EPA is working under 5 Mission Assignments from FEMA to date:  
1) For activation and coordination ($285,000);
2) Subject matter experts (SMEs) for water ($210,000);
3) SME for debris management and household hazardous waste (HHW) planning ($104,,000); and
4) Direct Federal Assistance to collect, stage and dispose of downed and damaged transformers ($1,000,000). 
5) DFA to collect, stage and dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) ($1,400,000). 

This report provides updates covering the operational period 8/28/15 pm through mid-afternoon 9/1/15 (ChST)

Unless specified otherwise all dates & times are in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

Please note the Sitrep frequency will be reduced to Tuesdays and Fridays only.

2.1.1 Narrative

2.1.2 Response Actions this Reporting Period


2.1.2.a - SMEs for Support of Water Functionality Task Force
CUC Water Distribution Recovery Summary:
CUC now has 65 wells operable, producing 5.3 MGD of sanitation water.  This represents 51% of production capacity.  More than 80% of population is now receiving sanitation water at least intermittently.  Hours when water is available each day are increasing. CUC is doing weekly public announcements about boiling and disinfecting drinking water.

Bottled Drinking Water: 

9 bottled water companies are operational, capable of producing 75,000 gallons of potable water/day.  The remaining 5 companies are not operational.  There is is enough bottled water capacity to meet current demand.  Saipan Ice is on island power.

Emergency Water Distribution Points: ​ 
CUC continues to operate three non-potable water distribution stations, from 1200 to 1900 daily. The CUC Capitol Hill station was closed at the end of the day on 8/27.  Coral Ocean Point resort continues to operate its drinking water distribution point, from 1430 to 1730 daily.  US National Park Service continues to operate a drinking water distribution station at American Memorial Park, from 0630 to 0830 daily.  Lau Lau Bay Golf Resort in the Kagman area has opened a potable water distribution point.

Lab Capability:
BECQ's lab is operating at full capacity (60/samples per day).  Water Task Force collected coliform bacteria and samples, and tested for chlorine residual disinfectant levels.  DEQ is now prioritizing school water systems for testing.  Updates regarding lab capability will not be included in future SitReps.

Wastewater: 
All lift stations are operating and both WWTPs are operational full time.  Updates regarding wastewater will not be included in future SitReps.

 
2.1.2.b - SME for debris removal planning support

EPA visited the quarry at Kagman, on 8/30, which is being used as a green waste collection area.  Initially this site was used only for debris too large to be chipped, but it was now being used for green waste of all sizes.  The presence of a large pile of green waste raised concerns about fire hazard from auto-ignition.  EPA met with BECQ to discuss changing the site back to only large green waste and returning to chipping smaller green waste.  After conversations with EPA and a fire that started in another organic debris staging area, BECQ has ceased adding small green waste to the pile in the quarry.  Small green waste is being sent to chippers.  Community members are taking advantage of free mulch, and the chipped material is not accumulating.

EPA has concerns about landfill compliance and capacity, and is documenting the situation.

2.1.2.c - Downed Transformers
The assessment team has almost completed assessment of damaged transformers on feeder Kiya 1 and has almost completed collection of transformers on Kiya 2.  The collection crew completed collection of damaged transformers on feeder Kiya 4. 

The table below provides data on numbers of transformers collected.  Because of the time difference between Saipan and the mainland, the table shows the number of transformers collected from 1400 on one day to 1400 on the next.

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The table below provides data on numbers of transformers collected.  Because of the time difference between Saipan and the mainland, the table shows the number of transformers collected from 1430 on one day to 1430 on the next.  

 
2.1.2.d - Household Hazardous Waste (HHW):
The shipping container of supplies needed to establish HHW collection areas under this mission assignment shipped on 8/26.  It is scheduled to arrive on Saipan on 9/18.

EPA revisited all of the sites identified as potential HHW sites – Lower Base Transfer Station, Isley Field and the Kagman Ag Station.  Lots of white goods are already coming into the transfer station, and the area set aside for white goods there is full to capacity. 

EPA met with BECQ on the increasing white goods and HHW needs, desires and potential schedules.  It was decided that white good drop off areas would be open by next Friday, 9/11.  EPA anticipates staffing the drop off locations on Fridays and Saturdays.  A Public Service Announcement on white good drop off is being produced by EPA.  EPA is also hoping to establish a temporary HHW collection site at the Lower Base Transfer Station.  This will require approval from DPW.  The transfer station is currently filled to capacity with a variety of waste.  EPA anticipates hosting several HHW drop off events in September.

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

The EPA R9EOC anticipates continuing to communicate with and supporting our field personnel. 


2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.1.a - Water Functionality Task Force

The remaining WET team member on Saipan, Sue Cox, will demobe on Wednesday, 9/2.  She will not be backfilled as further assistance isn’t needed at this time.  R9 will continue to provide technical assistance to BECQ and CUC regarding recovery of the drinking water supply system from San Francisco.  It is anticipated that WET team members will return to Saipan when the system is repressurized.  This requires the power grid to be functional which will not happen for 2 to 3 more months.

2.2.1.1.b - Debris removal planning support

Continue to provide support to FEMA, USACOE, and local agencies on debris collection and disposal.  This includes providing guidance on the use of air curtain incinerators beyond 16 weeks and the reuse of treated wood power poles.


2.2.1.1.c -  Downed Transformers

Continue collection of damaged transformers.

2.2.1.1.d - HHW

Plan for 2 to 3 events in September where people can drop off their HHW at an established HHW collection area.

White Goods collection is scheduled to begin on Friday, 9/11.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

See above

2.2.2 Issues