AGP Executive Report

Guam Power & Water: GPA says Ukudu output is rebounding after repairs, easing load-shedding risk as the steam turbine work continues, while GWA approved nearly $1.5M for sewer-cleaning trucks to meet court-ordered wastewater obligations. Tourism Accountability: Sen. Jesse Lujan grilled the Guam Visitors Bureau board over a tourism slump, arguing the bureau’s results haven’t matched incentive funding and pushing for performance-based outcomes. School Facilities & Health: Tiyan and Simon Sanchez could reopen after a public health inspection, following a shutdown tied to environmental health standards and demerits. Typhoon Season Watch: NWS reports Tropical Depression 20W and Invest 91W are far east and not expected to hit the Marianas, but forecasters warn typhoon odds are rising as Guam heads into peak season. Reef & Fisheries: A Smart-FAD push urges fishers to shift toward pelagic catches to relieve pressure on declining reef fish. Invasive Species Science: New genome research helps explain how brown tree snakes spread so fast on Guam, despite starting from a small number of stowaways. Coastal Cleanup: Guam’s 32nd International Coastal Cleanup is set for Sept. 19, with pre-registration and capped site capacity. Defense Tech (Local Impact): Lockheed and Anduril both tested AI-enabled battle manager prototypes for Guam’s layered air and missile defense in simulated environments. Marine History: Archaeologists will help guide a Nautilus expedition searching for the WWII Japanese warship Hayate near Wake Atoll.

Typhoon Season Watch: Two tropical depressions far east of the Marianas—20W and 21W—are interacting and are not expected to directly affect Guam, with forecasters keeping an eye on how the systems may evolve as they move north. Coastal Cleanup: Guam’s 32nd Annual Guam International Coastal Cleanup is set for Sept. 19, with mandatory pre-registration, capped site capacity, and early check-in starting at 6:30 a.m. Flooding & Rain: Southern Guam saw heavy rain overnight, with up to 7 inches reported and a flash flood warning issued before conditions eased into light, steady rain. Reef & Fisheries: As reef fish decline, a Guam derby is pushing pelagic fishing, pairing community outreach with NOAA-funded upgrades to fish aggregating devices using satellite echosounder buoys. Water Quality: Dieldrin-related claims continue to mount, with hundreds of administrative filings tied to detections in Guam drinking water and past notices to Yigo residents. Soil & Water Conservation: Guam hosted the National Association of Conservation Districts Pacific Southwest Region Meeting, spotlighting soil, water, invasive species, and wildfire challenges. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: The U.S. is moving ahead with seabed mining lease steps near the Marianas, while critics say full environmental review should come before leases and that Guam senators remain concerned. Power Reliability: Guam’s grid strain and load shedding worries persist as Ukudu repairs progress and lawmakers press for clarity on how much power data centers are drawing. Waste Services: The Guam Solid Waste Authority approved mandatory islandwide trash collection and plans to buy more carts to expand service.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration says it won’t do a full environmental review of deep-sea mining impacts until after leases are sold, as Guam senators and island leaders question the process and demand stronger protections. Ocean & Climate Impacts: A University of Guam study warns rising salt is already threatening the island’s groundwater as sea levels climb. Power Reliability & Load Shedding: Guam Power Authority reports progress at the Ukudu plant, while Sen. Will Parkinson presses for data on how much power data centers are drawing amid tight reserves and load-shedding risk. Flooding Watch: Southern Guam saw up to 7 inches of rain overnight, and forecasters warn more heavy monsoon rain could bring flooding and mudslides midweek. Invasive Species Science: New genome research explains how brown tree snakes survived a genetic bottleneck and spread to extreme densities on Guam. Water Contamination Claims: Hundreds of dieldrin-related claims have been filed against GWA and Guam EPA over drinking-water contamination. Community Conservation: Guam hosted the National Association of Conservation Districts Pacific Southwest meeting, spotlighting soil, water, invasive species, and wildfire challenges.

