Summary

EPA is issuing a notice of proposed action under the Clean Water Act. EPA is proposing to issue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal (No. MP0020371) to Tasi Tours and Transportation, Inc. for the Managaha Island wastewater treatment facility located near Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.

The facility serves a daily tourist population averaging 1,400, receiving only domestic sewage with a design flow of 0.005 million gallons per day (MGD). The treatment plant is a small-scale Johkasou package plant which consists of influent flow equalization-denitrification, membrane separation aerated activated sludge with flocculation, settling and disinfection. The plant provides secondary treatment. Sludge is thickened and stored for disposal at the Marpi Solid Waste Landfill, or for hauling off-site by boat to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation’s Sadog Tasi WWTP (NPDES Permit No. MP0020010). Treated effluent is discharged to a nearby leach field distribution box located 150 feet inward of the north shoreline of Managaha Island and flows into the groundwater in an aquifer matrix comprised of beach sand with a direct hydrological connection to nearby Class A marine waters by the Tanapag Harbor of Saipan. Class AA coastal and oceanic waters are protected for their natural pristine state as nearly as possible with an absolute minimum of pollution or alteration of water quality from any human-related source or actions. Other uses to be protected are the support and propagation of shellfish and other marine life, conservation of coral reefs and wilderness areas, oceanographic research, and aesthetic enjoyment and compatible recreation with risk of water ingestion by humans.

***Please bring the foregoing notice to the attention of all persons who would be interested in this matter. ***