Date: April 22, 2024
The Guam Society of Professional Engineers recently hosted a monthly membership meeting, featuring a presentation on the "Florida International University (FIU) Pedestrian Bridge Collapse" by Andy Smith, P.E. A partially constructed pedestrian bridge crossing an eight-lane roadway at FIU in Miami, Florida, experienced a catastrophic structural failure on March 15, 2018. Eight vehicles located below the bridge were fully or partially crushed. One bridge worker and five vehicle occupants died. Five bridge workers and five other people were injured. Access the presentation slides.
Date: April 22, 2024
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors recently announced that annual registration for licensees will expire on April 30.
Access more information about the renewal process and registration fees here. Registrants can renew online and also access digital certificates and pocket registration cards through the Professionals Dashboard.
Date: April 22, 2024
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next board meeting on Thursday, May 9. Access the meeting information and agenda and the zoom link here.
Date: April 22, 2024
Guam Power Authority (GPA) met with its power partner, Aggreko, a global leader in modular power solutions, to address the increasing demand for energy in Guam on April 10, KUAM News reports.
Aggreko has been commissioned to supply GPA with a 20 megawatts power package for the next 24 months, with installation of high-efficiency, ultra-low emission generators being one of the key measures to maintain power system reliability on Guam. The contract mandates Aggreko to provide the additional power to the community within the next 100 days. The package provided by Aggreko includes engineering services for design, installation, and commissioning, with onsite operators throughout the length of the contract.
General Manager of Guam Power Authority, John Benavente, P.E., expressed his confidence in the collaboration between GPA and Aggreko, stating, "We have worked very hard with all stakeholders to ensure this approach to address load shedding would be beneficial for the people of Guam. The addition of these state-of-the-art generators, which burn cleaner fuel more efficiently, will have a positive impact on GPA's current position on fuel under recovery, especially considering the continued increases in fuel costs. With Aggreko's expertise and rapid mobilization capabilities, we are confident in their ability to meet the requirements of the contract and the needs of the community efficiently and effectively." Read more.
Date: April 22, 2024
The Office of the Governor and the Department of Public Works (DPW) recently announced the opportunity for four high school students to participate in the Pacific Summer Transportation Education Program (PAC-STEP) National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) hosted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa from June 17-28, in Oahu.
The camp will introduce students to transportation careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through related activities, fieldtrips, and recreational events. Travel and housing accommodation costs are covered.
"Here at home, we are proud to see more curriculum at every age level focused on growing the STEM field. To extend the learning beyond our shores, by partnering with the University of Hawaii, we will expand the lens of our future leaders of tomorrow," said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. "We thank our partners at the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the University of Hawaii for extending this program to Guam's deserving students." NSTI is funded by the Federal Highways Administration. For more information and to apply online,
visit the PAC-STEP website.
Applications are due at 5 p.m. on April 30.
Date: March 29, 2024
The Guam Society of Professional Engineers sponsored the MATHCOUNTS Guam State competition on Saturday, March 23. Approximately 44 students from six middle schools advanced to this round to compete for the opportunity to participate in the national competition in Washington, DC, May 13-14.
Congratulations to the mathletes and coach who will represent the Guam team!
- Brayden Blas - St. Anthony Catholic School
- Haoming Chen - Harvest Christian Academy
- Junnan Chen - Harvest Christian Academy
- Noah Kim - St. John's School
- Rebecca Leon Guerrero (coach) - St. John's School.
Date: March 29, 2024
The University of Guam welcomes its new Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr. Hiroshan Hettiarachchi, P.E. Hettiarachchi comes to Guam from Michigan where he practiced as an independent sustainability consultant focusing on circular economy, waste management, and geotechnical engineering issues, according to a news release.
Hettiarachchi holds a PHD in civil engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, a master of science in soil engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, and a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka. He offers over 25 years of diverse experience in academic/industry/research settings and new program development.
He brings diverse and international workplace experiences to UOG. Before his consulting work in Michigan, he was at the United Nations as a professor and the Head of Waste (Resources) Management Unit at the United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES) in Dresden, Germany. At UNU-FLORES he established a sustainability-related doctoral program in integrated management of water, soil, and waste.
"We look forward to Dr. Hettiarachchi's leadership as our School of Engineering serves a growing number of engineering majors and as it continues to develop pathways to employment for our graduates with industry partners," said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez. From its first set of 12 civil engineering graduates in December 2021, UOG now has 182 declared civil engineering majors. Read more.
Date: March 29, 2024
With the passage of Bill 206-37, legislation intended to avoid delays in the procurement of temporary power for Guam, the local power utility now appeals to the attorney general for a swift review of a temporary power contract and says it will work collaboratively for a positive outcome, The Guam Daily Post reports.
According to the Guam Power Authority, the Public Utilities Commission has expressed its support to expeditiously approve the contract so that work can begin to bring the temporary power online. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 206 into law just a day after its passage.
Although the contract hasn't been awarded, GPA has chosen Aggreko to be the vendor for the temporary power project. In addition to 20 megawatts of temporary power, GPA negotiated for the repair of up to 18 existing Yigo diesel units which may restore up to 20 MW of additional generation capacity. The contract is expected to cost $25 million over two years.
GPA wants to bring in temporary power to bridge generation needs until the new Ukudu power plant is commissioned in Dededo and to mitigate load shedding in the summer months, when energy demand historically increases. Read more.
Date: March 29, 2024
Annual PE License Renewals
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors recently announced that annual registration for licensees will expire on April 30.
Access more information about the renewal process and registration fees here. Registrants can renew online and also access digital certificates and pocket registration cards through the Professionals Dashboard.
Licensing Board MeetingThe board will hold its next board meeting on
Thursday, May 9. Access the meeting information and agenda and the zoom link
here.
Date: February 23, 2024
The MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition will be held Saturday, February 24, at the Holiday Inn Resort and Spa. Qualifying students will move on to the State Competition scheduled for Saturday, March 23, at the same venue.
Volunteers are needed to help grade tests for the State Competition. Please contact Krystal Quijano at krystal.quijano@gmail.com to volunteer.
Date: February 23, 2024
The Guam Power Authority is requesting $6.4 billion from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund its One Guam Comprehensive Infrastructure Resiliency Plan, a mitigation plan to harden the island's power infrastructure and improve resiliency from threats such as natural disasters, according to a release from the utility.
GPA General Manager John Benavente met with key FEMA officials on February 7 to provide further insight into the funding request. Federal officials were on Guam the day before to meet with the governor and lieutenant governor to assess damages and recovery efforts resulting from Typhoon Mawar's arrival last year, according to GPA.
"We discussed the challenges we endured because of Typhoon Mawar and how Guam needs to place its power lines underground. This will significantly reduce the threat of losing assets during future storms, minimize power outages, and improve recovery time after natural disasters," Benavente stated in the GPA release.
Preliminary costs for the One Guam Comprehensive Infrastructure Resiliency Plan includes $833 million for undergrounding transmission lines and indoor substations, $813 million for critical distribution system mitigation, $730 million for other critical infrastructure projects and about $4 billion to underground the remaining distribution system. Read the full The Guam Daily Post article.
Date: February 23, 2024
Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) agreed to a consent decree with the United States to improve the quality of its sewer system, estimated to cost approximately $400 million, to address unauthorized overflows of untreated sewage and other violations of the Clean Water Act. The Government of Guam is also a party to the agreement, according to a press release.
The United States filed a complaint alleging that GWA was in violation of provisions of the Clean Water Act and applicable permits by repeatedly discharging untreated sewage from its wastewater collection system and discharging excess pollutants from its wastewater treatment plants. At least 237 sanitary sewer overflows have occurred from GWA's collection system since 2018. GWA has also been implementing Safe Drinking Water Act work and other Clean Water Act work under a 2011 federal court order.
The consent decree requires GWA to minimize overflows, which will have immediate benefits to the island's environment. Untreated sewage from overflows can pose serious threats to human health and damage the environment.
GWA will improve sewer system operation and maintenance programs and implement new requirements for pretreatment of wastewater and to control fats, oils and grease (FOG). Sewer system upgrades will include practices to improve climate change resiliency of pump stations and to consider EPA's Creating Resilient Water Utilities initiative, including the Resilient Strategies Guide for Water Utilities. The settlement also requires enhanced public outreach and engagement to increase transparency around GWA’s plans to comply with the agreement and educate the public on its environmental improvements. Read more.
Date: February 23, 2024
NCEES is in the process of assembling panels of licensed structural engineers and licensed professional engineers to participate in a series of two-day meetings to determine the cut score, or establish the pass point, for the 2024 Principles and Practice of Structural Engineering exam. This process requires a cross-section of engineers from various employment positions and technical specialties. NCEES asks that you consider volunteering to assist with this important work. Access more information here.
Date: February 23, 2024
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors recently announced that annual registration for licensees will expire on April 30.
Access more information about the renewal process and registration fees here. Registrants can renew online and also access digital certificates and pocket registration cards through the Professionals Dashboard.
Date: February 23, 2024
Date: January 19, 2024
In honor of the first US President, George Washington, the Engineer, Architect, and Land Surveyor (EALS) Week will take place February 18-25, 2024. This outreach request is in support of the SAME Guam Post seeking volunteers to conduct presentations that encourage elementary, middle, and high school students to consider engineering, architecture or land surveying as a career. Access more information.
Date: January 19, 2024
The Engineers, Architects, Land Surveyors Week Joint Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 22, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Stay tuned for additional information about attending the meeting.
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next board meeting on February 1. Access the meeting information and agenda and the zoom link here.
Date: January 19, 2024
There's a new magazine in town. Emphasizing the significance of traditional knowledge in science, the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant unveiled the inaugural issue of CHalan Deskubre magazine in December at the Micronesia Mall, with this theme at its core, according to a press release from UOG.
CHalan Deskubre isn't your typical magazine. It is a place-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) publication designed specifically for kids on Guam and the region, encouraging them to adopt a scientific mindset and explore the world beyond their classrooms.
Additionally, the magazine incorporates art to creatively show scientific concepts and foster a visually engaging learning experience for young readers, intertwining imagination with the exploration of STEAM subjects.
The first issue focuses on science and traditional wisdom, highlighting how the knowledge from island communities contributes to scientific advancements and innovative practices. Subsequent issues will revolve around themes that spotlight the resources unique to Guam and other islands in the region, aligning with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Read more in the Pacific Daily News.
Date: December 20, 2023
As we prepare to say goodbye to 2023 and look forward to ringing in the New Year 2024, let’s take stock of the engagement and community building that members and friends of GSPE participated in this year. Access the annual recap of monthly luncheon membership meetings, speakers and presentations, and other significant events. There is also a list of current GSPE Officers/Board of Directors and their contact information.
Date: December 20, 2023
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next board meeting on January 11, 2024. Access the meeting information and agenda and the zoom link here.
Date: December 20, 2023
The Guam Power Authority (GPA) is set to receive $1.7 million as part of its multi-year investment to improve the electric grid, prevent customer outages, and reduce the impact of
extreme weather events on electrical infrastructure. Enhancing energy infrastructure to make it more resilient against the effects of climate change while supporting the integration of
renewable energy is a key element of GPA's Clean Energy Master Plan.
