Bordallo gets settlement authority for GWA in $4M Ordot dump suit

The Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) General Manager, Miguel Bordallo, has been granted settlement authority by the Consolidated Commission on Utilities (CCU) to resolve a $4 million lawsuit filed by the Ordot dump receiver, Gershman, Brickner, & Bratton Inc. (GBB). The lawsuit alleges that a GWA water line leak between 2018 and 2022 released 100 million gallons of water, increasing contaminated runoff and costs at the Ordot dump. Mediation is scheduled for March 24th and 25th in Los Angeles, involving GWA, the Guam Solid Waste Authority, GBB, and contractors. Any settlement funds will be sourced from GWA revenue and ratepayer funds.

Separately, the Office of the Attorney General is pursuing a different lawsuit against GBB, claiming that faulty design and construction caused increased runoff, potentially costing $31.8 million to rectify, while GBB allegedly profited $23 million. This case will also be addressed during mediation, alongside an appeal from the receiver contesting GovGuam’s right to sue during the receivership.

Finally, discussions are ongoing regarding funds owed between the Guam Power Authority (GPA) and Guam Ukudu Power concerning the Ukudu power plant, with GPA potentially paying an additional $5.2 million while seeking $22 million in liquidated damages for the plant’s late commissioning.

(Source：Guam Daily News)