With an economy based mostly upon the tourism and garment
industries, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
(CNMI) has become an international hub for individuals seeking
work,
an education,
or to simply
enjoy life in the islands. Saipan is the largest of the Northern
Islands and demands the greatest need for Water Quality outreach,
planning, coordination, and enforcement efforts due to a
brimming population of around 65,000 and ever decreasing
available lands. Luta (Pop. 4,000) and Tinian (Pop. 4,000)
are affected to a lesser extent, but would also benefit from
training and support in managing water resources in a tropical
island ecosystem.
Drinking
Water and Human Health
Water resource issues differ slightly from island to island, but some
of the greatest concerns are:
- clean drinking water in Saipan which currently has
a high salinity level.
- improved wastewater treatment technologies
and water conveyance infrastructure.
- high levels of lead and copper in the water supply.
This problem is believed to be attributable to lead and
copper piping (conveyance) systems that still exist in
CNMI and are currently unregulated.
- water aquifer poisoning due to illegal dumping of TCE’s
(Trichloroethylene-a hazardous chemical used by the garment
industry to remove spots on fabrics and used by auto
shops as a degreaser).
- lack of trash recovery facilities, segregation of hazardous
material, and illegal trash dumping.
- PCB’s and other hazardous materials that were
left on the islands after World War II that continue
to plague communities here.
Animal
Waste Management
Small-scale
backyard swine production facilities are very common in
the Micronesian region, however, few or no incentives
exist for farmers to implement waste management systems
on their farms. Furthermore, many of
the region's pig farmers do not realize the potential hazard
of animal waste seepage into their water resources. There
are "appropriate
technology" alternatives being developed and promoted in
the region. Our current project,
co-funded by EPA, will promote low-cost waste management
systems to pig farmers. Ideally, these alternatives will
reduce daily labor and water requirements while providing
a means
of enhancing crop production by incorporating nutrient
rich materials into their cropping systems.
Pesticide
and Nutrient Management
Recently, some wells have been found to
have high levels of nitrates. Elevated nitrate levels in
drinking water can pose significant
health risks if left unchecked. Some sources
known to contribute to nitrification of groundwater are
agricultural animal wastes and agricultural crop production
activities that incorporate significant amounts of nitrogen-based
fertilizers. Additionally, inadequate or improperly constructed
septic systems can contribute to well contamination in
the form of elevated nitrates.
Watershed
Management
In CNMI, our sensitive
coral reef ecosystems, drinking water concerns, and water
recreation issues (beach closures), could benefit from
successful Watershed Management.
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