This grant is funded by the US Department of Energy Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electrical Grid Grants program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The grant program aims to strengthen and modernize the US power grid against wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural disasters. Projects eligible under this grant include under-grounding of electrical equipment, hardening of power lines and other utility infrastructure, and adaptive protection technologies.
At present, nearly 25% of Guam's power customers receive their power through underground lines—allowing GPA to operate a portion of the grid during typhoons. As part of its resiliency plan, GPA will utilize these funds to under-ground key transmission lines supplying Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) water and wastewater facilities. Read more.
Date: December 20, 2023
After years of waiting and overcoming obstacles, the University of Guam and its partners recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new School of Engineering building, The Guam Daily Post reports.
What started as a preengineering program is now becoming a full-fledged engineering program, enabling students to receive their bachelor of science degrees in engineering in a soon-to-be built facility.
This is the third project, following the Water and Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific and the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Annex that was announced this year. The School of Engineering site is the largest facility scheduled to be built, with 16,500 square feet of floor space housing state-of-the-art classrooms and utilities. The start of UOG's fourth project, the Student Success Center, is scheduled in January 2024.
Because of Typhoon Mawar and a lack of funds due to the rising cost of construction labor and supplies, the university partnered with the UOG Endowment Foundation board of directors, Mobile Oil Corp., the Society of American Military Engineers, and Governor Lou Leon Guerrero to help fund the project. "It really took a community effort. It took a village to make this come into life," said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez.
The School of Engineering building is expected to be completed in March 2025.
Read more.
Date: November 16, 2023
The Guam Society of Professional Engineers will host a luncheon/membership meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Three Squares (416 Chalan San Antonio, Tamuning). The meeting topic will focus on updates from the Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects, and Land Surveyors featuring guest speaker Nixon Issac, a board investigator.
Members should RSVP to attend the meeting no later than Monday, November 20. Access the meeting flyer here for registration details and additional meeting information.
Date: November 16, 2023
GSPE hosted its 12th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, October 21, to support the MATHCOUNTS Guam chapter program. The MATHCOUNTS program helps to promote middle school mathematics achievement. A significant portion of the funds raised will help to finance the Guam team's participation at the prestigious national level. Access information about our sponsors and supporters here.
The Winners
1st Place: Van Shelly & Spencer Steffy
2nd Place: Eric Mendiola & Cyle Tass
Closest to the Pin: Arthur Clark
Longest Drive: Spencer Steffy
Date: November 16, 2023
John Benavente, P.E., general manager of the Guam Public Authority (GPA), recently provided a presentation on the post-typhoon recovery and resiliency efforts at a Guam Contractors Association luncheon meeting in October. Access the presentation here.
Date: November 16, 2023
With the debate on where to build the medical complex as contentious as it was when the governor proposed Eagles Field in Mangilao, the administration continues its effort to lobby support for the Eda Agaga area of Barrigada one talk at a time.
Adelup spokesperson Krystal Paco-San Agustin will be the featured guest speaker for the Society of American Military Engineers Guam Post November membership meeting, but instead of talking about Typhoon Mawar, as originally planned, she will be focused on lobbying support.
"It'll be a similar talk to what’s being presented at (the) governor's informational meetings for the medical complex," Paco-San Agustin told The Guam Daily Post.
The governor's Bill 184-37 seeks to allow the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission the authority to negotiate the sale or lease of crown lands in Barrigada known as Eda Agaga for the purpose of building a medical complex to include a new hospital.
The bill already went through a public hearing on November 1, which was continued on November 3, and now will be heard again on November 16. Speaker Therese Terlaje, chair of the Committee on Health, Land and Justice, said information continues to be lacking on the proposed site as it was not one of the three sites studied by Matrix - the company that assessed the viability and suitability of a new medical facility.
The governor has carried out informational meetings with Guam Memorial Hospital employees, veterans, and residents of Mangilao and Barrigada. Read more.
Date: November 16, 2023
District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood toured the former Ordot dump on November 9 to get additional information on the facility's condition and learn about its operation and maintenance, The Guam Daily Post reports. She visited various areas at the now-capped former dump facility, including its leachate collection and removal system and areas where water leaks and seeps had been discovered.
The former dump site is overseen by the federal receiver, Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc., as part of an ongoing partial consent decree. Local solid waste services were placed under federal receivership in 2008 by the District Court, a consequence of the 2002 federal lawsuit to force the closure of the Ordot dump over environmental concerns.
The court eventually turned over day-to-day trash collection and disposal services to the Guam Solid Waste Authority in 2019, but held that GBB would stay responsible for mitigation efforts at the former dump site. Local agencies, federal authorities and the receiver have been working toward a complete termination of the receivership.
Harvey Gershman, a representative for the receiver, said last week that he is targeting July 1, 2024, as the end date for the receivership. He noted, however, that the court holds final authority over that decision.
Federal and local authorities joined the chief judge and GBB officials for the tour. GBB representative Chris Lund took Tydingco-Gatewood to the place where a leak was identified near Dero Road, which runs adjacent along part of the former dump site. Read more.
Date: November 16, 2023
When mechanical engineer Fleur de Peralta visited her native Guam in 2021, a question began to form in her mind. How could she bring the engineering and energy expertise of her employer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), to her home island?
"What I heard from people in Guam was the importance of energy independence from renewable sources," said de Peralta. Guam, a US territory located in a string of Western Pacific islands known as Micronesia, currently meets its energy needs in the form of imported fossil fuels and intermittent renewable energy. Its goal is to generate 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2045.
The answer to her question came in the form of a new funding opportunity from the Department of Energy's Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) program. RENEW was created specifically to provide research partnerships between the national laboratories and educational institutions that serve populations historically underrepresented in science, such as Pacific Islanders.
De Peralta's vision led to a successful proposal to investigate the science necessary to turn seawater into hydrogen using renewable electricity.
The abundant seawater surrounding Guam provides an enticing energy source: hydrogen. Through a process called electrolysis, energy from electricity splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This generates a fuel that can also be stored and used when renewable electricity is not available.
"Being able to produce hydrogen from seawater would be a game changer for Guam," said John Limtiaco, an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Guam (UOG) and the project lead. "UOG is a hub for students throughout Micronesia. We want to bring in students from outlying islands and get them excited about scientific research."
Read more.
Date: September 25, 2023
The Guam Society of Professional Engineers held a luncheon and membership meeting on Tuesday, September 19. The meeting featured a presentation by Ernesto J. Guades, Ph.D., an assistant professor in civil/structural engineering at the University of Guam on "UOG School of Engineering, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Application and Research Based Initiatives Towards Sustainable Guam's Civil Infrastructures." Access the presentation here.
Jim Galli, P.E., also discussed the activities held at the recent NSPECon23 in Louisville, Kentucky, in August. Access photos from the conference here.
Date: September 25, 2023
NCEES is still seeking naval architecture and marine engineers to participate in a professional activities and knowledge study, or PAKS, for the PE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering exam. The results of this online survey will be used to update the content of the PE exam, which is a process that occurs every six to eight years.
The survey, which will take 20–40 minutes to complete, will be open until October 16 (an extension date). Click here for access to the online survey.
Date: September 25, 2023
GSPE is hosting its 12th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, October 21, to support the MATHCOUNTS Guam chapter program.
The MATHCOUNTS program helps to promote middle school mathematics achievement. A significant portion of the funds raised will help to finance the Guam team's participation at the prestigious national level. Access the event flyer for participation costs and additional details here.
For more information and registration, please contact or send e-mail to any of our golf committee:
Date: September 25, 2023
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next board meeting on Thursday, September 28. Access the meeting information and agenda and the zoom link here.
Date: September 25, 2023
The US Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that the US Navy has successfully completed a 2011 Federal Facilities Compliance Agreement, or FFCA, at Naval Base Guam, the Pacific Daily News reports.
For over 12 years and at a cost of $130 million, the Navy carried out significant infrastructure upgrades to the Apra Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant and sewer system, along with modifications to a water plant, EPA said. The Navy also improved pollution monitoring and completed technical studies.
"EPA appreciates the Navy's important accomplishment in fulfilling the compliance agreement and finishing a range of projects to protect Tipalao Bay and Apra Harbor," EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman said in a statement. Guzman said the completion of this work is critical to preserving public health, water quality, and coral reefs in Guam.
Read more.
Date: August 17, 2023
The Guam Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) will hold its next luncheon and membership meeting on Tuesday, September 19. Stay tuned for more details.
Date: August 17, 2023
GSPE is hosting its 12th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, October 21, to support the MATHCOUNTS Guam chapter program.
The MATHCOUNTS program helps to promote middle school mathematics achievement. A significant portion of the funds raised will help to finance the Guam team’s participation at the prestigious national level. Access the event flyer for participation costs and additional details here.
For more information and registration, please contact or send e-mail to any of our golf committee:
Date: August 17, 2023
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next board meeting on Thursday, August 31. Access the meeting information and agenda and the zoom link here.
A trio of lawmakers proposed legislation that would ban nuclear power on island. The measure was introduced in July after a town hall meeting regarding plans to build a missile defense system on Guam, which included discussion on microreactors, The Guam Daily Post reports.
The possible installation of these reactors on island raised concerns following news that the Senate version of the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act directs a briefing on the potential for using microreactors on Guam.
Bill 151-37, introduced by Senators Sabina Perez and Chris Barnett and Speaker Therese Terlaje, would prohibit the production and use of nuclear energy on Guam.
"No nuclear fission power plant, small modular reactors (SMRs), or nuclear microreactors shall be constructed, imported, or used, and no radioactive material shall be disposed of on Guam," the measure states.
Bill 151 also contains a lengthy portion on legislative intent that goes over the challenges with disposing of nuclear waste and examples of major nuclear disasters. Read more.
Date: August 17, 2023
NTT Group recently announced the companies will provide support toward Guam's disaster recovery efforts through the provision of NTT network engineers and repair equipment in the wake of Typhoon Mawar, according to a Business Wire release. Damage to the island's infrastructure by the May typhoon has caused widespread, ongoing loss of power for residents and businesses as well as considerable damage to IT and communications infrastructure.
At the request of Guam's governor, NTT will deploy 10 network engineers and 12 bucket trucks from the company's headquarters in Japan to assist with recovery after the typhoon caused major outages among Guam’s telecommunications operators.
Read more.
Date: July 19, 2023
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next board meeting on Thursday, July 27. Access the meeting information and agenda and the zoom link here.
Date: July 19, 2023
After the devastating effects of Typhoon Mawar, FEMA assigned the crucial mission of recovering drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On July 13, the EPA announced the successful completion of this collaborative effort, which aimed to expedite the recovery process and enhance the resilience of the affected communities in Guam, according to a news release.
The fulfilled mission included conducting operational assessments of drinking water and wastewater facilities that were affected, evaluating the needs of the water sector, and providing necessary technical assistance. In close coordination with the government of Guam, the EPA assisted in various tasks. These included inspecting over 20 water hauling trucks and 126 water and ice vending machines, sampling and assessing the condition of water storage tanks at 35 hotels, as well as evaluating a dozen large water storage tanks affected by Typhoon Mawar.
Furthermore, the EPA supported the Guam Water Works Authority in assessing moderate damage at the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant and determining necessary repairs to ensure its full functionality. Fortunately, all other wastewater treatment plants in Guam experienced little to no damage. Read more.
Date: July 19, 2023
In the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar, local telecom companies are looking underground as a way to improve network resilience before the next big storm hits, The Guam Daily Post reports.
