Jan. 23, 2017 (Hagåtña) — Governor Eddie Baza Calvo has directed the Guam Environmental Protection Agency to test for traces of the chemical defoliant known as Agent Orange (aka Herbicide Orange).
Military veterans have publicly stated that they sprayed Agent Orange in areas around Guam. This is deeply disturbing, considering that the contaminant in Agent Orange, 2,3,7,8-tetracholordibenzodioxin (TCDD), is a carcinogen. There are veterans suffering life-debilitating illnesses attributed to their exposure to Agent Orange. Their public admissions have raised the attention of several government leaders, including Dennis A. Ross, Senior Deputy Majority Whip, and our own Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo.
“I am closely monitoring the federal response to this matter. In consideration of the statements made by veterans regarding the spraying of this chemical on Guam, I have justifiable concern about the residual effects this chemical may have on our environment, particularly our aquifer and drinking water sources,” Governor Calvo stated in the letter to Guam EPA Administrator Walter Leon Guerrero.
“Therefore, I direct you to cause a full battery of tests on our drinking water sources and soils for 2, 3, 7, 8-tetracholordibenzodioxin (TCDD) in those areas where Herbicide Orange has been reported to have been sprayed. Please request cooperation from the Guam Waterworks Authority, WERI, Joint Region Marianas, and other responsible agencies as needed.”
The more information we have, the better we can determine who to engage and what steps need to be taken to mitigate the chemical to help safeguard the health of our residents.
