Guam EPA issues letter to GRRP regarding permit application

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) today issued a letter to Guam Resource Recovery Partners (GRRP) regarding their permit application for the Guatali Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (MSWL).

The letter states that the permit denial issued to GRRP on August 9, 2012, has been rescinded. GRRP has been given 120 days to address deficiencies within their permit application.

After continued review of the permit application, and requirements required by Guam law and Guam Solid Waste Rules and Regulations, Guam EPA concluded GRRP would be given time to rectify the identified deficiencies in their permit application.

“The permitting process is a long, technical and very complicated process, and it is incumbent upon the agency to ensure that all applicants are afforded a fair and equitable application review process. This permit application will continue through this process with our Solid Waste Management Team. They will continue to review the application diligently and ensure areas of concern, including financial assurance, post-closure care and management of leachate, are suitably addressed” said Guam EPA Administrator Eric Palacios.

By local law, a MSWL permit application must undergo extensive review, at least one commenting period, a draft permit review process and if a draft permit is issued, the permitted entity must meet a series of requirements before operating a facility. For example, a MSWL draft permit would outline the various studies, information and plans that are required before a facility can begin operation.

A full copy of Guam EPA’s official responses to the public comments submitted in 2011 can be found here or by emailing TammyJoAnderson.Taft@EPA.Guam.gov.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft at 300-4761, 988-7582 or email TammyJoAnderson.Taft@EPA.Guam.gov.