Over 70% of cell sites went offline in the days just after the typhoon, though the number of sites destroyed by the storm was minimal, power and fuel issues stalled the restoration of service in the month after Mawar, Post files show.
Thousands of home and office telephone, television, and internet customers were left disconnected, and those in the hardest-hit areas will have to wait the longest to get back online.
Telecom providers were invited to the recent Guam Chamber of Commerce's Economic Recovery Summit at the Hyatt Regency Guam to talk about network restoration. Read more.
Date: July 19, 2023
While recognizing the need to provide uninterrupted services to court patrons and to ensure continued public safety during rotating power outages, the Judiciary of Guam partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers to power the Guam Judicial Center in Hagåtña.
Although the Judiciary reopened immediately after the restoration of island power to the court, including holding magistrate's hearings on Memorial Day, recent power outages have affected operations due to the court's inoperable generator, the branch said in a news release.
Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice Robert Torres and Administrator of the Courts Danielle Rosete prioritized a request for a backup power source from FEMA. In response, two 450-kilowatt FEMA generators were quickly identified, transported and installed. They will enable the court to continue operations until a permanent replacement is procured. Read more in The Guam Daily Post.
Date: July 19, 2023
Date: June 22, 2023
Access the Guam Waterworks Authority's Mawar Post-Storm Recovery Dashboard for updates on emergency declarations and water quality alerts.
Date: June 22, 2023
Guam Waterworks Authority General Manager Miguel Bordallo recently told The Guam Daily Post the utility is "confident that the water is safe to drink." But the Guam Environmental Protection Agency isn't quite ready to give a concurring green light for the island's water system as a whole.
"GWA has collected and analyzed over eight rounds of samples from Guam EPA-designated sample points within the GWA distribution system in all areas where we have restored water service, and all have come back clean," Bordallo said.
GWA asked the Guam EPA for the green light to lift the precautionary boil-water notice for all areas that have stable water service restored, sufficient pressure and adequate chlorine residual levels, but the agency has yet to concur fully.
"Concurrence to lift the precautionary boil-water notice has not been issued by GEPA because of a demand by US EPA officials for information on repairs to minor damage to a few of GWA's water reservoirs resulting from the typhoon," Bordallo said on June 13. Read more.
Date: June 22, 2023
On the same day Typhoon Mawar made landfall on Guam and shut down water, power and telecom services, information about a digital storm potentially poised to strike the island came to light, according to The Guam Daily Post.
Microsoft on May 24 said it had uncovered “stealthy and targeted malicious” digital activity carried out by a state-sponsored hacking group in China called Volt Typhoon. Since 2021, Volt Typhoon has targeted critical infrastructure in Guam and in the US, Microsoft stated in a report.
"In this campaign, the affected organizations span the communications, manufacturing, utility, transportation, construction, maritime, government, information technology and education sectors," the company stated.
Volt Typhoon has been clandestinely infiltrating computer systems and looking to maintain access and gather data for as long as possible. In rare cases, hackers create "command and control” channels, capable of sending directions to compromised computer networks, Microsoft said in the report.
"Microsoft assesses with moderate confidence that this Volt Typhoon campaign is pursuing development of capabilities that could disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the United States and Asia region during future crises."
Read more.
Date: May 19, 2023
NSPE-GU hosted a luncheon meeting on Tuesday, May 16, featuring a presentation on the "Regulatory Program on Guam" by Jason Brewer, the US Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Project Manager for the Guam Field Office. Attendees were awarded 1-PDH toward their PE license renewal. The presentation can be accessed here.
Date: May 19, 2023
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next meeting on Thursday, May 25 (3:00 p.m.). Access meeting information here.
Date: May 19, 2023
An RFI is being issued by FEDSIM on behalf of a US government agency that is considering a requirement for managed services including the secure storage, management, distribution, and transportation of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals at a single site, "Site C." The Site C geographic location will be disclosed to prospective offerors that agree, in writing, to keep confidential that location, the agency's identity, and other sensitive information. Prospective offerors desiring that information should complete and return a nondisclosure agreement. Access full details about the RFI here. Responses will be due by Wednesday, May 24, 2023 (7:00 a.m. Guam Time).
The point of contact is Kevin Pope, small business technical advisor (Kevin.Pope@gsa.gov * 202-450-0329) National Small Business Advocacy and Engagement Division -Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization General Services Administration, 1800 F Street NW, 7th floor Washington, DC 20405.
Disclaimer: This RFI does NOT constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment, implied or otherwise, by the government that a procurement action will be issued. Response to this notice is not a request to be added to a bidders list or to receive a copy of a solicitation.
Date: May 19, 2023
Guam households have historically paid a high cost for electricity because most power plants on the island still rely on expensive imported fossil fuel. The use of seawater to produce hydrogen for electricity generation could be a game-changer for the island, situated in the western Pacific Ocean, Hydro International reports.
Researchers across the country have been exploring ways to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called "seawater splitting." However, chloride ions in seawater can turn into toxic chlorine gas and corrode equipment used in energy production. The challenge is to find a way to use seawater that is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and does not damage power production equipment. Research related to this field is now being conducted at the University of Guam (UOG).
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is providing UOG with funding for faculty and student researchers to work with scientists at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to gain a fundamental understanding of seawater electrolysis. The research will build a foundation for fundamental research and scientific training at UOG while expanding the knowledge necessary for carbon-neutral hydrogen fuel generation and storage technologies.
Read more.
Date: April 20, 2023
NSPE-GU hosted a luncheon meeting on April 18 featuring a presentation by Dr. Bert Johnston on the 2022 Guidebook to Development Requirements on Guam. Johnston is the education director at the GCA Trades Academy, a nonprofit, nongovernmental education institution established to provide construction-related craft training.
Johnston is an NCCER master trainer and assessment administrator. His prior work experience includes general manager of Guam Waterworks Authority, corporate personnel manager of MV Pangelinan Enterprises, assistant manager of Dobbins Jewelry, and American Red Cross Water safety instructor trainer. He holds a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in public administration, and a doctoral degree in business administration.
Access the 2022 Guidebook to Development Requirements on Guam.
Date: April 20, 2023
Congratulations to the Guam mathletes who will compete during the upcoming 2023 Raytheon Technologies MATHCOUNTS Competition finals that will take place May 14–15 in Orlando, Florida. Access more national competition information here.
The Guam team includes the following student members and coach:
- Samuel Guo (8th grade) Harvest Christian Academy-Mangilao, GU
- Donggeon Kim (6th grade) St. John's School-Tamuning, GU
- Sujin Oh (8th grade) St. John's School-Barrigada, GU
- Kailee Wong (8th grade) St. John's School-Dededo, GU
- Becca Guerrero (Coach) St. John's School-Barrigada, GU
NSPE-GU supports the next generation of PEs through engagement in the MATHCOUNTS program. These students are some of the most capable and hardworking young mathematicians in our state, and the top scoring students earn the prestigious honor of representing Guam at the national level.
Date: April 20, 2023
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors announced that annual registration for licensees will expire on April 30.
Access more information about the renewal process and registration fees here. Registrants can renew online and also access digital certificates and pocket registration cards through the Professionals Dashboard.
Date: April 20, 2023
The Guam Power Authority is optimistic about its goal of achieving full renewable energy capacity sooner than expected, according to utility leadership who spoke at the Guam Clean Energy Transition Symposium at the 14th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability on April 10, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.
Guam's target for renewable energy is to achieve 50% by 2035 and 100% by 2045, as stated in Public Law 35-46, the Saipon Tribune reports. The goal is to reduce the island's dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources. According to GPA, the island will achieve 50% renewable capacity by 2030.
GPA is a partner of the UOG CIS and the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative. GPA general manager John Benavente's presentation also highlighted the energy projects that will enable Guam to reach the halfway point soon, including the commissioning of the Mangilao solar farm and the grid-scale 40-megawatt Energy Storage Systems in Hagåtña and Talofofo. These projects are all integrated into the island's Clean Energy Plan (Integrated Resource Plan), according to Benavente.
Read more.
Date: March 14, 2023
Guam is set to receive its share of $2.4 billion from the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as reported by The Guam Daily Post. The federal funds are headed to states, tribes and territories through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the US Environmental Protection Agency recently announced.
The law marks an “unprecedented” investment toward revitalizing “essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” according to EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Guam’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure is included in the initiative. The Guam Waterworks Authority said about $9 million from the fund sources is headed to the island.
Date: March 14, 2023
To keep critical government projects from being jammed up for years, Senator Sabina Perez is proposing an expedited process that would let government contractors get to work faster, even if the contract they’ve been awarded is contested, the Pacific Daily News reports.
Senator Perez is also looking to speed along the Guam Department of Education’s spending of the roughly $121 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act money. All ARPA funds have to be obligated by Guam DOE by December 2024, or else should be returned.
If a vendor feels they’ve been wrongfully passed over for a contract with the government of Guam, they can protest the contract award to the Office of Public Accountability, and if that fails, the courts. Protests can be lengthy, sometimes taking years, all while the work GovGuam originally set out to accomplish stays frozen.
Perez pointed to the recent situation with contractor ENGIE Solar, which was meant to build a 40-megawatt solar project for the Guam Power Authority on military land. ENGIE managed to beat a protesting bidder in the Superior Court of Guam in 2022, but the victory took three years. Read more.
Date: March 14, 2023
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors announced that annual registration for licensees will expire on April 30.
Access more information about the renewal process and registration fees
here. Registrants can renew online and also access digital certificates and pocket registration cards through the
Professionals Dashboard.
Date: February 14, 2023
- Tor Gudmundsen (President; SAME Liaison)
- Gabe Jugo (Past President)
- Capt. Brian Bearden, USPHS (President-Elect)
- Bill Beery (Vice President
- Elizabeth Gayle (Treasurer)
- Andy Smith (Secretary)
- John James Galli (NSPE National Director)
- AJ (Andrew) Layson (Membership Chairman)
- Krystal Quijano (MATHCOUNTS Coordinator)
Access officer contact information here.
Date: February 14, 2023
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors recently announced that annual registration for licensees will expire on April 30.
Access more information about the renewal process and registration fees here. Registrants can renew online and also access digital certificates and pocket registration cards through the Professionals Dashboard.
Date: February 14, 2023
Four US territories, including Guam, could have a substantial portion of their budgets made available for local problems and projects, The Daily Guam Post reports, with the White House authorizing waivers on matching funds required in order to receive federal grants.
For Guam, that could mean as much as $109 million no longer being spent on mandatory cost sharing for grant-funded programs and positions.
The policy shift, laid out in a controller alert from the president's Office of Management and Budget, states federal agencies "may" waive grant matching requirements of more than $200,000 for Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. An automatic waiver for cost-sharing amounting to under $200,000 will be granted through an amended 1980 federal law, according to the OMB memo. Read more.
Date: February 14, 2023
National Parks Service team of researchers, made up of underwater archaeologists, marine biologists, ecologists, and engineers, is on a mission to find sunken ships, aircraft, artillery, and other lost relics related to the World War II invasion of Guam in 1944.
The team set out on the first of two missions that aim to "further our understanding of one of the most significant invasions of the WWII Pacific theater, as well as how it may have shaped the natural environment in the area today," the agency said in a statement.
Read more.
