Northern Mariana Mayor concerned about impacts of military expansion

Northern Mariana Mayor Miffed at Military

500-page plan wasn’t shared with Mayor Valentin Taisakan

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

SAIPAN, CNMI (Mariana Variety, March 12, 2009 )-Northern Islands Mayor Valentin I. Taisakan is disappointed with the U.S. armed forces for not sharing with his office information regarding the military’s plans for the Northern Islands.

Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Edward J. Lynch, program manager of the Mariana Islands Range Complex, visited the Northern Islands Mayor’s Office last month to discuss this issue with Taisakan.

The mayor’s office was given the draft environmental impact statement for the Mariana Islands Range Complex, and Taisakan has until March 16 to comment.

But Taisakan said the deadline does not give them ample time to review the 500-page document..

“Nonetheless, it is important that we present our concerns on these issues with hope that they will be given serious consideration,” the mayor said in his letter to Lynch.

Taisakan said he is concerned about the target range on Farallon de Medinilla, harmful or deadly materials, toxic waste and local fishermen deprived of their livelihood source.

[PIR editor’s note: Hawaii’s Kahoolawe island off Maui served as a military target for decades until, under growing pressure, the island was returned to the state and to native Hawaiians for rehabilitation. While segments of the island have been cleared of live munitions at great cost to the military, the island might never be safe for habitation.]

Lynch, during the briefing last Feb. 23, assured the mayor’s office of the minimal effect of the military exercises on the marine resources.

But Taisakan said it is not clear whether the area to be covered by the military activities will extend up to 10 miles, including the existing three miles from the shore, or there will be another 10 miles.

Although he recognized the need for expansion, Taisakan reminded the military of the Covenant provision stating that such expansion “shall not exceed 206 acres.”

Taisakan is also opposed to any use of any machinery, equipment, tools and weaponry that deal with chemical or any materials harmful and deadly to the people and environment.

He noted that Farallon de Mendinilla is one of the best areas to fish and the expansion of military exercises there may restrict or limit fishing activities.

Taisakan also expressed concern about the possibility that more fish may become toxic.

He said some fish species turned toxic after World War II and it was believed that unexploded ammonization sunken ships and other hazardous materials used in the war were the cause.

Marianas Variety: http://icnmi.com