Last Chance for Debris Removal 

Release Date: February 12, 2003
Release Number: 1446-40

» More Information on Guam Super Typhoon Pongsona

Tamuning, Guam - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) plans to wrap up Super Typhoon Pongsona debris removal operations on Tuesday, February 18. There will be no road side pick up after that date.

"DPW has worked hard to accomplish the daunting task of cleaning up debris along Guam's major roadways in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Pongsona," said DPW Interim Director Jose Morcilla Jr. "but we now have to focus on other recovery and mitigation efforts throughout the island."

DPW had the job of removing debris and repairing the island's major roads through funding from a Federal Highway Administration grant. This program provides 100 percent funding through a grant to GovGuam. The grant covers emergency repairs necessary to restore essential traffic, debris removal, and protection of remaining facilities and reduction of further damage on all primary roads.

"DPW would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). They were our counterparts in the heart of the island's villages - cleaning up debris along secondary roads," Morcilla added.

The Corps, under a mission assignment from FEMA, has worked closely with local contractors and village mayors to accomplish two sweeps of debris removal along the secondary roads in the villages. Some villages have already been completed, and the remaining will be completed by February 18. In addition, the Corps assisted in the safe opening of island schools by removing storm-related debris along school property

In this final pass of debris clean up, residents are reminded to follow the guidelines set up for debris removal. The following storm-related debris will be collected at curbside:

Tires, batteries or household hazardous waste should not be brought to the roadside. Residents are also reminded that household trash and garbage must be separated from the typhoon generated debris so it can be picked up by the Department of Public Works.

On February 18, the Corps will close the debris reduction site located in Malojloj. After that date, debris can be taken to one of the five remaining reduction sites. Following Malojloj, the remaining sites will be closed in the following order:

Yigo - south of the GPA substation and gymnasium
Tamuning - at the old GMH site
Asan - across from the War in the Pacific National Historic Park
Dededo - at the Sports Complex next to the gymnasium
Barrigada - adjacent to and across from the DMV building.

The Barrigada site will remain open until March 20. The closing of the debris reduction sites will be done in a phased approach to maximize their availability to the community. The public will be notified as firm closure dates are finalized.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 12-Feb-2003 14:55:36