DOCSLIB.ORG

Water Resources in American Samoa

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Water Resources in American Samoa Water Resources in American Sa¯moa: Law and Policy Opportunities for Climate Change Adaptation 2016 RICHARD WALLSGROVE AND ZENA GRECNI Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program Water Resources in American Sa¯moa: Law and Policy Opportunities for Climate Change Adaptation 2016 Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program Richard Wallsgrove and Zena Grecni Acknowledgments The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions and assistance of the following individuals who contrib- uted their time and expertise in the preparation of this report: Tim Bodell, Laura Brewington, Maxine Burkett, Sean Eagan, Doug Fenner, Melissa Finucane, Emily Gaskin, Scot Izuka, Krista Jaspers, Victoria Keener, Danielle Mauga, Whitney Petersen, Chris Shuler, Kelley Anderson Tagarino, Ephraim Temple, Chistianera Tuitele, Robert Kerns, and Mike Walters. This work is supported by funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- ministration for the Pacific RISA Program, under grant number NA10OAR4310216. A note about the presentation of Samoan language in this report: In rendering Samoan words, the authors have used diacritical marks. Several of the sources quoted and cited do not use diacritical marks and are repro- duced in their original form. Please cite this work as follows: Richard Wallsgrove and Zena Grecni. 2016. Water Resources in American Sāmoa: Law and Policy Oppor- tunities for Climate Change Adaptation. Honolulu: Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments. Available at http://www.pacificrisa.org/resources/publications/ Cover photograph by Christopher Shuler. © 2016 East-West Center ii Water Resources in American Sāmoa Pacific RISA Program The Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program (“Pacific RISA”) strives to enhance Pacific Island communities’ ability to understand, plan for, and respond to changing climate conditions. As one of 10 US RISA programs funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific RISA conducts interdisciplinary research, assessment, and outreach. Pacific RISA emphasizes the engagement of communi- ties, governments, and businesses in developing effective policies to build resilience in key sectors such as wa- ter resource management, coastal and marine resources, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, disaster management, and public health. The primary geographic focus of Pacific RISA is the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands (Hawai‘i, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau), networked with Pacific regional partners and the US Mainland. The Core Office of Pacific RISA is housed at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. The East-West Center promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the US Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center is an independent, public, nonprofit organization with funding from the US government, and additional support provided by private agencies, individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments in the region. See: EastWestCenter.org. For further information, please contact us: Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program (Pacific RISA) East-West Center 1601 East-West Road Honolulu, HI 96848-1601 (808) 944-7111 www.PacificRISA.org Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program iii Abbreviations Frequently Used in Text ASEPA American Sāmoa Environmental Protection Agency ASPA American Sāmoa Power Authority ENSO El Niño Southern Oscillation EQA Environmental Quality Act EQC Environmental Quality Commission NPS US National Park Service Pacific RISA Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments SPCZ South Pacific Convergence Zone USEPA US Environmental Protection Agency USGS US Geological Survey iv Water Resources in American Sāmoa Table of Contents 1. Introduction and Summary of Adaptation Opportunities .................................................. 1 2. Overview of Freshwater Resources and Climate Change Risks ......................................... 2 2.1 Rainfall ...................................................................................................................................................................2 2.2 Groundwater Resources .......................................................................................................................................2 2.3 Surface Water Resources ......................................................................................................................................3 2.4 Water Quality Challenges and Trends ................................................................................................................4 2.4.1 Surface Water Quality ................................................................................................................................4 2.4.2 Groundwater Quality .................................................................................................................................6 2.5 Population and Freshwater Demand ..................................................................................................................7 3. Climate Change Trends, Projections, and Impacts on American Sa¯ moa’s Water Resources ................................................................................................................ 8 3.1 Rising Air Temperatures ......................................................................................................................................8 3.2 Rising Sea Level .....................................................................................................................................................8 3.3 Variable Rainfall ....................................................................................................................................................9 3.4 Climate Projections ...............................................................................................................................................9 3.4.1 The Intensity and Frequency of Days of Extreme Rainfall Are Projected to Increase .......................9 3.4.2 Wet Season and Total Annual Rainfall Are Projected to Increase .................................................... 10 3.4.3 Temperatures Are Projected to Increase ............................................................................................... 11 3.4.4 Days of Extreme Heat Are Projected to Increase ................................................................................. 11 3.4.5 Sea Level Is Projected to Rise ................................................................................................................. 11 4. Adaptive Capacity under American Sa¯ moa’s Current Law and Policy Landscape for Managing Freshwater Resources ...............................................................12 4.1 Characteristics of Adaptive Capacity from Water Resources and Climate Change Adaptation in Hawai‘i: Adaptive Tools in the Current Law and Policy Framework................................... 12 4.2 Adaptive Capacity under Existing Territorial Law and Policy ..................................................................... 13 4.2.1 Territorial Executive Order on Climate Change .................................................................................. 13 4.2.2 Environmental Quality Act ..................................................................................................................... 14 4.2.3 Water Quality Standards, and Fagatele Bay Climate Action Plan as an Example of Adaptive Capacity Conferred through Regulatory Designation of Special Water Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 15 4.2.4 Territorial Safe Drinking Water Standards and Tie-In to Federal Law ............................................. 16 4.2.5 Regulation of Public Water and Wastewater Systems ......................................................................... 17 Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program v 5. Conclusions: Nine Opportunities to Enhance Adaptive Capacity in American Sa¯ moa ...............................................................................................................18 5.1 Climate-Conscious Monitoring of Freshwater Resources ............................................................................ 18 5.2 Climate Modeling .............................................................................................................................................. 18 5.3 Bottom Up—Awareness and Tools for Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change at the Local Level ................................................................................................................................ 19 5.4 Top Down—Enhancing Adaptive Capacity via Territorial and Federal Policy ......................................... 19 5.5 Climate-Conscious Water Planning and Scenario Planning ........................................................................ 20 5.6 Convening and Supporting the Existing Climate Stakeholder Network ...................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Balancing the Tides
    JoAnna Poblete Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam auctor faucibus odio, a scelerisque magna sollicitudin ac. Cras condimentum lacus elementum massa pharetra malesuada. Fusce ac eros varius, viverra urna scelerisque, egestas neque. Fusce tellus arcu, euismod ut rutrum faucibus, elementum quis sem. Fusce auctor sollicitudin lacus, sed sagittis libero tincidunt ac. Praesent vestibulum Balancing tellus a massa ultrices, et mattis augue ultricies. Aliquam at turpis a nisl portti- tor rhoncus id a lacus. Integer a risus eu sapien porta vestibulum. Aenean posu- ere non diam a posuere. Duis laoreet congue tellus, posuere aliquam leo facilisis quis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Morbi mattis the Tides consequat lacus, ut aliquet dolor accumsan non. Proin suscipit molestie convallis. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Proin quam justo, feugiat non accumsan et, congue sit amet mi. Marine Practices in Vestibulum consectetur mauris et nisl ultrices, eget hendrerit dui vestibulum. Balancing the Mauris gravida sodales nulla eu mattis. Nam tincidunt eu ante vel euismod. Ali- American Sāmoa quam laoreet lacus quis tellus efficitur, vitae porttitor leo pulvinar. Integer dapi- bus gravida quam quis vehicula. Nulla metus nulla, suscipit in porta non, fermen- tum eget urna. Integer quis turpis felis. Sed finibus sem non elementum volutpat. Phasellus pulvinar orci tortor, sed congue elit pharetra eu. Curabitur sodales, dui a luctus semper, metus erat iaculis risus, ut facilisis leo mi vitae lorem. Pellentesque elementum dui ex, in pulvinar nibh maximus ut.
    [Show full text]
  • Trip Planner
    National Park Service National Park of American Samoa U.S. Department of the Interior Trip Planner Explore the Islands of Sacred Earth Talofa (Hello)! The National Park Service welcomes you into the heart of the South Pacific, to a world of sights, sounds, and experiences that you will find in no other national park in the United States. Located some 2,600 miles southwest of Hawai’i, this is one of the most remote and newest national park’s in the United States. You will not find the usual facilities of most national parks. Instead, with a bit of the explorer’s spirit, you will discover secluded villages, rare plants and animals, coral sand beaches, and vistas of land and sea. The national park includes sections of three islands—Tutuila, Ta’u, and Ofu. Almost all the land area of these volcanic islands—from the mountaintops to the coast—is rainforest. About 4,000 acres of the national park is underwater, offshore from all three islands. Enjoy this unique national park in the heart of the South Pacific and the welcoming people of American Samoa. We are here to protect its rich culture and natural resources. Come explore them with us! TROPICAL RAINFOREST From the mountaintops to the ocean’s edge, the islands are covered with mixed-species, paleotropical rainforests. In mixed-species forests, no single tree or plant species dominates. This is the only rainforest of its kind in a United States national park. About 9,500 acres of tropical rainforest are protected here. WILDLIFE Bats are the only native mammals found in American Samoa.
    [Show full text]
  • American Samoa
    Coral Reef Habitat Assessment for U.S. Marine Protected Areas: U.S. Territory of American Samoa National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA’s National Ocean Service Management & Budget Office Special Projects February 2009 Project Overview About this Effort NCCOS Benthic Habitat Mapping Effort The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF), in both its National The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs (2000) and its National Coral Reef Ocean Service (NOS) initiated a coral reef research program in 1999 to Action Strategy (2002), established a key conservation objective of pro- map, assess, inventory, and monitor U.S. coral reef ecosystems (Monaco tecting at least 20% of U.S. coral reefs and associated habitat types in et al. 2001). These activities were implemented in response to require- no-take marine reserves. NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program has ments outlined in the Mapping Implementation Plan developed by the Map- been supporting efforts to assess current protection levels of coral reefs ping and Information Synthesis Working Group (MISWG) of the Coral Reef within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and quantify the area of U.S. coral Task Force (CRTF) (MISWG 1999). NOS’s National Centers for Coastal reef ecosystems protected in no-take reserves. The official federal defini- Ocean Science (NCCOS) Biogeography Team was charged with the de- tion of an MPA, signed into law by Executive Order 13158, is “any area of velopment and implementation of a plan to produce comprehensive digital the marine environment that has been reserved by federal, state, tribal, coral-reef ecosystem maps for all U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Day Hikes EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA Trails Map
    TUTUILA ISLAND Please Note: The colored circles with numbers refer to the trail location on the backside map. Easy Moderate Challenging 1 Pola Island Trail 2 Lower Sauma Ridge Trail 4 Le’ala Shoreline Trail Blunts and Breakers Point Trails 8 World War II Heritage Trail 10 Mount ‘Alava Adventure Trail This interpretive trail takes you to an archeological site Hike past multiple World War II installations that helped This challenging loop trail takes you along ridgelines This short, fairly flat trail leads to a rough and rocky This trail is located outside of the national park, on These trails are located outside of the national park. beach with views of the coastline and Pola Island. of an ancient star mound. Along the trail are exhibits private land, and provides access to the Le’ala Shoreline protect American Samoa from a Japanese invasion. with views of the north and central parts of the National Natural Landmark. Located at the top of these points are gun batteries and spectacular views of the northeast coastline of Also, enjoy the tropical rainforest and listen to native national park and island. Hike up and down “ladders” Distance: 0.1 mi / 0.2 km roundtrip that protected Pago Pago Harbor after the bombing the island and the Vai’ava Strait National Natural Beginning in the village of Vailoatai, this trail follows bird songs. Along the last section of the trail, experience or steps with ropes for balance. There are a total of of Pearl Harbor in 1941. They symbolize American Due to unfriendly dogs, please drive past the last house Landmark.
    [Show full text]
  • Ethnographic Assessment and Overview National Park of American Samoa
    PACIFIC COOPERATIVE STUDIES UNIT UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I AT MĀNOA Dr. David C. Duffy, Unit Leader Department of Botany 3190 Maile Way, St. John #408 Honolulu, Hawai’i 96822 Technical Report 152 ETHNOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT AND OVERVIEW NATIONAL PARK OF AMERICAN SAMOA November 2006 Jocelyn Linnekin1, Terry Hunt, Leslie Lang and Timothy McCormick 1 Email: [email protected]. Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut Beach Hall Room 445, U-2176 354 Mansfield Road Storrs, Connecticut 06269-2176 Ethnographic Assessment and Overview The National Park of American Samoa Table of Contents List of Tables and Figures iii List of Slides v Preface: Study Issues vi Maps vii Key to Maps x I. The Environmental Context 1 Climate and Vegetation 1 The National Park Environments 4 II. Archaeology and Samoan Prehistory 8 Early Settlement 8 Later Inland Settlement 9 Late Prehistoric Period 9 European Contact and the Historical Period 10 Archaeology in the National Park Units 10 III. Research Methodology 15 Documentary Phase 15 Field Research 15 Limitations of the Research 17 IV. Ethnohistory 22 Myths and Legends Relevant to the Park 22 The European Contact Period 25 Western Ethnohistorical and Ethnographic Reports 31 V. Agriculture and Domestically Useful Plants 46 Tutuila Unit 46 Ta'u Unit 49 Ofu Unit 51 Summary 52 VI. Marine Resources 53 Tutuila Unit 53 Ta'u Unit 57 Ofu Unit 58 Summary 61 i VII. Medicinal Plants 63 Ofu Unit 63 Ta'u Unit 66 Tutuila Unit 66 Summary 67 VIII. Analysis of Freelist Data 75 Crops and Cultivated Plants 76 Medicinal Plants 81 Fish and Marine Species 84 Animals and Birds 86 Summary of the Freelist Results 88 IX.
    [Show full text]
  • Cyclophoridae and Pupinidae of Caroline, Fijian, and Samoan Islands
    CYCLOPHORIDAE AND PUPINIDAE OF CAROLINE, FIJIAN, AND SAMOAN ISLANDS BY WILLIAM J. CLENCH BERNICE P. BISHOP MUSEUM BULLETIN 196 HONOLULU, HAWAII PUBLISHED BY THE MUSEUM 1949 ISSUED MAY 18, 1949 FUNDS FOR THE PRINTING OF THIS PAPER WERE CONTRIBUTED BY THE CHARLES M. AND ANNA C. COOKE TRUST. CONTENTS PAGE Introduction , 3 Cyclophoridae 4 Species from the various island groups 5 New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands 5 Santa Cruz Islands 6 Caroline Islands 7 Samoa 9 New Hebrides 19 Fijian Islands 20 Caroline Islands 25 Pupinidae 30 Micronesia and Melanesia 30 Unknown species 48 Literature cited 49 Index 51 Cyclophoridae1 and Pupinidae of Caroline, Fijian, and Samoan Islands By WILLIAM J. CLENCH CURATOR OF MOW.USKS, HARVARD UNIVERSITY INTRODUCTION The following report is based largely upon the extensive collection of Pacific island mollusks in Bernice P. Bishop Museum. The study was made possible by a Yale-Bishop Museum Fellowship which was granted for the winter of 1940-1941. Upon my return to Cambridge, the collection of mollusks in my charge was reviewed for additional data for the two families considered in this paper. I am exceedingly grateful to the Yale University Committee and to the Trustees of Bishop Museum for this fellowship and for the rare opportunity to study in the Hawaiian Islands. The value to the individual scientist of an opportunity of this sort far transcends the published results of a single report. Such an experience with the chance of seeing new and different animals and plants in the field and under totally different conditions naturally tends to shift preconceived viewpoints obtained from other field experience.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 5. Social and Economic Environment 5.1 Cultural Resources
    Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Chapter 5. Social and Economic Environment 5.1 Cultural Resources Archaeological and other cultural resources are important components of our nation’s heritage. The Service is committed to protecting valuable evidence of plant, animal, and human interactions with each other and the landscape over time. These may include previously recorded or yet undocumented historic, cultural, archaeological, and paleontological resources as well as traditional cultural properties and the historic built environment. Protection of cultural resources is legally mandated under numerous Federal laws and regulations. Foremost among these are the NHPA, as amended, the Antiquities Act, Historic Sites Act, Archaeological Resources Protection Act, as amended, and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Additionally, the Refuge seeks to maintain a working relationship and consult on a regular basis with villages that are or were traditionally tied to Rose Atoll. 5.1.1 Historical Background The seafaring Polynesians settled the Samoan Archipelago about 3,000 years ago. They are thought to have been from Southeast Asia, making their way through Melanesia and Fiji to Samoa and Tonga. They brought with them plants, pigs, dogs, chickens, and likely the Polynesian rat. Most settlement occurred in coastal areas and other islands, resulting in archaeological sites lost to ocean waters. Early archaeological sites housed pottery, basalt flakes and tools, volcanic glass, shell fishhooks and ornaments, and faunal remains. Stone quarries (used for tools such as adzes) have also been discovered on Tutuila and basalt from Tutuila has been found on the Manu’a Islands. Grinding stones have also been found in the Manu’a Islands.
