The Guam Environmental Protection Agency has launched an investigation into a landslide that disrupted traffic and poured sediment into Agana Bay last week.
GEPA is trying to determine what caused the landslide, if construction projects in the area were in compliance with standards before the landslide, how future landslides can be diverted and marine impacts caused by the landslide.
GEPA issued a stop-work order to Palisades Estates, a housing development being built on the Maite cliffline, and representatives of the company said they are working with the government to meet the conditions of the order.
The Oct. 15 landslide cut a scar into the cliff and disrupted morning traffic along one of the busiest stretches of road on the island.
In addition to pausing construction, the stop-work order required Palisades Estates to immediately drain or discharge sediment ponds filled with runoff water.
GEPA and the Department of Public Works are developing a short- and long-term mitigation plan to divert runoff discharging into the Tiyan Stormwater System.