FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 22, 2024 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Today, Bill No. 116-37 (COR), which addresses gaps in regulating illegal quarrying, successfully progressed to the Third Reading file, signaling a concerted effort to tackle community concerns and enhance oversight of earthmoving activities, especially those above Guam’s aquifer.
Introduced on May 11, 2023, by Speaker Therese M. Terlaje, Bill 116-37 has undergone years of collaborative research involving government regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and dedicated professionals. This initiative responds to mounting concerns about mining operations in Guam, particularly those operating under permits for clearing and grading. With a surge in development projects, including those for the Department of Defense, Speaker Terlaje, Chairperson of the Committee on Land, recognized the heightened value of aggregate, crucial for both military and local developments and the heightened pressure on agencies to issue permits. This bill closes loopholes in Guam law to better regulate operations where projects permitted for clearing and grading were unmistakably operating as quarries.
At the public hearing on July 19, 2023, all stakeholders recognized the pressing need to address inconsistencies in Guam’s laws concerning the permitting and regulation of quarrying and mining. Stakeholder testimonies stressed the importance of harmonizing enforcement capabilities to ensure best practices for mining and quarrying. “The substitute bill reflects our collective commitment to closing regulatory gaps and ensuring clarity in how we manage quarrying activities on Guam. It’s a pivotal step toward effective oversight and protection of public health and the environment,” said Speaker Therese M. Terlaje.
The substitute bill refines definitions for quarrying and mining, clarifies the threshold between grading and quarrying for effective enforcement, and aligns Guam EPA’s regulatory authority under the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations.
Speaker Therese M. Terlaje extended gratitude to Guam EPA, DLM, DPW, DOA, SHPO, WERI, GWA, and BSP for their support, hard work, and invaluable contributions to this pivotal legislation. As the bill advances to the Third Reading, she humbly calls upon her colleagues to endorse this measure for the benefit of Guam’s present and future.
Bill No. 116-37 was successfully placed onto the 3rd Reading File. “This bill is landmark legislation that closes the gaps of illegal quarrying under a clearing and grading permit, and harmful quarrying on agriculturally zoned land. It is a pivotal step toward effective oversight and protection of the land and its resources, including the drinking water and food that we rely on. I am grateful for the technical assistance from those dedicated and experienced individuals in the agencies who do the regulatory work every day, which ensures the health and safety of Guam’s residents.” Speaker Terlaje stated.
Session resumes on Tuesday, January 22, 2024.
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For more information, please contact Speaker Therese M. Terlaje’s office at (671) 472-3586 or via e-mail at senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com.