~x-OWxDAIKnlwN~xsZbs9p5T7ucRBbQps7vp81L8~2aL8QhX-q9IpotyD8fgirpx0yNyZ7oqjr96vmt5MZPp~gpXHnyD8bvefMDph-EK~NhItz6FEQC6Fpa1TpXsmIHCcUD84TxYzg8x1~QbUvdCd0xEoh9~LU9~N9-CoD10LsdoN6Si3ttsV8TgutdHlUtoFtkiMIZDhkHn7kdWbWjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Guam Environmental Protection Agency board discussed a request from the Department of Public Works for $500,000 in Recycling Fund (RF) money to support impoundment and processing of derelict vehicles.

Michelle (Administrator, Guam EPA) explained that DPW has approached Guam EPA because the statute allows the agency to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Mayor's Council of Guam and DPW. DPW has collected impounded vehicles at its lot and has requested $500,000 from RF to process and dispose of them. Guam EPA will require DPW to submit an expenditure report and operational plan for board review and approval before any funds are released. Staff said no vote would be taken at the July meeting; a packet with the MOA and expenditure details is expected before the next meeting.

Fund availability and history

Staff described the RF as annual revenue that has rolled over in recent fiscal years. Michelle said the RF has accumulated funds from prior years and that, after prior allocations (including a legislatively appropriated $1.5 million to the Mayor's Council of Guam, MCOG), the RF balance was about $6,000,000 on staff spreadsheets. Staff said the law allows funds not encumbered by September 30 to be used in the following fiscal year and that the agency may use available RF balances for approved MOAs, subject to board approval and required reporting.

Board members questioned spending and oversight

Board members pressed for expenditure tracking and reconciliation with the Mayor's Council of Guam program, which had unspent amounts due to procurement timing. Staff explained MCOG delayed spending while awaiting a procurement solicitation that bundles vehicles to one vendor; that procurement approach aims to simplify administration but creates protest risk and spending delays.

Next steps and safeguards

Michelle said DPW and MCOG must provide an operational plan and expenditure report and that the MOA can include provisions to increase funding only after board review of receipts and progress. The agency will place the DPW request on a future agenda when the required documentation is received; staff indicated they expect to present it for a potential vote next meeting.","Board discussed a Department of Public Works request for $500,000 from Guam's Recycling Fund (RF) to cover impounding and related expenses; staff explained fund balances, rollover rules, and required expenditure reports and MOA before a vote","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Guam EPA reviews testimony on environmental trust fund, zoning and composting bills; board signals support with comments

Guam EPA presents new on‑site wastewater rules requiring NSF‑certified 'type 4' systems, operating permits

Guam EPA administrator reports staffing, inspections and Didido cleanup; agency considers committing EC grant funds to tipping fees

Guam EPA board told DPW has requested $500,000 from recycling fund to clear impounded vehicles; agency says fund balance available