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Guam EPA reports staffing gains, Region 9 PFAS sampling and 21 permits issued
Summary
Guam Environmental Protection Agency officials said the agency now has 56 full‑time employees, hosted U.S. EPA Region 9 for PFAS and pesticide sampling funded by ARPA, and issued 21 permits between Jan. 13 and Feb. 15. Staff also described ongoing negotiations for a new agency headquarters and training on the revised lead-and-copper rule.
Michelle, Guam EPA administrator, told the board the agency’s staff count has increased and reviewed recent program activity at the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. “We actually have 56 full time employees,” she said, adding that the total now includes staff funded through a U.S. EPA contract and interns.
The agency hosted U.S. EPA Region 9’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division for drinking‑water monitoring and testing funded from remaining ARPA money. “About 400 samples were collected,” Michelle said, and Region 9 also provided training on the new lead and copper rule and fall‑protection certification for Guam Waterworks Authority staff.
Michelle said the agency issued 21 permits between Jan. 13 and Feb. 15 and remains engaged on multiple construction and permitting matters. She told the board the agency is “still in negotiations” on a new headquarters and that no contracts have been signed. Staff also reported participation in interagency coordination for the U.S. Marine Corps relocation and other Department of Defense construction.
On technical assistance, Michelle said Guam EPA is part of a working group supporting planning for a proposed new hospital and continues to provide technical review for that project. She also reported the agency completed a program review and five‑year workplan assessment for the nonpoint‑source program.
Board members and staff described outreach to local contractors to smooth permit processing; the administrator said permitting delays often stem from incomplete applications or missing supporting documents submitted by applicants. The board discussed follow‑up work to improve application completeness and opportunities for contractor education.
The board received an update on various site and emergency responses, and Michelle closed the report by noting the topics were available for questions.
The meeting was called to order at approximately 4:00 p.m. and the board scheduled its next regular meeting for March 20, 2025.