Water Safety & Health: About 450 claims have been filed against the Guam Waterworks Authority and 270 against Guam EPA over dieldrin contamination in drinking water, with residents still pressing for clearer action after past notices in Yigo. Beach Safety: Sen. Chris Barnett’s Bill 268-38 would require uniform hazardous beach and coast warning flags and signs, after he cited roughly 12 water-related fatalities per year and a lack of islandwide data. Grid Resilience: Guam Power Authority says Ukudu’s output is up to about 135 MW from its combustion turbines while the steam turbine repair continues, with a target return to service by Aug. 31. Invasive Species Science: New genome research explains how brown tree snakes started from a few stowaways and spread to densities up to 30,000 per square mile, highlighting traits that helped them adapt. Conservation & Policy: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and conservation leaders met in Guam to tackle soil and water stewardship challenges, including invasive species and wildfire pressures. Waste Management: GSWA’s board voted for mandatory islandwide trash collection and $4 million for more carts, aiming to reduce nonpayment and stabilize the fund. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: The U.S. plan to auction seabed mining leases near the Marianas is drawing renewed opposition, with critics saying major environmental review should come before leases are granted. Community Preparedness: A new push for nuclear survival readiness in Guam emphasizes sheltering, radiation safety, and planning for extreme emergencies.

Waste & Recycling: The Guam Solid Waste Authority board voted unanimously to mandate islandwide trash collection and spend $4 million on more trash and recycling carts, with about 40,000 eligible households and enforcement that can escalate after 60 days for delinquent accounts. Power Reliability: Guam Power Authority says Ukudu’s output is up after combustion turbines increased to about 135 MW while the steam turbine repair continues, with a target to return it to service by Aug. 31—key as the grid stays tight. Deep-Sea Mining: The Marine Minerals Administration says it won’t do a full environmental study of mining impacts until after leases are held, as Guam senators push back and territories question protections and transparency. Water Security: A University of Guam study warns Guam’s groundwater may already be taking on more salt as sea levels rise, adding urgency to aquifer protection. Storm & Flood Watch: The National Weather Service flags heavy monsoon-driven rain midweek, with flooding and mudslides possible even if major storms stay away. Invasive Species & Biosecurity: An audit finds gaps in Guam’s invasive species management planning, including failure to develop the Guam Invasive Species Management Plan using an inspection fee fund. Community Conservation: Guam hosted the National Association of Conservation Districts Pacific Southwest meeting, spotlighting soil and water stewardship, invasive species, and wildfire response.

Power & Grid Stability: Guam Power Authority says Ukudu’s combustion turbines are now running at about 45 MW each (135 MW total) after a temporary waiver, while steam-turbine repairs continue; spring supports arrived and a manufacturer adviser is on island, with a return to service expected by Aug. 31. Water Security: A University of Guam study warns rising seas may already be pushing more salt into Guam’s groundwater, adding urgency to aquifer protection as conservation leaders meet on island. Seabed Mining Watch: The U.S. Marine Minerals Administration says it won’t do a full environmental study of deep-sea mining impacts until after leases are issued, drawing fresh objections from Guam senators; BOEM also says leasing won’t affect Guam’s coastal zone, limiting activity to preliminary surveys. Coral Reef Planning: Residents at a town hall for Guam’s next five-year coral reef resilience strategy urged stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more environmental education. Invasive Species & Pesticides: Guam’s pesticide applicator exam review is set at UOG, and an OPA audit flags gaps in invasive species planning and conflicts around the invasive species inspection fee fund. Weather & Flood Risk: With tropical systems steering clear, the National Weather Service warns heavy monsoon rain could bring flooding and mudslides midweek.

