The Guam Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 30 approved GWA's requested change order to the HDR design contract for the Asan/Aspen Springs water supply rehabilitation project, adding PFAS treatment and groundwater‑under‑the‑direct‑influence compliance work.

ALJ Greg reviewed the project history: the Asan/Aspen concrete reservoir dates to 1916 and is partly on land owned by the U.S. National Park Service. The facility was taken out of service in 2004 over bacteriological contamination and inadequate chlorination. GWA applied for and received earlier funding and contracts for design work; the requested change order ($741,906 after an adjustment) will raise total contract funding over the PUC's $1 million review threshold.

Greg found the change order costs reasonable and the additional work necessary to bring the facility into compliance and back into service, including extensive site investigation, geotechnical work, detailed engineering, and environmental services. GWA said it will pay the change order from bond funds and that the additional work may take about 18 months from notice to proceed.

Commissioners asked for details on the facility's prior contamination and on the National Park Service easement; GWA said National Park Service coordination and an easement took time, and that endangered species and NEPA requirements had been part of the delay. The motion to approve the change order passed unanimously.