Date: January 18, 2023
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is allocating $400,000 in funding for research at the University of Guam to explore the potential for ocean energy systems to power the proposed Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center.
Offshore Energy reports that the funding will be awarded through DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office for two years to explore the potential for ocean thermal energy conversion and wave energy technology, among others, for powering the proposed center.
In December 2022, US DOE Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) launched a $10.5 million call for new marine energy projects, expected to advance the research and development of this renewable energy industry. Read more.
Date: January 18, 2023
As of New Year’s Day, Erosion and Sediment Control certification is required from all construction site managers and superintendents for all building permits to prevent and control water pollution on island.
The Guam Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has begun enforcing the requirement for all building permits, including clearing, grubbing, grading and stockpiling permits, The Guam Daily Post reports.
“Over the past year, numerous contractor personnel have completed courses in ESC practices and our inspectors have noticed a significant improvement in compliance at their construction sites,” Guam EPA Administrator Walter Leon Guerrero said. “Ensuring that construction operations are managed by properly trained personnel will serve to protect the environment and the construction industry as a whole. I encourage all contractors to sign up for these courses, if you have not done so already, and to join the rest of the industry in moving forward as stewards and partners in the protection of Guam’s environment and quality of life.” Read more.
Date: January 18, 2023
Date: December 12, 2022
Legislation to turn rooftop solar panels into “virtual power plants” capable of providing up to 20 megawatts of energy to ratepayers across the island advanced recently advanced in the Guam Legislature, the Pacific Daily News reports.
Senator Clynt Ridgell’s Bill 351 would allow government buildings, businesses, nonprofits and homes to become a network of “solar hosts,” charging batteries with energy that can then be sold to the Guam Power Authority.
Homeowners would be able to lease out rooftop space for solar equipment to a developer who will act as an intermediary, maintaining equipment and selling the generated energy to GPA.
GPA would feed that energy to power other customers on the power grid and, “at the same time they should be able to structure it in a way that’s cheaper due to the fact that solar is so much cheaper than oil at this time,” Ridgell said. Read more.
Date: December 12, 2022
The Biden Administration recently updated
state and territory fact sheets that highlight the nationwide impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the largest long-term investment infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. To date, $90 million in funding has been announced and is headed to Guam. Access information about Guam projects
here.
Date: November 15, 2022
A new concrete fixed single deck submarine repair pier will be constructed at Polaris Point Submarine Base, Guam. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific contracted MNDPI Pacific JV, Honolulu, Hawaii, for $16.9 million to implement the project. The company’s architecture-engineering services will be used to develop the design.
It is possible the project’s budget could increase to $29,796,666. Work will be performed in Piti, Guam, and is expected to be completed by September 2024, the Department of Defense reports.
Date: November 15, 2022
Blink Charging Co., a leading owner and operator of electric vehicle charging equipment and services, will deploy electrical vehicle charging stations and related services throughout the island of Guam, supported by Guam Power Authority. The company recently signed a mutual service agreement with Triple J Enterprises (Triple J) and GPA to maintain the electrical grid performance
The agreement allows Triple J to purchase select Blink charging equipment to provide EV charging services at many Triple J locations, including its auto dealerships and hospitality locations as well as allowing Triple J to provide Blink EV chargers to other local business and organization in an effort drive EV charging accessibility and growth.
Through the agreement, the GPA will play a vital role in the electrical grid and will provide key points of contact to help Blink and Triple J grow the charging network across the island. With access to live usage data, GPA will eventually have the ability to manage chargers when needed in order to prevent load shedding on the grid.
Find out more.
Date: October 19, 2022
The lawsuit over contamination on Guam from the former Ordot dump is in mediation, with the government of Guam and the federal government attempting mediation, the Guam Daily Post reports.
The lawsuit falls under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Also known as “Superfund,” CERCLA is aimed at cleaning up sites contaminated with hazardous waste, as well as preventing contamination of future sites by assigning liability to parties involved. The liability requires the parties to pay damages for the clean-up of the sites. Guam brought the suit against the US Navy in 2017 as a potentially responsible party. The dump was built by the Navy before World War II for disposal of municipal and military waste.
After a delay for additional discovery time for the legal teams by the US District Court, the first phase of the trial will take place in 2024.
Date: October 19, 2022
A new partnership was recently established between the University of Guam, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) that provides a new career pathway for engineering students at the University of Guam. Guam students can transfer to UH Mānoa after their sophomore year and earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, then gain possible employment with PHNSY and potential transfer to the Guam Naval Shipyard, according to a news release.
UH Mānoa College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka and Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor Marvin Young traveled to Guam in September to kick off the partnership with University of Guam leadership and PHNSY representatives. This partnership was enabled by developing a win-win-win strategy.
“UH Mānoa benefits by increasing its student population and supporting the university’s goal of diversification. Guam benefits by increasing their home-grown technical workforce without having to stand-up an accredited mechanical engineering degree program, and PHNSY benefits by increasing the technical population of prospective staff and providing the ability to assess long-term suitability of engineers for Hawaii and Guam operations,” Young said. Read more.
Date: October 19, 2022
Global Pacific Design Builders, LLC, based in Hagatna, has been awarded a $33 million contract for construction of the Guam Army National Guard Readiness Center. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a facility to support the training, administrative, and logistical requirements of the Guam Army National Guard, according to a news release.
The contract also contains five unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase the cumulative contract value to $38 million. Work will be performed in Barrigada, Guam, and is expected to be completed by February 2025. The contract was awarded by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command.
Date: October 19, 2022
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next meeting on Thursday, November 10. Access more information here.
Date: September 21, 2022
An influx of foreign workers and recent military buildup in Guam will soon peak, resulting in increased construction in both the military and homebuilding arenas, according to the Pacific Daily News.
According to the Guam Contractors Association, the current 6,600-member construction workforce for military projects is expected to peak at 11,000 workers. About 4,000 of those are operating under H-2B work visas. Read more.
Date: September 21, 2022
A public comment period is open for a proposed Embarkation Operations Facility at US Naval Base Guam, according to a news release from Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas.
The project is slated to include two buildings, a cargo staging area, vehicle wash and inspection areas (with an associated wash water recycling system and wash water desilting basin), and an electrical facility to support a backup generator for selected loads. In addition, the plans include road improvements, including connector roads, street widening, and additional street lighting.
In its assessment, the Department of Defense determined no historic properties would be affected by the proposed project. The comment period is open through October 13. Read more.
Date: September 21, 2022
Date: August 15, 2022
The Guam Waterworks Authority is examining the impact of new lifetime drinking water health advisories for PFAs on its operations. GWA is also working on a protocol to address the advisory change for review with the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, The Guam Daily Post reports.
Recent health effect studies show that PFOA and PFOS can impact human health at much lower exposure levels than was listed by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2016, according to the EPA. In 2016, three sites in Guam were found to contain higher than safe levels of the forever chemicals.
EPA issued the new advisories with stricter limitations until it can establish an enforceable National Primary Drinking Water Regulation this fall. It would go into effect in 2023.
Date: August 15, 2022
Because of a growing threat of cyberattacks and to educate private sector businesses and organizations on Guam, the FBI Honolulu Field Office – Guam Resident Agency has launched a cybersecurity awareness campaign to “encourage businesses to establish a proactive relationship with FBI Guam Resident Agency before a cyber incident occurs,” The Guam Daily Post reports.
The FBI highlighted various cyber threats including to critical infrastructure in a press release. The private sector controls most of the country’s critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal data, making large businesses and small corporations targets of cyberattacks, the release states. While nation-state threats remain the most significant threat to critical infrastructure because of their persistence, sophistication, and potential for destructive intent, ransomware attacks by cybercriminals have already targeted US critical infrastructure, including emergency services, hospitals, and the energy sector.
Date: August 15, 2022
Recently, students who attend the Japanese School learned about sustainability from representatives of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant. They led discussions about the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during an outreach event at the Mangilao campus.
The students also learned about the Guam Green Growth or G3 program as a platform for increasing awareness and putting the SDGs into action through concrete programs and activities. G3 is a public-private partnership created to achieve a sustainable future.
The university’s CIS sustainability coordinator Phil Cruz told the students, “With these sustainable development goals, the United Nations said that the year from 2020 to 2030 is the decade of action, meaning we have ten years to achieve all of these goals all over the world to have a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future,” according to the G3 website.
The CIS and SG team also held a discussion about G3’s five categories of action, including healthy and prosperous communities; educated, capable, and compassionate island; sustainable homes, utilities, and transportation; thriving natural resources; and sustainable alliances.
Date: July 18, 2022
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors has issued a memorandum on technical reviews. This memorandum addresses concerns about the preparation and submittal of maps, plans, drawings, and other technical submissions for review by the public or government agencies. Read more.
Board Meeting
The Guam licensing board will hold its next meeting on Thursday, July 28, at 3:00 p.m. Access more information here.
Date: July 18, 2022
The COVID-19 Pandemic and consumers trying to cut costs has resulted in fewer tax dollars for highway repairs on Guam. The Guam Daily Post reports that limitations on travel and a decrease in tourism has slimmed down the coffers of the Guam Highway Fund.
“The Department of Administration’s management expects there may be continued reductions in revenues for the remainder of the public health emergency,” the Guam Office of Public Accountability stated in a recent report.
Total revenues decreased by $5.1 million, or 20%, to $20.1 million in fiscal 2020, according to the agency. In total, $16.3 million was related to highways or transportation.
Date: July 18, 2022
A proposed law seeks to give $500 credits to each residential and commercial customer of the Guam Power Authority, The Guam Daily Post reports. The credits would be spread out into $100 increments over five months and would be issued to customer accounts rather than being given as direct funds to customers.
The bill was introduced by Senator Joe San Agustin. To fund the measure, Bill 325 proposes to raise the General Fund budget for fiscal year 2022 by about $25.3 million, which would then be dedicated to the power credit program.
Date: June 14, 2022
A newly announced $50 million investment will fund Mangilao Solar, a 60 MWdc photovoltaic power plant with a 32 MWh battery energy storage system located in Mangilao.
“Currently, Guam mostly relies on fuel oil and diesel for its gross electric generation. Once operational, the solar power plant will expand access to low-cost clean electricity for the island of Guam,” said Bryen Alperin, director of renewable energy & sustainable technologies for Foss & Company, which is providing the funds.
KEPCO Mangilao Solar, a subsidiary of Korean Electric Power Company located in Guam, started construction on the project in 2020 and expects it to achieve commercial operation in 2022. Read more.
Date: June 14, 2022
The Guam Waterworks Authority is continuing to repair a pipe at the Pago Bay bridge that broke in May, according to The Guam Daily Post. The agency is also working on getting an assessment completed for all bridge crossings, he said.
The Pago Bay bridge line break resulted in a water outage that disrupted classes at Talofofo Elementary and M.U. Lujan Elementary schools.
General Manager Miguel Bordallo said permanent repairs will require some engineering effort. A scope of work is being developed for the procurement of engineering services.
Date: June 14, 2022
DOCOMO PACIFIC has launched a new, free webinar series called Business Tech Talks. Each webinar will feature a subject matter expert discussing a different topic relating to business uses for tech; others will introduce new technology on the market. Access registration
here.
Date: May 16, 2022
The island will remain vulnerable to rolling outages until a new power plant comes online in two years, according to Guam Power Authority General Manager John Benavente, P.E.