Flood Watch for Guam: The National Weather Service says tropical systems are staying away, but a monsoon surge could dump 4–6 inches of rain on Guam and Rota (isolated totals up to 10) and 3–5 inches on Saipan/Tinian (isolated up to 8) from Wednesday through Friday, raising flood and mudslide concerns. Typhoon Saudel Aftermath: Saudel moved past the Northern Marianas, with warnings canceled for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan, but surf and rip-current hazards linger. Coral Reef Planning: About 40 residents helped shape Guam’s next coral reef resilience strategy through 2032, calling for stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more environmental education. Invasive Species Controls: CNMI ordered emergency rules for brown tree snake inspections after snakes were found on Rota, warning that introduction to the Commonwealth could cause severe, irreversible wildlife loss. Seabed Mining Tension: Guam leaders and lawmakers criticized a federal deep-sea mining push near the Marianas, including Guam’s lack of a formal comment role and concerns about moving too fast without adequate study. Local Accountability on Invasives: A Guam audit found gaps in the invasive species management plan work funded through the Department of Agriculture’s inspection fee fund. GMH Utilities Update: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority says it is current on power and water payments and that patient care is not threatened.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: BOEM says proposed seabed mining leasing near the Northern Marianas won’t affect Guam’s coastal zone, but Guam’s governor’s office and lawmakers are pushing back—Guam lacks a formal say in the comment process while critics warn regulators are moving too fast. Coral Reef Resilience: About 40 residents weighed in at a Guam Museum town hall on the next five-year coral reef resilience strategy, calling for stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more environmental education. Invasive Species Oversight: An OPA audit found gaps in Guam’s invasive species management—DOAG’s invasive species inspection fee fund wasn’t used to develop or implement the Guam Invasive Species Management Plan, and a private firm paid for off-island travel for the state entomologist. Northern Marianas Storm Update: Typhoon Saudel moved out of the CNMI and warnings were canceled, but surf and rip-current hazards lingered—Guam officials said the storm wasn’t on Guam’s path while monitoring closely. Hospital Utilities: GMH says it’s current on power and water payments and that outdated past-due figures in utility reports don’t reflect current status, with no threat to operations. Homelessness Roadmap: HHS launched a five-year Guam roadmap to reduce homelessness and poverty, including a dedicated office and a centralized drop-in center for services. Brown Tree Snake Prevention: CNMI ordered emergency rules for brown tree snake inspections of vessels departing Guam after snakes were found on Rota.

Supreme Court NEPA fight: Prutehi Guahan is set for Oct. 7 oral arguments in Department of the Air Force v. Prutehi Guahan, challenging whether the Air Force properly assessed ocean-adjacent explosive detonations near Tarague Beach at Andersen under NEPA—backed by Guam groups including Blue Ocean Law. Coral reef resilience: About 40 residents helped shape Guam’s next five-year coral reef resilience strategy through a town hall, calling for stronger pollution controls, tighter development oversight, and more environmental education. Invasive species protection: Gov. David Apatang issued emergency rules requiring brown tree snake inspections of vessels leaving Guam for the CNMI after snakes were found on Rota, aiming to prevent irreversible harm to native wildlife. Seabed mining pressure: BOEM says proposed CNMI seabed mining leasing won’t affect Guam’s coastal zone, but Guam leaders and critics argue the process is moving too fast and Guam lacks a formal say. Storm watch in the region: Tropical Storm/Typhoon Saudel continues to threaten the far Northern Marianas while Guam remains under monitoring, with high rip-current risk for east-facing reefs. Water costs: Guam Waterworks Authority rates approved by the PUC will raise many residential bills by about $2.39 to $4.67 starting Oct. 1.

Coral Reef Planning: About 40 residents joined a Guam Coral Reef Initiative town hall to shape the next coral reef resilience strategy, urging stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more environmental education. Seabed Mining Push: BOEM says proposed deep-sea mining leasing near the CNMI won’t affect Guam’s coastal zone, but Guam’s governor and delegate are warning Washington not to move faster than science, especially as Guam is excluded from the formal comment process. Invasive Species Biosecurity: Guam’s invasive brown tree snake risk is driving emergency rules requiring vessel inspections before departing Guam for the CNMI, after snakes were found on Rota. Power and Water Costs: Guam Power Authority says the Ukudu steam turbine remains offline for repairs until end of August, keeping load-shedding risk high; meanwhile, the PUC approved GWA water rate hikes starting Oct. 1. Typhoon Aftermath Watch: Tropical Storm/typhoon Saudel warnings were lifted for the Northern Marianas as the storm moved northwest, but hazardous surf and rip currents remain a concern. Audit on Invasive Species Management: An OPA performance audit found gaps in Guam’s invasive species management plan development, limiting standards and reporting.

Tropical Cyclone Watch: Typhoon Saudel has been intensifying as it moves past the Far Northern Marianas, with the National Weather Service reporting 110 mph winds near Agrihan and expanding typhoon-force impacts (Alamagan, Pagan, Agrihan under typhoon warnings; Guam not in the storm path) while Guam faces a separate hazard from Saudel-linked swell and a high risk of rip currents along east-facing reefs. Local Water Costs: Guam Waterworks’ Authority rate hike was approved by the Public Utilities Commission, raising most residential bills by about $2.39–$4.67 starting Oct. 1. Seabed Mining Pushback: Guam leaders say they’re being shut out as a federal seabed mining lease sale advances near the Mariana Trench, warning regulators are moving too fast on environmental risks. Invasive Species Management: A new Office of Public Accountability audit found gaps in Guam’s invasive species management plan, leaving standards and reporting incomplete. Biosecurity at Ports: CNMI’s governor ordered emergency rules for brown tree snake vessel inspections after detections on Rota, aiming to prevent irreversible wildlife damage. Power Reliability: Guam Power Authority says Ukudu’s steam turbine remains offline for repairs, keeping the island at high risk for load shedding through late August.

Far Northern Marianas Storm Watch: Typhoon Saudel has strengthened to 100 mph as it nears Agrihan, with Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan under typhoon warnings and forecasts of 80–100 mph winds plus gusts up to 130 mph; NWS urges residents to stay in protective shelters as the eye passes and conditions shift fast. Guam Safety Focus: Guam is not in Saudel’s direct path, but officials warn of dangerous east-facing reef rip currents and possible hazardous surf, while Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense keep monitoring for any track changes. Port & Power Readiness: The Coast Guard set Port Heavy Weather Condition YANKEE/X-RAY for Saipan and Tinian ahead of Saudel, and Guam’s power system remains at high risk for load shedding until Aug. 31 as the Ukudu steam turbine stays offline for repairs. Invasive Species Protection: Gov. David Apatang issued emergency rules requiring brown tree snake inspections of vessels departing Guam for the CNMI after snakes were found on Rota. Seabed Mining Pushback: Guam leaders say Guam is being shut out of formal comment on a CNMI seabed mining lease sale and call for regulators to slow down and consult residents. Water Costs: Guam Waterworks’ Authority rate hike was approved by the PUC, raising most residential bills by $2.39–$4.67 starting Oct. 1. Coral Nuclear History: NOAA scientists report Guam-area corals preserve radiocarbon spikes tied to U.S. nuclear tests in 1954, 1956 and 1958. Invasive Species Management Audit: An OPA performance audit found gaps in Guam’s invasive species planning, including failure to update the management plan since 2017.

Invasive Species Protection: Gov. David M. Apatang issued an emergency order requiring vessels to be inspected for brown tree snakes before departing Guam for the CNMI, citing recent Rota detections and the risk of severe, irreversible harm to native wildlife and infrastructure. Storm Monitoring: Tropical Storm Saudel passed east of Guam, but Guam remains on alert for dangerous rip currents along east-facing reefs; meanwhile, the Northern Marianas face stronger impacts as Saudel intensifies, with watches and typhoon conditions in effect for far northern islands. Power Reliability: Guam Power Authority says the Ukudu steam turbine remains offline for repairs, leaving the island at high risk for load shedding through the end of August while a fix is scheduled for late August. Seabed Mining Pushback: Guam’s governor and delegate warned against moving too fast on proposed Northern Marianas seabed mining leasing, stressing environmental risks must be understood and residents consulted before any irreversible steps. Invasive Species Management Audit: A new OPA performance audit found gaps in Guam’s invasive species management, including the lack of an updated management plan since 2017, limiting standards, reporting, and stakeholder recommendations. School Sanitation: Public Health reports all GDOE schools with sanitary permits expiring Sept. 30 passed inspections except Tiyan High School, which received a “D” rating and enforcement action after violations were found.

Tropical Storm Saudel: CNMI emergency managers and the National Weather Service are urging Marianas residents to finish preparedness steps as Saudel strengthens and tracks northwest, with typhoon conditions possible for Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan and a tropical storm watch for Saipan and Tinian. Port & power impacts: The Coast Guard set heavy-weather port conditions for Saipan and Tinian in advance of Saudel, while Guam’s power system remains at high risk for load shedding through Aug. 31 as Ukudu’s steam turbine stays offline for repairs. Invasive species accountability: A new Office of Public Accountability audit says Guam’s invasive species funding hasn’t been used to update the Guam Invasive Species Management Plan, leaving standards and reporting gaps. Seabed mining pushback: Guam’s governor and delegate are warning federal regulators not to fast-track Mariana Trench seabed mining before environmental risks are fully understood, as environmentalists sue to halt lease sales. School health & safety: All GDOE schools except Tiyan High passed sanitation inspections ahead of Sept. 30 permit expirations, and DPW is investigating a bus access issue that forced 18 Agueda Middle School students to walk uphill after the bus stopped short.

Tropical Storm Saudel Watch: Tropical Depression 17W upgraded to Tropical Storm Saudel, with a typhoon watch issued for Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan; Guam’s direct hit risk remains very low, but hazardous seas and possible advisories could still affect the island as the storm passes farther north. Port Safety Orders: The U.S. Coast Guard set Port Heavy Weather Condition X-RAY for Saipan and Tinian and YANKEE for the same ports later, requiring preparations and limiting vessel traffic as gale-force winds approach. Power Reliability: Guam Power Authority says the Ukudu steam turbine remains offline for repairs, leaving the plant supplying about 90 MW (under half capacity) while older Cabras units are decommissioned. Invasive Species Impact: New research highlights how Guam’s brown tree snakes wiped out most native forest birds and triggered a major spider boom, reshaping the island’s ecology. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmentalists and community groups sued to halt the first commercial U.S. deep-sea mining lease sale, while Guam and CNMI leaders warn that seabed leasing could bring environmental risks before impacts are fully understood. School Health & Closure: McCool Elementary/Middle School stays closed as repairs continue on its air-conditioning system, while legal action over Tiyan High’s closure centers on students’ access to safe, sanitary learning.

Tropical Storm Saudel Watch: Tropical Depression 17W has strengthened into Tropical Storm Saudel and is expected to intensify into a typhoon as it nears the Northern Marianas, with Guam’s direct wind risk currently low but hazardous seas and rainy conditions possible. Port & Storm Prep: The Coast Guard set PHWC X-RAY for Saipan and Tinian ports to prepare for Saudel, requiring cargo operations to be completed and non-approved vessels to depart. Local Health Alert: Hagåtña’s Federal Detention Facility quarantined a housing block after a detainee was suspected of tuberculosis, with DOC coordinating monitoring with Guam Memorial Hospital and DPHSS. School Disruption & Rights: Guam Legal Service Corporation filed a government claim over the Tiyan High closure, alleging students were denied a safe, sanitary learning environment and adequate public education. Seabed Mining Fight: Environmentalists sued to halt the first commercial deep-sea mining lease sale in U.S. waters, while Guam’s governor’s office and Adelup urged more information and consultation as federal agencies fast-track Mariana seafloor leasing. Nature & Community: A Guam Youth Congress-led demonstration is planned to push for Simon Sanchez High School reconstruction amid procurement delays and student displacement.