Toxic Substances: PCB Spill at the Guam Naval Power Generating Plant
NSIAD-88-217
Published: Sep 22, 1988. Publicly Released: Sep 30, 1988.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the Navy's actions in response to the release of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) at its Piti Power Plant in Guam.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Navy | In view of the problems encountered at Piti Power Plant and the potential for similar problems at other Navy facilities, the Secretary of the Navy should determine the feasibility of having prenegotiated testing, sampling, and detailed characterization contracts available at all installations using PCB equipment. |
Closed – Implemented
The Navy is studying the problem and identified a contractor to use for cleanup, but has not yet issued a report. What the Navy refers to as " clean" contracts will provide coverage to all Navy sites (U.S. and Territories) using PCB equipment. Contracts for the West Coast and Pacific, NW and Western, and SW Divisions and NAVFACENGCOM have been awarded. Awards will be made in May/August 1990.
|
| Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should have the Navy Supply Command, in line with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Navy regulations, stock the required personal protective equipment (PPE) in a readily accessible location. |
Closed – Implemented
A panel was established to review Navy policies and implement recommendations and unique PPE requirements. Guidance was drafted to get all items into stock for easy access and the Navy PCB guide was updated in July 1989. The guide identifies spill kit requirements and equipment resources. The guide is being advertised world-wide. Guam has verified that all items are available at PWC.
|
| Department of the Navy | The Secretary of the Navy should emphasize the requirements that employees who work in hazardous conditions receive baseline medical examinations before entry into the work place and receive the regularly scheduled medical examinations. |
Closed – Implemented
A senior panel was set up on July 28, 1988 and contained the required emphasis. Navy and Marine Corps policy requires medical exam in accordance with OSHA and Navy standards. Compliance is monitored through Navy Inspector General (IG) inspections.
|
| Department of the Navy | In view of the problems encountered at Piti Power Plant and the potential for similar problems at other Navy facilities, the Secretary of the Navy should ensure that the required training for employees working in potential hazardous situations, such as Piti Power Plant, is provided so that they will be aware of the potential dangers and of what they should do if a problem arises. |
Closed – Implemented
Navy employees with potential for PCB exposure will have PCB training under the hazardous communications program. Field activity compliance with requirements will be verified by the Navy IG.
|
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Topics
Employee trainingMedical examinationsProtective equipmentNaval facilitiesNoncomplianceOccupational health standardsOccupational safetyPowerplantsToxic substancesWaste disposalWorking conditions