UPDATE – Special Advisory for Toguan River and Bay in Umatac in effect
September 13, 2017 (Tiyan, Guam) — The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) reports that there is currently a bypass of partially treated sewage from GWA’s Umatac-Merizo Wastewater Treatment Plant. This bypass affects the Toguan River and Bay. As a result of heavy rainfall over the last 5 days, this bypass is a preventative measure being performed in order to prevent any serious damage to the treatment plant.
The Toguan River and Bay area should be avoided until this advisory has been lifted. As of September 8, 2017, the Toguan Bay is listed in the Guam EPA weekly beach advisory.
Swimming, fishing or playing in polluted waters may result in minor illnesses such as sore throats or diarrhea and might also result in more serious illnesses such as meningitis, encephalitis, or severe gastroenteritis. Children, elderly adults and all those afflicted with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of becoming ill when coming in contact with contaminated water.
Once this advisory is lifted, Guam EPA will make the announcement on the agency’s website, epa.guam.gov, and on all of its social media platforms.
For more information, please contact Guam EPA Public Information Officer Nic Lee at 300-4753 or nic.rupley@epa.guam.gov
