- SPECIAL BULLETIN -

Debris Disposal Expands; Apra Harbor Reopens to Commercial Traffic

To support island-wide cleanup efforts following Typhoon Bavi, the Government of Guam, in coordination with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA), has opened two official typhoon debris disposal sites for residents.
 

Important: Tiyan accepts green waste only. Construction debris must be taken to the Ypao Point disposal site.
 

The following items will not be accepted at either disposal site: 

• Household garbage, including food, batteries, toys and oils

• White goods, including appliances

• Electronics, including solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, power banks, portable power stations

• Hazardous waste, including asbestos-containing materials, cleaning products, paint, pesticides,
  petroleum products, and solvents

• Furniture, cookware, sinks, and coolers

• Tiles, cement, and tools

• Garden hoses, lawn decorations, plastic and ceramic pots

• Plumbing items, including PVC pipes, toilet bowls, and fiberglass tubs

• BBQ grills, canopy pipes and tarps, metal shelves and lockers

• Gym, lawn, and playground equipment

• Tires, car/vehicle parts, and bicycles

• Biological and medical waste, including spoiled and rotting perishables and animal remains

The public is advised to use alternate and proper disposal methods for the above-mentioned prohibited items. Contact Guam Solid Waste Authority at 671-646-3111 for more information on GSWA disposal policies.

These bans are in place to protect both the environment and site workers. To keep our community safe and ensure efficient cleanup, please review these essential guidelines for disposing of disaster-related materials. Following proper waste separation rules protects public health and helps our island maximize FEMA reimbursement for disaster recovery efforts.

Entry lines close at 4:30 p.m. to allow all vehicles to unload before the sites close at 5 p.m. and to ensure crews can safely secure the facilities for the evening.

Residents are encouraged to separate debris before arriving to help materials be processed safely and efficiently. Access to both disposal sites is at the user's own risk. Proper footwear, including closed-toe shoes, and appropriate attire are strongly recommended while unloading debris.

Port Authority Recovery Updates
Apra Harbor reopened to commercial maritime traffic at 2:00 p.m. today following authorization from the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, allowing vessel operations to resume.

The Port continues to restore cargo handling capabilities:

• Gantry Crane 6 has returned to operational readiness and is available for service.

• Gantry Crane 5 remains under maintenance following load testing.

• Gantry Crane 4 continues undergoing an operational readiness assessment.

Island power has been restored to the Port's gatehouse operations, eliminating the need for manual processing and allowing cargo to continue moving through the terminal.

As of 12:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9, the Port Authority reported:

• Import containers released: 82

• General cargo released: 136

• Vehicles released: 96

• Heavy equipment released: 3

• Export containers awaiting vessel loading: 23

• Empty containers received awaiting vessel loading: 144

Stay Out of the Water – Hazardous Marine Conditions Continue

The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended the High Surf Advisory, High Rip Current Risk, and Small Craft Advisory through 4 p.m. Friday, July 10.

High Surf Advisory & High Rip Current Risk

• In effect through 4 p.m. Friday

• Large breaking waves of up to 12 feet are expected along south- and west-facing reefs of Guam.

• Dangerous rip currents and localized beach erosion are expected.

Small Craft Advisory 

• In effect through 4 p.m. Friday

• Seas of 7 to 10 feet will create hazardous conditions for small craft in Guam coastal waters.

Residents and visitors are urged to remain out of the water and stay off beaches, reefs, jetties, and piers affected by hazardous surf. Inexperienced swimmers should not enter the ocean, and small craft operators should avoid venturing out until conditions improve.

Although Super Typhoon Bavi continues to move away from the Marianas, hazardous swells generated by the storm and its trailing monsoon pattern continue to impact local waters. Surf and sea conditions are expected to gradually improve, with hazardous conditions potentially falling below advisory levels Friday night.

GBHWC Suicide & Crisis Lifeline remains operational 24/7. The community may call or text the hotline at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. 

Visit the following links for the latest information:

• NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/

• NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/

• GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/

• GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

• JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam 

• JTF-M Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Joint-Task-Force-Micronesia-61561148861855/