Nightmare in Wonderland: Lost and Found in the D.E.I.S. - Part 1

"Long-term changes affecting water resources would include the alteration to the dredged depth of Apra Harbor wharf berths, navigation channel and the creation of a turning basin that would remain subject to subsequent siltation and maintenance dredging." (Volume 8, Chapter 5)

I assumed the dredging was a one time deal, during the construction process. But as I have found out here, that is not so. So my question is, how often will maintenance dredging be done? Where will that material be dumped? How will the siltation and dredging continue to effect our water quality?

Long-term changes to the environment include changes in dredged depths in Apra Harbor, including: the federal navigation channel; aircraft carrier turning basin and new wharf; Inner Apra Harbor Entrance Channel; and Inner Apra Harbor Wharves (Sierra and Tango). New depths would remain as such and be subject to subsequent siltation and maintenance dredging. Additionally, long-term uses of the environment include in-water or nearshore land-based operational activities (e.g. increased frequency of Marine Expeditionary Unit ships and fueling vessel transport movement and CVN aircraft carrier visits in Apra Harbor), including recreation and recreational activities (specifically Haputo Ecological Reserve Area) that would affect marine biological resources through decreased water quality (i.e. increased ammonia nitrogen levels in wastewater discharges, increased turbidity, sediment deposition, increased potential for pollutants and debris in the water, and affects on water chemistry), increased vessel strikes, and noise and in-water reverberations. Lastly, there would be long-term uses of the coastal waters on the east coasts of Guam and Tinian where the training ranges surface danger zones extend off-shore. These long-term uses of the environment would affect Endangered Species Act-listed species and sensitive management unit species present in the essential fish habitat of Apra Harbor and Guam, and possibly Tinian. Therefore, the long-term productivity of marine biological resources may be compromised."(Volume 8, Chapter 5)

That one speaks for itself.

"Long-term changes would include the direct loss and disturbance of archaeological sites and historic buildings on both Guam and Tinian from construction and demolition, and the long-term restriction from potential traditional cultural properties as a result of training and safety requirements relating to firing ranges. With the implementation of mitigation measures, there would be a long-term benefit from the increase in knowledge of the past and the distribution of this knowledge to the public. However, the long-term productivity of cultural resources may be compromised. "(Volume 8, Chapter 5)

ugh!

To read and comment on the D.E.I.S. go to: http://guambuildupeis.us/documents