GPA on Wednesday and Thursday was about 5 to 8 megawatts short of meeting the peak power demand, which required it to cut power to some customers for as long as an hour at a time, the Pacific Daily News reported on May 14.
Peak power demand, of about 250 megawatts, normally is between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., when more residents are home and using power. Guam is hotter this time of year, increasing the demand for power, which is driven mainly by the use of air conditioners, Benavente said.
Date: May 16, 2022
A lawsuit against several companies accused of causing an incident that polluted Marbo Cave and other properties in Mangilao has been settled, with the companies agreeing to pay $950,000 to the government of Guam, The Guam Daily Post reports.
KEPCO Mangilao Solar, Samsung E&C America, and DB Insurance agreed to pay the amount, in the largest “recovery” settlement ever reached by the Guam Office of the Attorney General. The companies were accused of failing to put in place erosion control measures when building a solar farm on ground above the cave, causing sediment to flood the case and nearby properties after heavy rainfall.
Much of the settlement funds will go to the Center for Island Sustainability funding projects that combat erosion and sedimentation of the island’s reefs, training for regulatory agencies to assist with enforcement and monitoring at construction sites, and road repairs. In a separate move, Samsung has agreed to finish remediation efforts at the cave with the Guam Environmental Protection Agency.
Date: May 16, 2022
A private company on Guam wants to implement a waste-to-energy program that it says will help solve the island’s solid waste problem, according to an article in the Marianas Variety.
The $180 million proposed project has met some resistance from politicians, some of whom have expressed worry about air and water pollution created by the process of incinerating the waste. A spokesperson for Guam Resource Recovery Partners, the firm involved with the project, tried to allay those fears at a recent meeting of local mayors.
Date: April 14, 2022
The Guam Waterworks Authority is seeking candidates for the Assistant General Manager – Engineering (unclassified) position. Access information about the position and requirements here.
Date: April 14, 2022
Senator Sabina Flores Perez has introduced a bill known as “The Guam Zero Waste Act” to improve recycling efforts on the island. The bill aims to modernize local statutes to catalyze the island-wide implementation of recycling and zero waste programs, drastically improving recycling and cleanup processes that are costly and inefficient. It was co-sponsored by Senator Telo Taitague, Senator Pedo Terlaje, and Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, the Guam Daily Post reports.
The act expands upon traditional principles of recycling by focusing on overall waste reduction, circular use of materials, and promotes the research of innovative solutions to help address the rapidly decreasing life of Guam’s landfill, Perez said on Facebook.
Date: April 14, 2022
The Guam Waterworks Authority wants to restore the Asan Springs water supply facility to increase input to the Agana-Asan-Piti Integrated Water Supply and Storage System to meet water supply demands in west-central Guam, the Pacific Daily News reports. It proposes upgrading the system.
The Park Service is reviewing the request and providing an opportunity for public input until April 30. The concrete reservoir was constructed by the US Navy in 1916 to collect and utilize water from the springs. It was shut down in 2004 due to bacterial contamination.
Date: March 14, 2022
The annual registration for professional engineers, architects, and land surveyors licensed in Guam will expire on April 30, and will become invalid after that date unless the renewal fees are paid. Access a Guam licensing board memo for guidance on the renewal process.
Date: March 14, 2022
Guam Power Authority's damaged Cabras 1 generator could be repaired early as next month, the company's general manager John Benavente told reporters recently. The generator's boiler exploded in early February. The island is more vulnerable to outages until the 55-megawatt oil-burning generator is repaired, according to guampdn.com.
Benavente said most of the damage was due to "lagging" and that the boiler still had water in it after the explosion, which occurred at the boiler's air preheater.
The Cabras 1 and 2 generators are scheduled to be retired in 2024, but they will be needed until the new 198-megawatt Ukkudu power plant starts to operate in April 2024.
Date: March 14, 2022
A program that gives youngsters hands-on STEM experience has been created by the Department of Defense as a way to address labor shortages in science, technology, engineering, and math career-related fields. Starbase Guam provides 25 hours of stimulating experience in a week-long program for underrepresented students across the island.
Dr. Leah Beth Naholowaa, the program's director, told
KUAM News, "Starbase is a STEM-based curriculum program. It's a hands-on and minds-on program, it's a very engaging curriculum, really attracts students to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math."
Date: February 16, 2022
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors is conducting a survey on the various disciplines under its purview. The board seeks to get a better idea of the professionals it serves and the skilled team members they employ.
The survey is voluntary and will take 5 minutes of your time to complete. All responses are completely anonymous. Access the survey here.
Registration Open for the PE Structural Exam
Registration for the April 2022 PE Structural exam administration (pencil-paper) is open until February 24, at 3 p.m. EST. The exam will be administered April 21-22 at select locations throughout the US. Registration for the computer-based FE and PE exams is open year-round.
During registration, register with the state you wish to be licensed in and then select the location where you plan to take the exam. Access the exam timeline information here.
Date: February 16, 2022
Six contractors based on Guam have been awarded parts of a $400 million defense design-build contract from Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas, according to a news release.
The contract was awarded to Allied Pacific Builders of Dededo, BME and Sons Inc. of Mangilao, Fargo Pacific of Tamuning, Modern International Inc. of Barrigada, Serrano Construction and Development Corp. of Dededo, and Techni-Con Inc. of Mangilao, in addition to four other companies located off of the island.
The work to be performed provides for new construction, renovation/modernization, and routine repair/maintenance, by method of design build, at various federal or military facilities and installations in Guam.
Date: February 16, 2022
The Islandwide Safety Improvements and Primary Roads Striping and Marking Project has begun. Funded by the US Federal Highway Administration, the project will provide fresh striping and marking to several Guam highways. The overall cost will not exceed $2 million, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
Maintaining safe roads for residents is a priority, says Guam’s Department of Public Works Director Vincent Arriola. The islandwide initiative launched along Route 4 in Ordot, where contractor highway safety services will execute safety improvements, including removal of existing striping and marking, surface preparation, and installation of new striping and marking. The first phase will cover four miles of Route 4 that run through Hagåtña, Sinajana, Ordot, and Chalan Pago.
Date: February 16, 2022
Funding for Guam Ukudu Power’s $500 million power plant project could fall into jeopardy without an exemption from a law requiring fossil fuel facilities to be a certain distance away from schools, the Guam Daily Post reports.
The company had planned to build a 41-megawatt reserve unit in Piti, which would facilitate a quicker permitting process for a larger plant at Ukudu, which was intended to become the next major power plant for Guam. Those in opposition of the reserve unit cite health concerns because it would be located within 1,200 feet of a middle school. An official from Guam Power Authority said the unit would only be in use for about 3% of the year.
GPA is in a difficult position because it had been noncompliant with emissions regulations for years and entered into the
consent decree to avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in fines the Post reports. The Ukudu power plant project is among the milestones that GPA must complete.
Date: January 19, 2022
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next mueeting on January 27 (with a virtual attendance option). Access more information here.
Registration Open for the PE Structural Exam
Registration for the April 2022 PE Structural exam administration (pencil-paper) is open until February 24, at 3 p.m. EST. The exam will be administered April 21-22 at select locations throughout the US. Registration for the computer-based FE and PE exams is open year-round.
During registration, register with the state you wish to be licensed in and then select the location where you plan to take the exam. Access the exam timeline information here.
Date: January 19, 2022
Guam Green Growth's Conservation Corps is seeking individuals for its next cohort, which will include 12 people starting in March and ending in August, Kuam News reports. "G3" is a partnership between Guam's local government and the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability.
The goal of the program is to develop the skillsets of workers for the renewable energy sector, and to help people give back to the community. Participants will receive education and training in agriculture and aquaculture, circular economy and zero waste, ocean conservation, invasive species management, energy conservation and renewable energy, and island beautification.
The first Conservation Corps cohort recycled over 70,000 aluminum cans, planted 2,000 food crops, collected hundreds of bags of illegally dumped waste from streets and jungles, planted 2,890 trees, installed 640 solar rooftop panels, and more.
Interested parties should fill out the application located at guamgreengrowth.org by February 6.
Date: January 19, 2022
The $700 million Vista Del Mar project near The Two Lovers Point Resort has received initial approval from the Tamuning Municipal Planning Council, but is currently trying to clear regulatory hurdles with the hybrid land use commission. Concerns exist about whether enough environmental safeguards are in place, kuam.com reports.
Vista del Mar has applied for variances to double the height of the hotel. It will have 26 floors and 300 condo units, and the resort will sit on 23 acres and include a water park. Environmental action group save Southern Guam opposes the development because it would impact the island's northern shoreline, and due to a lack of community involvement in the planning. Speaker Therese Terlaje said that in addition to environmental impacts, cultural and historical factors are a concern.
Date: December 15, 2021
The recently passed federal infrastructure law will provide $26 million for job creation and a revitalization of the island's aging water system. The goal is to strengthen drinking water and sewer systems, and boost the area's economy, the Guam Daily Post reports.
Also, according to Kuam News, an estimated $30 million will go toward renovating the Guam International Airport. A restoration plan for the facility is in the works.
Date: December 15, 2021
Guam's first commercial site operating off of the island power grid has opened. A new Shell Fuel Station and convenience store is powered by a microgrid with 480 solar panels and a 588kwh Energy Storage System. The grid produces 199.2kW of energy to power the station.
A spokesperson for IP&E Holdings, the commercial supplier of petroleum products and operator of all Shell stations on the island, says the company is committed to lower carbon technology and renewable energy.
Date: November 17, 2021
Guam-born Dr. Sian Proctor recently became the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft and the fourth Black American woman to go to space via the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, the first civilian-only space flight. Proctor encourages girls and young women interested in science, technology, engineering, arts and math to follow their career aspirations. She told space.com that her flight was a chance to "inspire the next generation of women of color and girls of color and really get them to think about reaching for the stars and what that means."
Proctor says she encourages girls considering STEAM careers to think about a particular problem they would like to solve or questions they want to answer, according to Ms. Magazine.
Proctor is a 51-year-old geoscientist, science professor, and artist. She obtained her pilot's license at age 36 and served as an analog astronaut for the first NASA-funded Hawai'i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation mission. Since 2016, has a major in the Civil Air Patrol, serving as an aerospace education officer.
.jpg "Dr. Sian Proctor")
[Wikipedia: CC BY-SA 2.0]
Date: November 17, 2021
The Guam Power Authority has received a Smart Energy designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support a goal of providing low-cost, quality, safe, and reliable electric service. The designation lasts for two years and recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices.
Date: October 20, 2021
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors has opened a dashboard to allow individuals to submit registrations and COAs online. Access the portal here.
Date: October 20, 2021
New H-2B prevailing wage rates for common construction occupations were recently approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services through a biennial process using Guam data gathered from the US Department of Labor Occupational Employment Statistics Survey.
The three most common H-2B occupations for which workers are imported saw significant increases in their wage rates, according to Governor Leon Guerrero's news release. Carpenters had a 0.65% increase, while cement masons saw a 4.96% increase and reinforcing metalworkers realized a higher increase of 7.17%. All craft worker rates exceed $15 per hour and range as high as $19 per hour. The new wage rates are not expected to change until October 2023.
