Environmental Protection Agency

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Public Auditor
Environmental Protection Agency
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Henry Susaia
Director

Background:

The Environmental Protection Agency was a Sanitation Sector of the Dept. of Health’s Division of Public Health during Trust Territory times until 1992. An Act S.L. No. 3L-26-92,was put into effect and established the office of Environmental Protection Agency and all responsibilities, staff and assets transferred to EPA in 1992. This Act established a Board of Directors and was given the authority to adopt, amend and create Regulations. There are 20 Regulations adopted by this Board and enforced by this office to safeguard and improve the environmental condition related to the health and welfare of the people of Pohnpei and their economic development.

Presently, Pohnpei EPA has a 7-member Board of Directors appointed by the State Governor, and confirm by the State Legislature. The Agency is currently staffed by 21 people plus 1 legal counsel (in processing for hiring). The main functions of the Agency are performed under the following Divisions: Management, Pollution Control (Permitting System), Laboratory & Safe Drinking Water, Quarantine, Establishment, Climate Change and Community Improvement, Environmental Education. Outputs of all divisions are aimed at ensuring wise use and protection of Pohnpei’s natural resources. The main function of the EPA Board is to evaluate and monitor development projects proposed through the Agency’s development project permitting process. The board also has the authority to cease development projects not complying with Permit Conditions as issued according to the Laws and Regulations.

Strategic actions and outputs of the program are financially supported primarily under the Environment Sector Grants under the Compact of Free Association, with additional supports from US Rural Development.

VISION:

Pohnpei will provide sound management, preservation, and conservation of environmental, natural and cultural resources and support for economic development for the benefit of the present and future generations.

MISSION:

Pohnpei EPA is responsible for overseeing the wise use, protection, and preservation of Pohnpei’s resources, balancing the needs of economic and social development with those of environmental quality and respect for our traditional ways.

Public Work Section is responsible for the Field Trip Ship Operation. Manage and operate the State-owned field trip ship such as Micro Glory. This responsibility includes, but not limited to, scheduling for trips to be coordinated with the Public Affairs Officer, the handling of passengers and cargo, the supervision of ship and shore-side personnel, the provisioning, maintenance, repair and improvement of vessel(s).

Public Transportation Section to be responsible for assisting and regulating the provision of public transportation with the State of Pohnpei.

STRATEGIC GOALS:
- Improving and enhancing the human environment through improved waste management and pollution control.
- Enhancing the benefits of sustainable use of Pohnpei’s genetic resources and ensuring the benefits derived are fairly shared amongst all stakeholders.
- Improving environmental awareness and education and increasing involvement of all citizenry of Pohnpei in conserving and sustainably developing the state’s natural resources.

POHNPEI EPA LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Law:
- Pohnpei Environmental Protection Act of 1992 Signed into law on November 19, 1992
- Amendment to Pohnpei Environmental Protection Act of 1992 Signed into law on October 12, 1993
REGULATIONS:
- Air Pollution Control Standards and Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Barber Shop and Beauty Parlor Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Carnival, Fair and Food Sale RegulationsEffective April 3, 1995
- Drinking Water RegulationsEffective April 3, 1995
- Earthmoving Regulations Amended September 30, 1996 Amended April 10, 2008 Currently undergoing revision
- Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Food Store Regulations Effective February 19, 1998
- Hearing Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Mosquito and Fly Control Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Pesticide Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Regulations on Public Access to EPA Records Effective May 20, 1996
- Public Buildings and Places of Public Assembly Environmental Standards Regulations
- Restaurant and Food Selling Places Regulations Effective April 3, 1995 Currently undergoing revision
- Rodent Control Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Sakau Bar Regulations Effective June 2, 2000
- Ship Environmental Health Inspection Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Solid Waste Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Swimming Pools Regulations Effective April 3, 1995
- Toilet Facilities & Sewage Disposal Regulations Effective April 3, 1995 Currently undergoing revision
- Marine and Fresh Water Quality Standard Regulations Effective April 3, 1995

The personals of the Surveillance Water Quality Monitoring were fully certified by the US EPA in Colilert-18 ® and Enterolert ™

Names are as follow:

Clayton Santos: Environmental Specialist II –Fully Certified in Colilert-18 ® and Enterolert ™ (Drinking waters and Marine water)

Fermin Scaliem: Environmental Technician II – Certified in Colilert-18 ® and Enterolert ™ (Drinking waters and Marine water)

Quinton Lawrence: Environmental Sanitation Aide -- Certified in Colilert-18 ® (drinking waters)

The project of the “Pohnpei educational and awareness material production” is sponsored by Japan Embassy and the Conservation Society of Pohnpei in partnership with Pohnpei EPA. Purpose of this is to highlight the increasing pollution issues facing our rivers island wide.

The Division of Water Quality Monitoring (Lab) is now in the state of putting up test results in regards with their water surveillance test on each recreational site around the island of Pohnpei.

Sign or Board sign locations are as followed: