Latest Updates
Major achievements
Solid Waste Management Division Operations
- Improved trash collection services, which have dramatically reduced customer complaints
- Reduced number of trash routes from nine to six with ten working trucks, instead of the one working truck available at the start of the Receivership
- All trash routes are now completed in one shift instead of three
-
Repaired vehicles and purchased new equipment to support operational needs
New trucks - Operations reorganized and streamlined for more efficient organization and delivery of services. As of July 1, 2010, the SWMD had 56 Government of Guam employees, 7 temporary staff, and 2 contracted staff, totaling 65 workers, which is significantly less than the 99 employees in the SWMD when the Court appointed the Receiver.
-
Achieved significant savings as a result of dramatic reductions in leased equipment and personnel
New offices - Dramatically improved working conditions and morale for SWMD employees with working showers and kitchen facilities; provided safety shoes and uniforms
- Completed the transition to the new trash cart‐based collection system: the SWMD has seen a 60 percent increase in the number of registered customers to 19,416, compared with 12,080 when the Receiver was appointed in March 2008
-
New billing and customer service system has enabled the SWMD to make a number of important improvements to its billing process and financial management
New cart - Improved management and control of fire, dust, odor and stormwater at the Ordot Dump operations, benefiting neighbors and workers; no fires in the two years the Ordot Dump has operated under the Receivership
- Implemented an interim filling plan and closely tracked air space volume usage at the Ordot Dump
- Installed a scale at the Ordot Dump so that all trash disposed there is now accurately weighed
-
Implemented a ban on materials at the Ordot Dump that has increased recycling and extended capacity of the Ordot Dump
Recycling container - Added recycling at the Ordot Dump and transfer stations; adjusted hours at these facilities to better serve residents
Layon Landfill Construction, Design and Permitting
- Significant progress in construction of the Layon Landfill, including completion of all earthmoving activities, subdrain installation, and the initiation of lining system installation in Cell 1
-
Obtained the Solid Waste Facility and the Air Pollution Control permits—a major milestone in the 23‐year‐long process of closing the Ordot Dump and building a modern solid waste disposal facility on the island
Layon Landfill - Completed earthwork for Cells 1 and 2 at the Layon Landfill site
- Completed the Hydrogeologic Assessment, which has been approved by Guam EPA
- Conducted a leachate treatment feasibility study
- Reached an agreement with Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) for the treatment of leachate at the Inarajan wastewater treatment plant
- Procured contractors and executed contracts for all construction work needed to complete the Layon Landfill
- Began construction of the Layon Landfill, including the access road, landfill entrance facilities, liner systems and utilities
- Kept construction on schedule to assure opening of the Layon Landfill before the capacity of the Ordot Dump is exhausted
Financial and Capital Funding
- Developed and achieved Court approval of the estimated capital funding needs to implement Consent Decree projects
- Assisted the Court and the Government of Guam in achieving full funding of the required capital funding through sale of Section 30‐backed bonds
- Established Receiver Trustee Accounts to manage the capital funding and assure proper control of funds and timely payment of contractors and vendors
- Phased in new fees for commercial and residential trash customers
- Achieved SWMD operating expenses that were consistently under budget
- Implemented systems incorporating new technology needed to manage customer accounts and assure revenue to pay for operations and required capital projects
-
Assisted the Government of Guam and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding a USDA loan/grant for the Layon Landfill
Court and Receiver Team meet with
Military at Navy facility. - Negotiated a Letter of Intent with the Military for the Military’s use of the Layon Landfill
- Established a website (www.guamsolidwastereceiver.org) and continued regular communications with the media and public
>> What Has Been Done So Far?
>> Major Achievements
>> Next Steps