The new rates will only affect new applications for H-2B workers filed with the Guam Department of Labor on or after December 14, 2021. Rates for current approvals remain at the old wage rates until the employer's valid labor certification expires. The Common Construction Prevailing Wage Rates are published on the GDOL's website.
Date: October 20, 2021
Guam company Black Construction Corp. has been awarded $122 million by the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command to install a multipurpose machine gun range at Northwest Field on Andersen Air Force Base. Weapons training will be the facility's primary purpose. Planned facilities include a multilane, multipurpose machine gun range, a range control tower, ammunition distribution point, and covered bleachers, according to NAVFAC. The work is slated for completion in October 2024.
"Construction will follow strict environmental and safety requirements, address the potential for unexploded ordnance within the project site, and have mitigation measures in place to offset environmental impacts," said Keith Hayashi, NAVFAC Pacific Design and Construction design production director.
"The machine-gun range has been a contentious project on Guam, as it has a large surface danger zone area and will restrict access to the northern part of the Ritidian wildlife refuge when in use," reports Pacific Daily News.
Date: October 20, 2021
The Department of Public Works has lifted the stop-work order on the solar farm project in Mangilao, reports The Guam Daily Post, although it appears completion will be delayed from December to March or April of next year.
The project is owned by a local subsidiary of the Korea Electric Power Co., South Korea's largest electric company. Samsung E&C America Inc. is the project contractor and had been cited by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency for failing to follow approved erosion mitigation plans.
Date: September 15, 2021
The Guam Power Authority seeks to hire a qualified individual for an Engineer III level position. Access more information about the position details and requirements here.
The Engineer III position involves professional and supervisory civil, mechanical, electrical, telephone, traffic, environmental, or architectural engineering work. Employees in this class perform the full range of complex duties in the professional specialty and supervises an engineering unit or section; or supervises and coordinates a major engineering support program.
Interested applicants may call or visit the Human Resources Division at the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building at Route 15 Fadian, Mangilao, (671) 648-3130, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday) for additional information and to receive an application for employment-Form A or visit the agency website. Applicants can submit an application in person, through facsimile (671) 648-3160, or e-mail to gpahr@gpagwa.com.
Date: September 15, 2021
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors will hold its next meeting on Thursday, October 14 at 3 p.m.
Access the board website for more information.
Date: September 15, 2021
Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima LLC, of Tamuning, Guam, has been awarded a $13.95 million contract to construct a reinforced concrete blast surface over an existing fuel manifold at a military fuel pipeline facility, according to an article on postguam.com.
The project will facilitate the demolition and removal of a subterranean valve vault containing petroleum lubricant pipelines and the construction of a new hardened concrete building structure and hose connection vault.
Date: September 15, 2021
The Guam Contractors License Board has fined Samsung E&C America Inc. about $25.5 million for failing to implement erosion mitigation measures at the site of the controversial solar farm project in Mangilao owned by KEPCO Mangilao Solar LLC, according to The Guam Daily Post.
The fine was levied in response to environmental damage caused by runoff from the site that affected nearby properties and the historic Marbo Cave, which were covered with silt and muck after heavy rains, the Post reports. Investigators found that erosion control measures had been part of the original plans for the project, but they hadn't been carried out. Samsung admitted fault.
Date: August 18, 2021
NSPE members recently celebrated the contributions of the profession during the sixth annual PE Day. But don't wait until next year's national event to show off this commitment to the profession. NSPE President Rick Guerra, P.E., F.NSPE, believes that proud members of the NSPE community can do so in the following ways all year round:
- Introduce yourselves as Licensed Professional Engineers
- Get to know your fellow PEs
- Use #ProudPE in your communications and social media posts
Date: August 18, 2021
The Department of Homeland Security is being asked to resolve a recent "uptick" in denials of foreign labor visa applications for Guam, according to a The Guam Daily Post article.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero met with an acting under secretary at DHS on the matter in Washington, DC, as part of her first off-island trip since the beginning of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
A decrease in approved H-2B visas could have budgetary impacts for the government of Guam. Fees collected by the local Department of Labor from companies that bring in foreign workers fund operations and job training programs.
GovGuam oversees around 1,500 foreign workers in a normal year, according to Greg Massey, administrator of the department's Alien Labor Processing and Certification Division. Although more than 1,600 visas have been approved so far, the budgeted estimate of foreign workers for fiscal year 2021 is 2,300, Massey told The Guam Daily Post.
Read more.
Date: August 18, 2021
The Office of the Attorney General filed a complaint on August 5 against the owner and construction company responsible for the environmental damage to Sasayan Valley.
In its complaint, the OAG has asked the court to award actual damages and punitive damages against Korea Electric Power Company and Samsung E&C America for damaging Guam's natural resources and creating a public nuisance. This is the first action of its kind taken in recent history by the OAG.
The complaint alleges the defendants knew the project site was located, and remains, within the groundwater recharge area of Guam's aquifer and watershed area that supplies 80% of the island's drinking water. Permits issued by the Department of Public Works and Guam Environmental Protection Agency required the defendants to submit an approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plan which contained erosion control measures, including the construction of five ponding basins and the implementation of other measures, before starting earthwork activities.
Read more.
Date: August 18, 2021
Registration for the October 2021 pencil-paper exam administration will close on August 26 (3 p.m. EDT). Exams will be administered on Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22. Registration for the computer-based FE and PE exams is open year-round.
Access the Guam licensing board
website for more information.
Date: July 21, 2021
The Department of Public Works is looking to hire seven more building inspectors to augment its current crew of three, according to The Guam Daily Post.
Randy Romero, the building inspection and permits administrator at DPW, said he would like to dedicate two individuals to perform continuous inspections of all high-rise buildings, and to break down the team by discipline. "One to concentrate on plumbing issues, infrastructure issues, electrical and so on," Romero said.
A condominium building in Surfside, Florida, collapsed in June, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 people, according to national media reports. Romero said he was aware of the tragic incident.
DPW does perform random inspections, and while the department would like to perform more inspections of high-rises, it is limited by the number of inspectors, Romero said.
Read more.
Date: July 21, 2021
Guam has been awarded over $3.3 million in federal funding by the US Department of the Interior (DOI) to fund projects for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. These funds were awarded by DOI under the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP).
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero expressed appreciation for having a strong working relationship with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who she says continues to be a strong advocate for Guam. "This funding provided by her department will go a long way in supporting critical initiatives in Guam, including improving government services and assisting nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. This funding will help meet a variety of goals such as strengthening our power system's cybersecurity posture, providing software upgrades, and offering training opportunities for government efficiency and workforce development."
The TAP funding to Guam will benefit 17 projects including the following:
- $159,200 to the Guam Power Authority for the Comprehensive Security Plan for Guam's Critical Energy Instructure. The development of the plan will help strengthen GPA's physical and cybersecurity posture to meet and exceed industry standards.
- $100,000 to the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority for the Financial Management System Assessment and $100,000 for the Infrastructure, Systems, and Equipment Integration Assessment.
- $49,550 to the Guam Power Authority for the Energy Engineering Training & Certification Program.
- $556,000 to the Guam Department of Public Works for the Highway Infrastructure Maintenance Program.
- $140,287 to the Guam Community College for the Increasing Facilities Maintenance Capabilities project.
Date: July 21, 2021
Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz is recommending that the Guam Legislature pass a resolution requesting the federal government to shave off and then remit to the government of Guam taxes collected from military project contractors in the same way payments are made to Guam under Section 30 of the Organic Act. Section 30 funding is derived from taxes paid largely by military service members stationed in Guam and which the federal government remits directly to the local treasury every year.
The Office of Public Accountability is currently conducting an audit of military projects, as requested by Vice Speaker Tina Muña Barnes, to investigate whether Guam taxes are being paid by companies contracted to do the work.
The audit is still in the early stages, but Cruz raised concerns over the complexities involved. He said his team is learning that companies that come to Guam for military projects only need to obtain a certificate of authority from the Department of Revenue and Taxation if they work exclusively within military bases, instead of needing a contractor's license.
Read more in The Daily Guam Post.
Date: July 21, 2021
The Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors will hold its next meeting on Thursday, July 29 at 3 p.m.
Access the licensing board
website for more information.
Date: June 16, 2021
Guam may pursue a Superfund cost recovery claim against the federal government for a $160 million landfill cleanup as its action was timely, the US Supreme Court said in a significant victory for the territory, according to a Bloomberg Law report.
Guam and the US signed a consent decree under the Clean Water Act in 2004 requiring the territory to stop waste in the formerly Navy-owned Ordot Dump from leaching into adjacent rivers and the Pacific Ocean. Guam later filed a claim under federal Superfund law to recoup some cleanup costs from the federal government.
But the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit decided last year that the Clean Water Act settlement triggered another Superfund provision, and the statute of limitations on that had already run—preventing Guam from attempting to recover any costs.
In a unanimous decision, the justices reversed the lower court and said Guam isn't time-barred from pursuing the claim. The opinion could affect parties facing non-Superfund claims they thought were time-barred, potentially exposing them to liability if those claims are revived.
Read more.
Date: June 16, 2021
How will the Guam Department of Education address some much-needed repairs? Hopefully, with the assistance of over $200 million dollars in federal funding.
Guam Education Board Chair Mark Mendiola gave the breakdown on how the department plans on using the $287 million from the American Rescue Plan to address facility issues and ensure that the system is up to standard, according to a KUAM News report.
"We've already started fixing a lot of our facilities," he said. "There was a thing called deferred maintenance costs that was done by the Army Corps of Engineers a couple years back and they basically said it's going to take about over $100 million to kind of put the schools bring them up to a certain standard a certain level So obviously with the amount of money that has been coming in from Uncle Sam you know we're able to help do a lot of these repairs, but it has to be attached to safely reopening schools."
Mendiola added that with the new, modern perspective on education, GDOE also looks to place a heavy emphasis on STEM education.
Read more.
Date: June 16, 2021
Technology is the future of Guam, and our island's youth are proving to be up to the challenge of tackling real-world problems using science, technology, engineering, and math.
Two teams from John F. Kennedy High School participated in the 2021 Real World Design Challenge, an engineering competition sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, according to a The Guam Daily Post article.
The two JFK teams competed against 43 teams from around the world. One was able to advance to the final round of this year's competition alongside 20 US teams, 14 Chinese teams, five teams representing India, two teams from the Philippines, and a team each from Canada and Kenya.
Read more.
Date: June 16, 2021
Professional engineers have unique skills and knowledge and carry an obligation to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. NSPE and the Guam Society of Professional Engineers are dedicated to supporting these professionals throughout their careers.
NSPE and NSPE-GU help PEs to stay current on the latest in engineering through leadership training, networking, and ethical guidance, all to safeguard the wellbeing of the public and navigate the new challenges that engineers confront daily. NSPE-GU members are encouraged to share the value of membership at the national, state, and local levels when engaging with their peers.
Date: May 18, 2021
The 36th Guam Legislature released a bipartisan list of priorities for the anticipated $664 million in American Rescue Plan funding. It was signed by all 15 senators and addressed to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who requested to meet with the Legislature on May 11 to discuss policy priorities for the money, according to a Pacific Daily News report.
A joint statement from Speaker Therese Terlaje and Minority Leader Chris Duenas stated that American Rescue Plan funds presented an opportunity to truly affect people's lives. In addition to targeting $68 million in direct assistance to individuals and families affected by the pandemic, the funding priorities include the following:
- Around $341 million for the investment in infrastructure and technology toward economic growth and affordable housing and development.
