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What has been done so far?
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After a comprehensive review of Court records and Department of Public Works documents, the Receiver team began on-the-ground operations in Guam in April 2008, which will continue without interruption until full compliance with the Consent Decree is achieved.
While in Guam, the Receiver team conferred extensively with the Court, Guam’s government officials and other key groups. The team also held a media briefing on April 25, during which they outlined the Receiver’s objectives and provided an overview of solid waste management best practices.
The following is a summary of the Receiver’s initial findings:
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Operations
of the Solid Waste Management Division are much worse than expected:
- Frontline staff are working against long odds to maintain basic trash collection services.
- Almost all Government-owned equipment is in a severe state of disrepair, resulting in the excessive use of rental equipment costing an average of about $11,000 per day – or $4 million annually, a greater sum than would be required to repair and replace the equipment.
- Working conditions for front line workers are poor, with safety hazards, substandard shower and bath facilities, and storm-damaged maintenance facilities that have not been repaired.
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At the Ordot Dump, the team found excessive use of costly rental equipment and the lack of a sprinkler service to control dust. The total cost of installation and rental of a new scale for three months approximates the cost of purchasing a new scale.
Ordot Dump leased scale.
Progress to date
- Addressed the condition of equipment.
Governor Felix Camacho issued an Executive Order that allows the Receivership to proceed with expedited procurement of equipment repairs and purchases that will save a minimum of $500,000 in annual rental expense. The Receiver will also renegotiate the current “lease” for the Ordot scale or acquire a new scale.
Solid Waste Department fleet
and heavy equipment. - Realigned the Solid Waste Management Division organization.
Division employees have been supportive of this effort to improve management capacity and communications. - Improved Ordot Dump operations:
- Relocated the residential dump area to a location near the scale house for safety and operational reasons
- Reinstated regular sprinkler services
- Initiated proper daily cover procedures
- Assigned additional staffing to Ordot operations
- Increased management oversight of operations
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Explored cooperation with military authorities on the new landfill and recycling.
Court and Receiver Team meet with
Military at Navy facility. - Began work on a draft Action Plan to be submitted to the Court in July.
This update was posted on May 21, 2008. Please check back for periodic updates or sign up to be notified by email.