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 9/1/15 pm through mid-afternoon 9/4/15 (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:

The operational status of the CUC water system is currently 77 wells operable, producing 6.1 MGD of piped water suitable for non-potable purposes.  This represents 59% of production capacity.  More than 90% of population is now receiving piped water at least intermittently.  Of the 16 water storage tanks, twelve are now fully chlorinated, one is partially chlorinated and three remain unchlorinated.  CUC and DEC continue advisories on appropriate use and treatment of this water.

Bottled Drinking Water:

The operational status of the bottled water companies remains at nine companies operational, capable of producing 75,000 gallons of potable water/day.  The remaining five companies are not operational.

Emergency Water Distribution Points:                                 

CUC is closing its three non-potable water distribution stations on 9/4/2015.  Coral Ocean Point Resort and Lau Lau Bay Golf Resort continue to operate drinking water distribution points.  US National Park Service continues to operate a drinking water distribution station at American Memorial Park.  This station is scheduled to close on Saturday, 9/5.

Hospital:                                                 

Water is distributed to the hospital by the Navy Hill tank, fed by the Calhoun wells.   

Shelters:

Two mass care shelters remained open, which are at Aging Center and Kagman Community Center.  The Arts Council Building shelter close today, 9/3.  The remaining two shelters are scheduled to close on 9/8.  Chlorine residuals are being maintained at these systems. 

Schools:

Water sampling at schools has been prioritized.  Two samples have been positive for fecal coliform, and those systems were flushed and disinfected.  DEQ provided all the schools an advisory to use piped water only for toilet flushing.  The repeat coliform samples taken at the two school water systems that were previously positive for fecal coliform bacteria came back negative.

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. 

Wastewater:

Both WWTPs are operational full time.  All WW lift stations are operating.  Lift stations A1, A2, A15, A16, and S19 are now on island power

 
2.1.2.b - SME for debris removal planning support

Norwood Scott continues to work on drafting a comprehensive debris management plan for FEMA.  The management of treated power poles is one of the items that will be covered in the debris plan and assistance is being provided from the Land Division on this matter. 

The R9 Air Permitting Office provided a memo clarifying the regulations around post-disaster air curtain incinerators.  Air permits are not required for the first 8 weeks.  If proper notifications are made, incineration without a permit is allowed for another 8 weeks.  After 16 weeks, incinerators must comply with all air regulations.

2.1.2.c - Downed Transformers
The assessment team has completed assessment of damaged transformers on feeder Kiya 1, Kiya 2 and Feeder 7.  Assessment continues in Feeder 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.

EPA has establish a temporary HHW staging area at Lower Base Transfer Station.  There was post Soudelor HHW that was overflowing the HHW storage area at the transfer station.  EPA has relocated the post-Soudelor HHW into the newly established HHW containment area.  EPA Is creating press materials and planning for weekend HHW collection efforts. 

After receiving a letter from BECQ, FEMA clarified that management and disposal of white goods are covered under the HHW MA 06. 

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

The EPA R9EOC will be supporting field activities with a decreased number of staff because the amount of support needed is diminished. 


2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.1.a - Water Functionality Task Force

All Water Functionality Task Force work is completed.  Work may resume when the power is back on in 2 to 3 months and the full water distribution system is reactivated.

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