We have testified.
We have commented.
We have asked politely.

It is time to take the next step, together.

Realize our Destiny Rally

Community Response to the Record of Decision

October 1 • Adelup • 4:30-7:30pm

Our goals are to unite our community and send a strong message to the national and international audience that our island is united in opposing the buildup as it is outlined in the Record of Decision– NO land condemnation, NO dredging at Apra Harbor, NO to a firing range at Pagat.

WE WANT to have a real, decision making place at the table. American Democracy should fully apply to us!

Organizations, agencies, departments, schools, and candidates are invited to bring a canopy and table at this event. Space is limited.

Let’s stand together to protect our lands, ocean, and culture!
Bring your signs, family, friends and good spirits.

In response to the Joint Guam Program Office’s plans to turn the Pågat area into a firing range, We Are Guåhan is hosting a community event on Route 15 this Friday, July 23 – the day the Final EIS is scheduled for release.

So far, JGPO has outlined plans to restrict access to the Pågat Village site for 39 weeks out of the year, and condemn the Yigo Raceway and other properties.

We Are Guåhan and the community of Guam worked together to submit thousands of comments on the Draft EIS last December and January. Many of those comments submitted other option sites for the firing range. With JGPO’s publicized plans, it has become clear that the voices of the people of Guam were not taken into consideration.

We Are Guåhan will be peacefully lining Route 15 to send a strong message to the CEQ and military officials who will be visiting Pågat that day that Guam is united to save our island and protect our future.

The community action will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Parking will be available at the Yigo Raceway with shuttle services to the Pågat trail head.

After concerted action from the community, the legislature, the Governor and the Congresswoman, JGPO and the DOD still plan to take Pagat and the 4,000 year old village and burial ground there as a firing range.

• Widen the back road to a 6 lane road
• Pave over land for parking lots
• Create “safety zones” that reach to private lands
• Pave “access trails” to the ancient village area
• Active firing use 39 weeks out of the year

We have 11,000 petitions… and still counting.

Thank you to everyone who signed and promoted the petition!

Comments may be sent to the Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army Environmental Command, 5179 Hoadley Rd, Attn: IMAE-PA, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5401; (410) 436-2556; fax (410) 436-1693.

Or e-mail: APGR-USAECNEPA@conus.army.mil

Any comments must be submitted by March 7, 2010.

More information on DoD’s proposal can be found here.

“The Environmental Protection Agency is sharply criticizing the military’s plan to move thousands of Marines to Guam, saying its failure to plan for infrastructure upgrades would lead to raw sewage spills and a shortage of drinking water.

Further, the agency said the military’s plan to build a new aircraft carrier berth at the U.S. territory’s Apra Harbor would result in “unacceptable impacts” to 71 acres of a high quality coral reef.

The EPA outlined the criticisms in a strongly worded six-page letter to the Navy regarding a draft environmental impact statement by the military.

Specifically, the EPA said the military’s plan would lead to the following problems:

• A shortfall in Guam’s water supply, resulting in low water pressure that would expose people to water borne diseases from sewage.
• Increased sewage flows to wastewater plants already failing to comply with Clean Water Act regulations.
• More raw sewage spills that would contaminate the water supply and the ocean.

Regarding coral reefs, the EPA said the military underestimated the effect the aircraft carrier berth would have on a resource that currently provides essential habitats for fish and endangered sea turtles and that supports commercial and recreational fishing.

Resources

EPA Sharply Criticizes Military’s Guam Plan, NY Times (Feb. 24, 2010).

EPA’s Harsh Rating May Slow Guam Buildup, Stars & Stripes (Feb. 26, 2010).

See PNC’s Coverage on this Issue

Read the EPA’s Assessment of The Guam DEIS

Read the Summary in the Cover Letter of EPA’s Assessment of The Guam DEIS