GWA seeks settlement authority ahead of dump cases’ mediation

The Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) is seeking settlement authority from the Consolidated Commission on Utilities (CCU) prior to mediation sessions scheduled for March 24-25 in San Francisco, California. These mediations involve nine parties and address various legal cases stemming from the former Ordot dump. GWA needs a designated representative with full settlement authority, as its board cannot convene for confidential decision-making.

The cases include a lawsuit filed by Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc. against GWA concerning water leaks contributing to leachate at the Ordot dump, a consent decree case related to Guam’s solid waste operations, and a government of Guam lawsuit alleging flaws in the dump’s closure. An appeal case at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is also part of the mediation process.

Key parties expected to participate include the receiver, GovGuam, GWA, the Guam Solid Waste Authority, Black Construction Corp., Brown and Caldwell, Geo-Logic Associates, GHD Inc., DB Insurance Co. LTD, the U.S. government, and the Office of the Governor. GWA emphasized that any settlement agreement would still require final approval under Guam law, but delegation of authority is necessary for efficient negotiation during the confidential mediation.

(Source：Postguam)