Site Assessment and Remediation

BECQ-DEQ’s Site Assessment and Remediation ("SAR") branch protects the CNMI public health and the environment by ensuring the assessment and cleanup of sites contaminated by the release of hazardous substances are conducted effectively and diligently in accordance with CNMI and Federal laws and regulations.  The SAR branch is responsible for managing and implementing the following programs: 

PROGRAMS

• 128(a) Brownfields: Section 128(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), as amended, authorizes a noncompetitive $50 million grant program to establish and enhance state and tribal response programs.  CERCLA section 128(a) response program grants are funded with categorical State and Tribal Assistance Grant ("STAG") appropriations.  Section 128(a) cooperative agreements are awarded and administered by the EPA regional offices. Generally, these response programs address the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields sites and other sites with actual or perceived contamination. (https://www.epa.gov)

• 104(k) Brownfields (Hazardous Substances & Petroleum): Assessment grants provide funding for a grant recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct planning and community involvement related to brownfields sites. An eligible entity may apply for up to $200,000 to assess a site contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) and up to $200,000 to address a site contaminated by petroleum.

• Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program: The U.S. Army is DOD’s lead agent for the FUDS Program. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers executes the FUDS Program on behalf of the U.S. Army and DOD. The U.S. Army and DOD are dedicated to protecting human health and the environment by investigating and, if required, cleaning up potential contamination or munitions that may remain on these properties from past DOD activities. (USACE)

STAFF

• Ray S. Masga, Branch Manager
• Robert B. Deleon Guerrero, Environmental Specialist

Part of SAR's responsibilities is to facilitate the coordination and provide oversight for site assessments and cleanup activities which includes reviewing and approving of remedial response action site plans (i.e. Sampling and Analysis Plan ("SAP"), Quality Assurance Project Plan ("QAPP"), etc.).  For inquiries, you can contact our office at (670) 664-8500.