Guam EPA updates risk assessment, opens public comment through Dec. 17; hearing scheduled
December 04, 2025 | Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Agencies, Executive , Guam
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An agency staff member updated the Guam EPA Board of Directors on Dec. 4 that the department has revised a drinking‑water risk assessment and associated monitoring and notification language. The update was posted for public comment on Nov. 26 and remains open through Dec. 17; Guam EPA will hold a public hearing Dec. 17 at 1500 hours.
The staff member said the earlier version required a long running average to lift a "do not drink without treatment" order — effectively multiple quarters — and that the revised document now includes clearer criteria and monitoring language so the advisory can be lifted promptly when water meets safety standards. The staffer said the notification language was also updated to be consistent with U.S. EPA guidance for pesticides.
Staff reported ongoing coordination with U.S. EPA and the Guam Waterworks Authority about a site referred to in the meeting as the 'old 1.' Guam Waterworks Authority’s permanent system progress is described as positive; Guam EPA staff said they have submitted a Brownfields assessment proposal to U.S. EPA headquarters to target investigation in the area around 'Y 15.' The Brownfields proposal is under review at U.S. EPA headquarters.
The agency also said farm inspections by its pesticides team found no indication of illegal pesticides at inspected farms, though some improper storage issues were noted. Agency staff said they plan more work with public health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to design epidemiologic studies that would be useful to the community and avoid producing inconclusive or misleading results.
The staff member reminded the board that the urgent public comment period closes Dec. 17 and that staff need time to compile and respond to comments before the board considers any final revisions; the board agreed to plan its next regular meeting for the third Thursday in January to allow time for that work.
The staffer invited questions and said compiled comments will be returned to the board for review before any final action on the assessment.
The staff member said the earlier version required a long running average to lift a "do not drink without treatment" order — effectively multiple quarters — and that the revised document now includes clearer criteria and monitoring language so the advisory can be lifted promptly when water meets safety standards. The staffer said the notification language was also updated to be consistent with U.S. EPA guidance for pesticides.
Staff reported ongoing coordination with U.S. EPA and the Guam Waterworks Authority about a site referred to in the meeting as the 'old 1.' Guam Waterworks Authority’s permanent system progress is described as positive; Guam EPA staff said they have submitted a Brownfields assessment proposal to U.S. EPA headquarters to target investigation in the area around 'Y 15.' The Brownfields proposal is under review at U.S. EPA headquarters.
The agency also said farm inspections by its pesticides team found no indication of illegal pesticides at inspected farms, though some improper storage issues were noted. Agency staff said they plan more work with public health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to design epidemiologic studies that would be useful to the community and avoid producing inconclusive or misleading results.
The staff member reminded the board that the urgent public comment period closes Dec. 17 and that staff need time to compile and respond to comments before the board considers any final revisions; the board agreed to plan its next regular meeting for the third Thursday in January to allow time for that work.
The staffer invited questions and said compiled comments will be returned to the board for review before any final action on the assessment.
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