The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to Cabras Marine Corporation to address hazardous waste management issues at its ship repair facility in Guam. This action is taken under the Clean Water Act to protect Apra Harbor from potential pollution.
Amy Miller, EPA Pacific Southwest Region Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director, said, "EPA will take action under federal law when we see a facility mismanaging waste that puts at risk human health and the environment." She added that the agreement aims to enhance protection for coral reefs and aquatic life in Guam.
The order follows an inspection on February 6, 2025, which revealed sandblast debris spilling from containment structures and potentially entering stormwater systems and Apra Harbor. Inspectors also found improperly labeled and stored oily and hazardous materials, posing fire risks. The investigation indicated these issues have persisted since at least 2017.
Under the Administrative Order on Consent, Cabras Marine must remove all accumulated oily and hazardous waste properly. The company will construct new storage units with appropriate labeling and organization, install a secondary containment system for spill prevention, conduct bi-monthly inspections of the facility, provide worker training on proper waste handling, and complete a technical evaluation for managing ships' oily wastewater.
Cabras Marine Corporation is allowed to continue its operations while complying with the order. More information about EPA’s enforcement program can be found through their official channels.
Information from this article can be found here.
