I Mina Trenta Na Liheslaturan Guahan

I MINA′TRENTAI KUÅTTRO NA LIHESLATURAN GUÅHAN

2017 (FIRST) Regular Session

Bill No. 83-34 (COR)

Introduced by:FRANK B. AGUON JR.

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GUAM ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TO PROCURE THE SERVICES OF A QUALIFIED RESPONDENT OR RESPONDENTS FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF GREEN WASTE RESULTING FROM POST-TYPHOON CLEANUP AND VILLAGE BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF GUAM:

Section 1. Legislative Findings and Intent. I Liheslaturan Guåhan finds thatpost-typhoon cleanup efforts have yet to be completed with significant debris and green waste still present at the Oka Point holding area. A number of government agencies and Mayors’ offices have also conducted post-typhoon and beautification efforts, and have experienced challenges in disposing of municipal green waste in compliance with Guam Environmental and Protection Agency’s regulations. It has been reported that the green waste, in particular, has become a breeding ground for the coconut rhinoceros beetle and the little fire ant. It is the intent of this legislation to accelerate the removal process of the green waste in order to remove this breeding ground and eliminate the further spread of these invasive species, and to allow government agencies to properly dispose of all regulated green waste at permitted compost sites.

Section 2.Authorization. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to procure the services of a qualified respondent or respondents to conduct the separation and proper disposal of green waste resulting from post-typhoon cleanup efforts and ongoing disposal of green waste generated by various government agencies. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with the Mayors’ Council of Guam, is also authorized to procure the services of a qualified respondent or respondent to conduct the separation and proper disposal of green waste resulting from village beautification efforts.

Section 3.Qualifications of Respondents. Each respondent shall clearly possess and demonstrate all of the following qualifications in order to be deemed a “qualified respondent”: 1) must be a permitted green waste facility; 2) must have a full time certified compost Manager on staff; 3) must demonstrate they have the necessary equipment available to perform the repurposing/recycling of green waste into compost, inclusive of mulch or other beneficial product to the community; 4) must possess equipment to include, at a minimum, a grinder, trammel screen, equipment necessary to turn windrows, and temperature and CO2 monitoring equipment; 5) must demonstrate that Respondent has repurposed/recycled green waste and has made and sold the repurposed product to the community for a minimum of one (1) year prior to the enactment of this law; and 6) must be able to accept tax credits in lieu of cash payments.

Section 4.Funding Sources. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency may utilize any available funds remaining in the Recycling Revolving Fund to accomplish the intent of Section 2 of this Act. Should that fund balance not be sufficient or committed for other recycling efforts, the Guam Environmental Protection Agency may request that I Magalahen Guåhan issue tax credits as an additional or alternate source of payment.