The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NavFac) is proposing the construction of magazines and ordnance pads, water wells and hooved animals perimeter fencing within the military-controlled sites on Guam.
NavFac is seeking community input on the three proposed activities, which form the latest batch of identified projects related to the relocation of the 4,800 Marines from Okinawa to Guam, a massive undertaking that is estimated to cost the U.S. and Japan $23 billion in the next 10 years. Public commenting period ends on Sept. 14.
Based on the programmatic agreement, NavFac will build 12 earth covered magazines of reinforced concrete capable of storing a specified quantity of munitions, two partially covered ordnance pads with lightning protection, grounding system, and electrical service to function as an ammunition work and overhaul shop. Both are proposed to be built at Andersen Air Force Base.
“The P-290 earth covered magazines construction is in fulfillment of support facilities and infrastructure requirements identified for reduction of explosives safety risks from military munitions,” the programmatic agreement memo states.
This project includes vegetation clearance, topographic and geotechnical work, and remediation efforts for unexploded ordnance/munitions and explosives of concern. Construction works include clearing and grubbing, sediment and erosion control measures, paving, installation of security fencing, concrete work, and electrical and mechanical utilities.
The proposed wells, to be located near Potts Junction and Route 9 on the west side of the Munitions Storage Area, would provide approximately 1.2 million gallons of water per day to support the increase in personnel, facilities, and operations associated with the military relocation.
“Exploratory water well work entails drilling 25.4 centimeter (10-inch) to 30.5 centimeter (12-inch) diameter boreholes with a truck-mounted drill rig. Pump tests will be carried out at each borehole,” the memo states.
“Construction of the water well system consists of raw water transmission lines, water treatment, water storage, water transfer pump facility, a power and communications system, and treated water transmission lines. Two of the well sites will be equipped with generator buildings and the remainder of the well sites will be equipped with electrical buildings.”
The hooved animals perimeter fencing project is designed to bar the entry of ungulates that endanger the native vegetation. The project is a component of forest enhancement plan for the northern portion of Naval Base Guam, Telecommunications Site and a southwestern portion of Northwest Field on Andersen Air Force Base in Dededo.
According to the programmatic agreement memo, the total ungulate control area at NBGTS is expected to cover approximately 1,815 acres.
“This section of the fencing will construct an ungulate control fence that encloses approximately 272 acres of secondary limestone forest, hibiscus scrub, and mixed herbaceous scrub north of the Marine Corps main cantonment at NBGTS Finegayan,” the memo states.
Comments may be submitted to criwebcomment@navy.mil. Printed copies of memos are available at the the Guam Historic Resources Division, located at 490 Chalan Palasyo, Agana Heights, 96910 (in the Department of Parks and Recreation Office).