[CPEO-MEF] GOOD NEWS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS ON SHIPMENT OF PCB=92S TO U.S.=MAINLA

[mervtano@iiirm.org]

GOOD NEWS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS ON SHIPMENT OF PCB=92S TO U.S. MAINLAND

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (June 8, 2001 - Saipan Tribune/PINA Nius
Online)---The United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved a
rule allowing polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated materials to be shipped
to the mainland U.S. from U.S. territories for disposal.

The newly signed rule, according to Guam Rep. Robert A. Underwood,
specifically mentions Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and, in
the Atlantic Ocean, the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"After several months of discussion and rule making, we're very happy to
report that this has now been resolved. This is great news for Guam =AD=
 even
greater news for the Northern Marianas, which continues to suffer with PCB
problems from formerly-used defense sites in Saipan," Mr. Underwood said.

PCBs are a cancer-causing man-made chemical. There has been continuing
controversy over their presence in the Tanapag area on Saipan and their
effects on local people. The United States Department of Defense is alleged
to have used PCB in a radar station in the area in the 1960s.

For more see: http://pidp.ewc.hawaii.edu/pireport/2001/June/06-11-18.htm


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