The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Cabras Marine to improve management of hazardous waste at Apra Harbor.
The federal agency conducted an inspection of the Cabras ship repair and maintenance facility in February.
Inspectors found sand blast debris spilling out of the containment structure, and there was a large accumulation of oily and hazardous waste materials, improperly labeled and stored together.
The agency said the buildup and improper storage of waste material has been an ongoing issue for the facility since 2017.
“EPA will take action under federal law when we see a facility mismanaging waste that puts at risk human health and the environment,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Region Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Amy Miller. “This agreement will strengthen protection of coral reef and aquatic life in Guam.”
EPA said Cabras Marine has agreed to remove and properly dispose of all accumulated oily waste and hazardous waste, build new hazardous waste storage units, inspect the facility at least twice a month and complete a technical evaluation for the collection, storage and disposal of oily wastewater (bilge).
Cabras Marine Corporation can continue daily operations at the facility as it follows the order.