- $18.5 million for workforce training and diversification, as well as student aid.
- Funding for the Small Business Pandemic Assistance Program to provide direct assistance to businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic and to develop additional programs or opportunities for the creation of new small businesses and to encourage economic growth.
- Funding to avert rate increases for the Guam Waterworks Authority and to repair pipelines and expand sewer infrastructure to off-grid locations.
- Funding to Public Works to repair Guam's roads, advance the Village Streets Master Plan and fund highway infrastructure projects.
- Money to bring water and sewer infrastructure to the Chamoru Land Trust Commission homes and the building of affordable homes.
- $7 million each to the University of Guam and Guam Community College.
Read more.
Date: May 18, 2021
The Guam Department of Labor is working with local contractors who need H-2B, or skilled foreign workers, for construction projects within the confines of the new guidelines provided by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to a The Guam Daily Post article.
GDOL Director David Dell'Isola said USCIS' guidance for the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions that allow H-2B workers to come to Guam to work on projects that "support or are adversely affected by the military realignment."
"Guam DOL welcomes this guidance which will assist contractors on Guam to get the badly needed supplemental skilled workers needed for ongoing and future contracting activity," Dell'Isola stated. "We expect that employers will soon submit applications to USCIS using the new flexibility."
Read more.
Date: May 18, 2021
The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration has established the Governor's Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant Program to fund student engagement opportunities for public, private, and charter school students. This program will maximize the $33 million awarded in Education Stabilization Funds dedicated to the Governor's Office through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
The Guam State Clearinghouse (under the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Guam) is soliciting interest and proposals from educational institutions, government entities, community organizations, and nonprofit organizations to develop programs and activities addressing the learning loss for students along with improving their social and emotional well-being.
Proposals may include, but are not limited to, activities and programs related to the following:
- Academic and Sports Activities including: academic competition and exhibits; literacy programs and initiatives; STEM and STEAM programs; and youth sports and recreational activities.
- Development and Enhancement of Learning Resources including: curriculum development; digitization, production, and publication of online learning resources; and online and television learning programming.
- Programs Supporting Leadership Development, Social and Emotional Resiliency, and Positive Pro-Social Activities including: arts and humanities, behavioral health & wellness, Chamoru language, environmental stewardship, cultural diversity, and drug and alcohol prevention.
- Supplemental Student Learning and Engagement Activities including: community special education programs and services; community youth development programs; homework assistance and tutoring; summer learning and discovery programs; weekend and after-school community learning opportunities; and youth empowerment programs.
Date: April 22, 2021
Congratulations to Guam's MATHCOUNTS State Competition student winners and their schools!
Justin J. Park (Science is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy Charter School), Zunaid B. Jafar (Harvest Christian Academy), Brian K.W. Hwang (St. John's School), and Dylan Chong (St. John's School) earned the top four spots during the competition held on March 26.
These mathletes will represent Guam during the virtual 2021 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition, May 8-10.
Countdown to the National Competition
There will be opportunities for NSPE members around the country to tune into some exciting events during the 2021 Raytheon Technologies MATHCOUNTS National Competition. This includes the Countdown Round, Math Video Challenge Finals, and Closing Ceremonies.
Learn more and register.
Date: April 22, 2021
Annual professional licensure registration renewal forms and payments are due to the Guam Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, Architects, and Land Surveyors by April 30, 2021. Licenses not renewed by this date will be considered invalid.
Licensees can send the application for registration renewal with a check payment (made payable to "Treasurer of Guam") to the following address: The Guam Board of Registration for PEALS, ITC Building, 590 S. Marine Corps Drive, Suite 511,Tamuning, GU 96913.
Questions about licensure renewals can be sent to the board via email to peals@guam.gov or by calling the office at 671-646-3113/3138.
Date: April 22, 2021
In 2019, Carl Gutierrez was appointed chief adviser at the newly created Office of Economic Development, National and International Affairs by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero with a mandate to handle challenges to economic growth.
In a column in The Guam Daily Post, Gutierrez puts a spotlight on the goals of post-pandemic reset for infrastructure development, housing, and business expansion.
Read more.
Date: April 22, 2021
Guam was represented before the US Congress as University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton provided testimony in support of the Insular Area Climate Change Act in a virtual hearing last month.
The Insular Area Climate Change Act aims to reduce climate crisis impacts by creating greater access to federal climate change–related programs and creating multiple grant programs through which insular areas could invest in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. The act would also raise the non-federal cost share, or match, waiver to $750,000 for territories, which would increase the ability of islands to leverage funding to implement climate action projects.
The Center for Island Sustainability, in partnership with the Office of the Governor of Guam, is leading the facilitation of the Guam Green Growth initiative, the island's most comprehensive public-private partnership to date toward achieving a sustainable future.
Shelton highlighted during this testimony how Guam is ready to implement the new climate change programs if the legislation is enacted, as it recently took the following steps toward achieving a sustainable future:
- Mandated 100% renewable energy production by 2045
- Established the Guam Green Growth initiative, a public-private partnership that aims to advance the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Adopted the Guam Coral Reef Resilience Strategy
- Formed the Guam Climate Change Resiliency Commission
Date: March 17, 2021
Guam has been awarded $4 million by the Department of Interior in fiscal year 2021 Capital Improvement Projects funding for the following projects:
- $3 million for architectural and engineering design and site improvements for the proposed Guam Environmental Protection Agency building; and
- $1 million for the continued support to the Guam Department of Education to address deferred maintenance in schools.
“COVID-19 has created unprecedented socioeconomic challenges that have threatened much of our advances. A key component in our economic recovery is protecting our environment and natural resources. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency plays a critical role in ensuring our development does not harm our island, and it is time we give them the tools they need to continue their mission,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero in a statement.
Date: March 17, 2021
Legislation that temporarily waives business license renewal fees that are due by September 30, 2022 was signed into law on March 5.
The Business Assistance Act of 2021 states that any fees that have been collected since October 1, 2020 will be credited to any fees owed by the license holder after the period waived by the act.
Date: March 17, 2021
A vessel operating company was sentenced on February 18 in Hagatna, Guam, for illegally discharging oil into Apra Harbor, Guam, and for maintaining false and incomplete records relating to the discharges of oily bilge water from the vessel Kota Harum.
Pacific International Lines Limited (PIL), Chief Engineer Maung Maung Soe, and Second Engineer Peng Luo Hai admitted that oily bilge water was illegally dumped from the Kota Harum directly into the ocean and into Apra Harbor without being properly processed through required pollution prevention equipment, according to a US Department of Justice press release. Oily bilge water typically contains oil contamination from the operation and cleaning of machinery on the vessel. The defendants also admitted that these illegal discharges were not recorded in the vessel’s oil record book as required by law.
PIL pleaded guilty to five felony violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships for failing to accurately maintain the Kota Harum’s oil record book, and one felony violation of the Clean Water Act for knowingly discharging oil into a water of the United States in a quantity that may be harmful. The judge sentenced PIL to pay a total criminal penalty of $3 million and serve a four-year term of probation, during which all vessels operated by the company and calling on US ports will be required to implement a robust Environmental Compliance Plan.
Soe and Hai previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to two years of probation and one year of probation, respectively. Additionally, both Soe and Hai are prohibited from serving as engineers onboard any commercial vessels bound for the US during their respective terms of probation.
Read more.
Date: March 17, 2021
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and Hawaii experienced an unprecedented number of natural disasters in 2018—including typhoons, earthquakes, mudslides, and volcanic eruptions.
Due to distance from the continental US, disaster response and recovery can be challenging. FEMA has worked to address these challenges, but the agency could improve disaster recovery in several areas, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report. This report examines how FEMA and its federal partners prepared for and responded to the 2018 disasters; and the extent to which FEMA assisted the CNMI, Guam, and Hawaii in recovering from the 2018 natural disasters.
As of October 2020, FEMA obligated $877 million—more than 70% of which was for individual and public assistance missions—following the 2018 disasters and made progress addressing some region-specific challenges. However, FEMA has not fully addressed housing assistance issues in the CNMI.
GAO also identified delays in FEMA’s obligation of public assistance program funds—used to repair or replace disaster-damaged public infrastructure such as utilities, roads, and schools. Specifically, on average, it took over a year for FEMA to approve funds for projects awarded after the 2018 disasters.
GAO is making four recommendations, including that FEMA 1) incorporate lessons learned into permanent housing construction guidance; and 2) use performance data to identify and address inefficiencies in the public assistance program. The Department of Homeland Security concurred, and FEMA is taking actions in response.
Date: February 17, 2021
Engineers Week is a time to celebrate the important work of engineers and engage the next generation of innovators. Even with social distancing, you can make a difference. Here are a few activities that will be of interest to NSPE-GU members.
Future of Engineering
Join NSPE leaders Tricia Hatley, P.E., F.NSPE and Rick Guerra, P.E., F.NSPE, as they discuss the future of engineering and how our changing world will impact the profession during a free webinar on Monday, February 22 (1 p.m.-2p.m. ET). Webinar participants can earn one professional development hour. The webinar will be recorded for later viewing.
2021 NSPE Federal Engineer of the Year Award Webcast
NSPE celebrates the 2021 federal agency winners, the Top 10 Finalists, and announces the 2021 NSPE Federal Engineer of the Year via pre-recorded webcast on Wednesday, February 24 at 12 p.m. ET on the NSPE website and YouTube channel.
Date: February 17, 2021
In a recent letter to the editor, Guam Power Authority General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E., responded to concerns about Guam’s energy security and the agency’s clean energy practices.
Benavente wrote the following in The Guam Daily Post:
We support the efforts of the Legislature to set green energy policies, however mandating the formula to achieve these goals must be left to the experts in the utility, Consolidated Commission on Utilities and the Public Utilities Commission. GPA will never support legislation that unjustly raises prices for ratepayers. For instance, if passed, Bill 219-35 would have cost ratepayers $10 million-plus in an annual subsidy and increased energy prices for nonsolar ratepayers. Nonsolar ratepayers are currently subsidizing the rooftop Net Metering Program by $3.5 million annually; Bill 219-35 would have increased that subsidy threefold.
Clean, green energy must be intelligently planned and implemented in a responsible, affordable manner. Renewable energy alone is not the panacea to the island’s environmental and economic concerns. Reckless mandates to implement costly renewable projects strip away energy security for the most vulnerable of our island’s population.
Read more.
Date: February 17, 2021
A driverless vehicle concept was recently tested in Guam using remote technology 1,500 miles away in Japan. The demonstration of the new “SC-1” driverless concept cart (manufactured by the Sony Corporation) was conducted using DOCOMO Pacific’s 5G network and is part of the company’s 5G Open Lab Guam project.
According to a press release, the SC-1 incorporates AI and robotics technologies and results of the trial will be used to verify data transmission and operational performance required to remotely control the cart from a long distance via the extra-high speed, large capacity, low latency, and massive-device connectivity of the 5G network.
Watch a demonstration.
Date: February 17, 2021
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying is accepting registrations for the pencil-and-paper April 2021 PE exams until March 4 (3 p.m. ET).
The exam administration will take place over two days—Thursday, April 22 and Friday, April 23. Registration for the computer-based FE and PE exams will remain open year-round.
