Reported By: Atdao Natividad
The Northern coast of Guam is home to the popular beaches of Tarague and Inapsan, that sit on a porous aquifer holding 90 percent of Guam’s freshwater. About 3 miles southeast of Inapsan, there is an explosive ordnance disposal site that the Air Force uses to detonate live ammunition. The beach is again currently at risk.
The Air Forces’ explosive ordnance disposal range has been in use since 1980 and permitted by Guam Environmental Protection Agency since 1982. Open detonation operations have been in effect for decades, detonating live ammunition on Tarague. Open burning operations were suspended in 2002.
For the Air Force to revamp this operation, they must renew a permit with Guam EPA to destroy up to 35,000 pounds of excess munitions each year. Defective bullets, anti-tank missiles, and grenades are just a few types of munitions to be destroyed by the Air Force. This will be done by specialized personnel detonating or pouring diesel on munitions on the beach for detonation.
Monaeka Flores, an original landowner of a private family beach in Inapsan commented, “The risks to the health and safety of our community and sacred resources are too great.” Chemical toxins could accumulate in the soil and possibly contaminate one of Guam’s important freshwater aquifers. “This activity can harm our sole aquifer which provides 90 percent of our water,” Flores added. Plumes of toxic black smoke will disperse into the air, contributing to air pollution and can cause illnesses.
If granted the permit, it would allow the Air Force to conduct open burning and open detonation operations for the next three years. Residents will be forced to face the alarming question: How will this affect the health of Guam’s ecosystem and people? In an effort to stop the granting of the permit, please visit the following website and sign the petition: