The American Samoa Chamber of Commerce has raised concerns about the solar energy project currently under construction at Pago Pago International Airport.
The Chamber’s concerns were outlined in a September 28 letter from Chamber Chair Ella Gurr to Port Administration Director Barney Sene.
Gurr wrote that it was the Chamber’s understanding that the area being developed for the solar project has previously undergone environmental assessment and remediation due to historical contamination, including lead and other potentially hazardous materials.
The Chamber also understands that portions of the area may have been compacted, capped or stabilized as part of previous environmental remediation.
Since construction has begun at the site, the Chamber is requesting confirmation of any environmental and aviation reviews that were completed before the start of construction and whether responsible agencies were informed of the site’s previous environmental history.
Sene said at a presentation about Port Administration’s Vision 2030 that the solar farm would generate about 20 to 24 megawatts.
Among verification that the Chamber has asked the Port Director to provide is environmental studies, FAA review given the site’s location near the approach end of the runway as well as glint and glare analysis to determine whether reflected sunlight could affect pilots during approach.
The Chamber is also requesting Director Sene to explain how the project aligns with the Vision 2030 plan of the Port Administration Department.
Gurr said the Chamber was led to believe that this was solely a vision awaiting broader stakeholder input. However, it appears that the project is moving into implementation and the Chamber wants assurance that there will be opportunity for meaningful stakeholder consultation before such major projects are implemented, not after construction has already begun.
Gurr said the Chamber supports progress and renewable energy. At the same time, progress must be accompanied by appropriate due diligence, transparency, public safety and meaningful stakeholder participation.