According to NCEES, every effort will be made to accommodate all registered examinees in a manner that protects the health and safety of everyone involved. All sites for the April 2021 exam administration must operate in compliance with capacity and social distancing requirements. In most cases, this will reduce the number of examinees that can be accommodated at an exam site.
Date: January 27, 2021
The US and Guam will argue before the US Supreme Court over the responsibility of an $160 million environmental cleanup, according to a Courthouse News Service report.
In 1940, the US Navy created a toxic waste disposal site without any environmental safeguards. When Guam was left with the responsibility of cleanup, it sought those costs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
In 2018, a district court concluded that Guam’s claim could proceed. Last year, the DC Circuit said, however, that Guam’s claim was prevented by a specific section within the CERCLA, which has specific time restraints for intermediaries to file their challenges. The court held then that section prevented Guam’s claims because of a decade-old consent decree, settling those claims under the Clean Water Act. Guam filed the lawsuit three years after that decree, so the claims were prevented.
Date: January 27, 2021
Guam’s construction industry is stable in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic and will be “solid” for the next three years, needing more local and foreign skilled workers, Guam Contractors Association President James Martinez told the Rotary Club of Guam.
Shortly before his presentation, the Navy announced initial contract awards under a $990 million multiple award construction contract over the next five years as part of the development of the new base that will host Marines’ relocation from Okinawa to Guam, according to a Guam Daily Post report.
“At least for construction, the next three years would be quite promising and quite solid,” Martinez said, “And we hope that trickles down to the rest of the economy by providing additional jobs for local workers here, but also for small business companies and suppliers, to do more business with the military and get that sector going.”
Read more.
Date: January 27, 2021
Guam is looking at Hawaii for examples of how the island can track its sustainability goals, according to a Pacific Daily News article.
Hawaii has the Aloha+ Challenge Dashboard, an online open-data platform to track progress, provide accountability and ensure transparency on Hawaii’s sustainability goals. Guam’s G3 Working Group is partnering with Hawaii Green Growth to implement a similar dashboard for Guam to track progress on goals outlined in the G3 Action Framework
The platform provides data that shows Hawaii’s progress in meeting its sustainable goals, including solid waste reduction, local food production and clean energy transformation. The website shows if the state is on track with the goals or if things can be improved.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio signed the G3 Action Framework last September. The plan—a 10-year strategy to develop tangible solutions to sustainability challenges—was developed by the G3 Working Group, comprised of 80 members representing government, academia, private sector and nonprofit partners. The group was established in September 2019 and is facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability.
Read more.
Date: December 16, 2020
Congress voted on an annual defense bill that includes a provision allowing Guam to admit skilled foreign workers for both military and civilian construction projects, a move that could help ease a labor shortage in the US territory.
The projects would include the construction of the US Marine Corps facilities at the newly activated Camp Blaz, including several designed by Hawaii architecture firms as part of a military initiative partially funded by the Japanese government. It’s one of the largest military construction endeavors in the Pacific region.
The provision, which would allow Guam to admit workers on H-2B visas is part of the $740 billion National Defense Authorization Act for 2021. H-2B visas allow foreign workers to take temporary jobs in the US and its territories.
Read more.
Date: December 16, 2020
The US Environmental Protection Agency announced $3,080,680 in grants in 2020 to the Guam Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its environmental protection program capacity, according to a Pacific Daily News report.
“We are pleased to support Guam EPA programs that are committed to achieving a better environment for Guam residents,” said John Busterud, the EPA regional administrator.
“EPA continues to work closely with Guam EPA staff to develop priorities and provide technical assistance to improve environmental protection,” Busterud said.
Guam EPA will use funding to support environmental inspections, monitor the safety of drinking water and beaches, clean up contaminated sites, inspect fuel storage tanks, protect coral reefs, and respond to environmental emergencies.
Read more.
Date: December 16, 2020
Legislation which tightens regulations on septic tank systems built over the Groundwater Protection Zone, continues to prove divisive. Government officials back the measure while realtors and property owners oppose what they say is legislation that will hurt future development, according to The Guam Daily Post.
The legislation (Bill 404-35) was introduced by Senator Regine Biscoe Lee and is one of four intended to protect the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer. The bill is intended to limit nitrate contamination in groundwater, which has been increasing in concentration, according to the Water and Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific at the University of Guam.
Read more.
Date: December 16, 2020
NSPE’s Job Board is your one-stop resource for professional engineering employment. Whether you are on the hunt for your next career move or looking for today’s top engineering leaders and talent, you will find it here.
NSPE provides the tools PEs need to keep current in the profession and advance their careers.
Featured Jobs
Chief Engineer, P.E.
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Supervisor, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Find more job openings or reach the right employees on the NSPE Job Board.
Date: November 18, 2020
Senator Sabina Perez introduced legislation (Bill 413-35) to adopt the Guam Tropical Energy Code. The measure aims to reduce the overall cost of home ownership and limit Guam’s carbon footprint by establishing a minimum building energy standard, according to a news release. The bill is co-sponsored by Speaker Tina Rose Muña Barnes and Senator Joe S. San Agustin.
The Guam Tropical Energy Code (GTEC) is an updated set of building standards promoting energy conservation and was specifically developed by local experts for use in Guam’s tropical climate. Once enacted, it will set minimum standards for lighting, air conditioner unit ratings, and other construction methods and standards that impact energy use. Such standards will apply to new construction on Guam, as well as remodeling projects to existing structures that are significant enough to require a building permit.
Read more.
Date: November 18, 2020
The US Department of Agriculture approved a $21.7 million loan to the University of Guam Endowment Foundation, to expand and renovate the university’s student services center and build a school of engineering.
The university last year launched a new engineering program that for the first time will allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering without having to leave the island, according to a Pacific Daily News article.
Engineering students at UOG had been required to begin their studies on Guam then transfer after two years to an off-island university in order to complete their degree. Students who want to pursue other engineering disciplines still must leave the island to complete their degrees.
Read more.
Date: November 18, 2020
“Hotter weather, risks to freshwater supplies, coral reef death, and stronger typhoons” are among the major challenges detailed in the new report, Climate Change in Guam: Indicators and Considerations for Key Sectors.
The report was released by the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment, a consortium of several government and nongovernment organizations and research entities, which in part, compiles findings from previous studies that typhoons will be stronger, there will be hotter days, extreme rainfall will bring more flash floods, more corals will be at risk of dying and droughts will bring more wildfires and put pressure on the drinking water supply. [It] suggests areas in which planners, engineers and policymakers, among others, will have to take into account.
Read more.
Date: October 28, 2020
The Guam Legislature recently passed legislation that addresses resilient and sustainable infrastructure and emergency procurement guidelines. The following bills highlighted in the Pacific Daily News may be of interest to NSPE-GU members and the engineering community.
2050 Sustainability Plan
If signed into law, this legislation (Bill 167) will direct the Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans to draft a new Guam 2050 Sustainability Plan. It will provide guidance across the government for the sustainable social, economic, infrastructure and physical development of Guam over the next 30 years. It would replace the Guam Comprehensive Development Plan, which was created in 1979.
Emergency Procurement Laws
This legislation (Bill 90) addresses strengthening emergency procurement provisions and transparency as at relates to obtaining supplies, services, and conducting construction work when there is a threat to public safety, health, and welfare and to the environment.
Registered Apprenticeship Program
This legislation (Bill 287) seeks to expand the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program to include pre-apprenticeships and authorize tax credits for those participating in the program, particularly to strengthen the construction and technical workforce.
Read more.
Date: October 28, 2020
A project completed the collection of topographic and bathymetric lidar and digital imagery for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) largest coastal mapping project. These efforts include updating information for 12,000 square miles along the Eastern Seaboard, Pacific, and Gulf Coast that have not been surveyed for hundreds of years, according to a news release in Directions Magazine.
NOAA will use the data to support additional mapping, nautical charting, geodesy services, marine debris surveys and marine resource management assessments. The data also will be available to other federal, state and local agencies, as well as the public and commercial entities, and can provide valuable insights into sediment transport, emergency management forecasting, the impact of flooding and storm surge, transportation projects, and updating systems for recreational and commercial fishing.
Work for this contract stemmed from a supplemental appropriation from Congress for accurate and consistent measurement of the national shoreline following three storms in 2018–Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Michael and Typhoon Yutu–as part of NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey Remote Sensing Division’s Coastal Mapping program.
Data is currently being delivered for 11 project areas in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, southern Virginia, North Carolina, northern South Carolina, Florida, and southeast Alabama. The full data set is expected to be available for public use by summer 2021.
Read more.
Date: October 28, 2020
Honoring the commitment of federal engineers to innovation and service is the hallmark of the Federal Engineer of the Year Award. Nominations for the award, which attracts participation from more than a dozen federal agencies, are open until October 31.
The FEYA ceremony is scheduled for February 18, 2021, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Tickets will be available for sale in January and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Apply or nominate a worthy engineer today.
Date: October 28, 2020
Do you know of engineering news in Guam that would be great for this newsletter? Maybe it’s a project you or your firm is working on, or perhaps you read some interesting engineering news in your local newspaper. Or maybe you know of a fellow PE or student who deserves a little recognition. If so, we want to hear from you. Email your ideas to
pemagazine@nspe.org.
Michael Aitken, P.E., F.NSPE, recently visited the Guam Society of Professional Engineers.
Holiday Mixer: December 14, 2018, Hyatt Regency
Celebrate the holidays with food, games, and prizes. To participate in the gift exchange, please bring "recycled gift."
GSPE sends letter to PEALS Board regarding the recent Opinion issues by the Attorney General of Guam regarding enforcement of code of ethics
Linked below is the letter sent to the PEALS Board a few weeks ago regarding the recent Opinion issues by the Attorney General of Guam regarding enforcement of our code of ethics. Also linked below are the AG’s Letter and NSPE’s Bulletin on QBS for your information.
Letter from AG
Letter from GSPE to AG
QBS April 2018
9th Annual "Tee 2 Green" Golf Fundraiser to be held October 27th, 2018
The Guam Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE) is hosting its 9th Annual "Tee 2 Green" golf fundraiser to be held on Saturday, October 27th, 2018 at the Onward Talofofo Golf Club. The format is Two-Person Select Shot (Scramble). Registration and assignments will open at 11:00AM, with a shotgun start at 12:30PM followed by a banquet with awards and raffle prizes.
MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment club and competition program that promotes middle school mathematics achievement through grassroots involvement in every U.S. state territory. The MATHCOUNTS Guam Chapter team will be traveling to Orlando, Florida to compete in the national competition, which this 9th "Tee 2 Green" golf tournament will provide a significant portion of the funds needed to finance the Guam team's participation at the prestigious national level. Previous fundraising efforts for the MATHCOUNTS Guam Chapter were based monetary donations. The "Tee 2 Green" tournament is an effort to raise awareness and active participation among the GSPE stakeholders in support of the MATHCOUNTS Guam Chapter.
Tom Roberts, P.E., F.NSPE, recently visited the Guam Society of Professional Engineers.
@NSPEPrez Jun 6
We have strong partners in Guam. Excellent leaders who believe in the licensed PE and @NSPE core values.
Big turnout and great discussion. Special thank you to Pres. Tom Camacho, Gabe, Tor, Jeff, Mike, Betty, long time EJCDC member Bill Berry and all present for the hospitality!