Illegal dumping slowing DPW, residents reminded uncollected debris is homeowner's responsibility

Over 1,700 feet of a Yigo street filled to the brim on both sides with trash for weeks is now finally cleared up.

Department of Public Works Director Vince Arriola confirmed the completion during an Island Beautification Task Force meeting on Tuesday.

"It took us about two weeks to clear out. We took out over 26 tons of all kinds of waste," he said. "By the time we got there, it was definitely a health hazard."

According to a release from the Governor’s office, over 262 tons of trash were collected in two weeks with the help of Department of Correction inmates.

But it comes at a cost.

"The illegal dump sites that have popped up throughout the island have been a bane for the staff here at DPW, our workforce and work productivity," Arriola said during the meeting.

It’s time and resources taken away from regular work.

Arriola said DPW is three months behind on roadside maintenance.

"I just went through Route 4 Cross Island over the weekend, and the grass on the sides of the road is really, really tall," he said. "We’re going to try to get some folks there, but you know, we’re spending most, if not all our time cleaning up these illegal dump sites."

The delay is compounded with more sites popping up around the island. One site now on their radar leads to a primary tourist destination.

“The illegal dump site came about leading to Two Lovers Point. So we are in the middle of clearing that up as well. That’s along the Harmon cliff line,” Arriola said.

It’s why officials are urging residents to dispose of their trash properly and report illegal dumping to the Guam Environmental Protection Agency.

In the meantime, as residential right-of-way typhoon debris collection closes out in several villages, mayors are warning residents any debris left out may also be considered illegal dumping.

Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann addressed that issue.

"We ordered the ‘sorry we missed you’ door hangers and we basically tell people ‘you’ve missed the program and so you can’t put this out here anymore," he said. "Please put it back in because your neighbors are complaining.’"

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers debris mission dashboard shows villages marked complete including Tamuning, Hagatna, Agana Heights, Sinajana, Piti, Santa Rita-Sumai, Asan-Maina, Talofofo, Humatak, Inalahan and Malesso’.

The collection is ongoing at Yigo, Dededo, Mangilao, Barrigada, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Yona, Hagat.

Former Yigo mayor Bob Lizama noted Adelup received calls just Tuesday morning from two concerned Yigo residents who say they were missed and are now left with a pile of debris still sitting in front of their homes.

"The question of course will be what is going to happen with these villages that have already been completed," he said. "Will U.S. ACE be returning back to these villages for a last and final cleanup? That remains to be discussed."

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio added although it’s a case-by-case basis, residents may be held liable if they are pushing out trash knowing the one-time free pick-up ended.

He reminds the community that illegal dumping has a fine of $1,000 a day per violation.