Public Notices Portal - Government of Guam

United States Agrees to Pay $48.9M to Guam for Ordot Dump Past Costs in Historic CERCLA Case

PRESS RELEASE

Posted on: 09/26/2023 10:14 AM
Posted by: Daylin Pelletier
Department(s): OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF GUAM
Division(s): COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Notice Topic(s): PRESS RELEASE
Types of Notice: PRESS RELEASE
For Audience(s): PUBLIC
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Hagåtña, Guam - Today, Judge Jia M. Cobb, District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia approved a Partial Consent Decree between the Government of Guam and the United States, partially resolving a dispute pending since 2017 over the past costs incurred by the Government of Guam for cleanup, corrective action, and closure of the Ordot Dump. Under the Consent Decree, the U.S. has agreed to pay $48,900,000 to resolve Guam’s claims for these past costs.

“This Consent Decree brings closure to an issue that has plagued our island for decades. While serious concerns remain regarding liability for future costs associated with the Ordot Dump, this settlement represents a significant victory for our island and will enable us to move forward,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero regarding the Consent Decree. “Settlement was achieved following intense litigation in the District Court, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court victory, and mediation efforts late last year, in which Guam was represented by the Office of the Governor, prior Attorney General Leevin Camacho, and our litigation counsel Kelley Drye & Warren LLP. Credit is also due to the vision and tireless efforts of former Attorney General Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson, who initiated the lawsuit. I also thank Attorney General Douglas Moylan for ensuring final execution and filing of the Consent Decree.”

“Our island’s natural resources are sacred and must be protected. While we have resolved the past costs associated with the Ordot Dump cleanup, significant work remains to ensure the dump is properly maintained and the surrounding community remains safe and healthy,” added Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio. “We all have a part to play in safeguarding our land and preserving it for future generations.”

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