    [Show full text]
  • In. IV)O-Tf, Lolo M
    OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR LOLO M. MOllGA AMERICAN SAMOA GOVERNMENT LEMANU P. MAUGA GOVERNOR UEUTENANT GOVERNOR Telephone: (684) 633-4116 Fax: (684) 633-2269 January 7, 2015 Serial: 005 Honorable Esther P. Kia'aina Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs Department of the Interior Washington D.C. Dear Assistant Secretary Esther Kia' aina: Pursuant to your letter of December 9, 2014 providing the opportunity to Insular Areas to submit issues to be addressed and discussed during the Intergovernmental Group on Insular Areas meeting. I am pleased to present to you the following submission from the Territory of American Samoa to the Department of Interior. I am also attaching the list of priority issues which was presented to you during your visit to the territory to supplement this presentation. I trust you will appreciate the effort that my administration is making to improve the quality of life of all residents of the territory. Your support and that of the executive agencies in Washington, D.C. are critical and most appreciated. Sincerely, ~ In. IV)o-tf, Lolo M. Moliga Governor of American Samoa Cc: Honorable Gaoteote Pala'ie Tofau, President of the Senate Honorable Savali Talavou Ale, Speaker of the House of Representatives Honorable Aumua Amata Radewagen, Member of Congress Honorable Lemanu P. Mauga, Lieutenant Governor Governor Lolo Moliga's Statement to Honorable Esther Kia'aina, Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs Interior Department of the Interior In preparation for the IGIA Meeting People First The development of AS is premised on our administration's belief that government's critical role is to provide an environment in which the well-being of the territory and its people can develop successfully.
    [Show full text]
  • American Samoa)* Dawn J
    Seafloor Mapping and GIS Coordination at America’s Remotest National Marine Sanctuary (American Samoa)* Dawn J. Wright Department of Geosciences Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon, USA Brian T. Donahue and David F. Naar Center for Coastal Ocean Mapping University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Florida, USA Abstract Currently there are thirteen sites in the U.S. National Marine Sanctuary System that protect over 18,000 square miles of American coastal waters. Coral reefs are a particular concern at several of these sites, as reefs are now recognized as being among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth, as well as the most endangered. The smallest, remotest, and least explored site is the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS) in American Samoa, the only true tropical coral reef in the sanctuary system. Until recently it was largely unexplored below depths of ~30 m, with no comprehensive documentation of the plants, animals, and submarine topography. Indeed, virtually nothing is known of shelf-edge (50-120 m deep) coral reef habitats throughout the world, and no inventory of benthic-associated species exists. This chapter presents the results of: (1) recent multibeam bathymetric surveys in April-May, 2001, to obtain complete topographic coverage of the deepest parts of FBNMS, as well as other sites around the island of Tutuila; and (2) efforts to integrate these and other baseline data into a GIS to facilitate future management decisions and research directions within the sanctuary. Introduction In 1972, amidst rising coastal development, pollution, and marine species nearing extinction, the National Marine Sanctuary System was created to protect ecological, historical, and aesthetic resources within vital areas of U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Geology of Saipan Mariana Islands Part 4
    Geology of Saipan Mariana Islands Part 4. Submarine Topography and Shoal- Water Ecology GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 280-K Geology of Saipan Mariana Islands Part 4. Submarine Topography and Shoal- Water Ecology By PRESTON E. CLOUD, Jr. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 280-K Description and interpretation of the submarine topography and of the sediments^ biotas^ and morphology of the reef complex adjacent to a geologically diverse tropical island UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1959 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FRED A. S EATON, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Thomas B. Nolan, Director For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D. C. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 280 Geology of Saipan, Mariana Islands Part 1. General Geology A. General Geology By PRESTON E. CLOUD, Jr., ROBERT GEORGE SCHMIDT, and HAROLD W. BURKE Part 2. Petrology and Soils B. Petrology of the Volcanic Rocks By ROBERT GEORGE SCHMIDT C. Petrography of the Limestones By J. HARLAN JOHNSON D. Soils By RALPH J. McCRACKEN Part 3. Paleontology E. Calcareous Algae By J. HARLAN JOHNSON F. Difcoaster and Some Related Microfossils By M. N. BRAMLETTE G. Eocene Radiolaria By WILLIAM RIEDEL H. Smaller Foraminifera By RUTH TODD I. Larger Foraminifera By W. STORRS COLE J. Echinoids By C. WYTHE COOKE Part 4. Submarine Topography and Shoal-Water Ecology K. Submarine Topography and Shoal-Water Ecology By PRESTON E. CLOUD, Jr. CONTENTS Page Page Abstract_________________________________________ 361 Shoal-water and shoreline ecology and sediments—Con. Introduction. ______________________________________ 362 Habitat descriptions—Con. Purpose and scope of the work_____________________ 362 Organic reefs and reef benches______________ 383 Field methods and acknowledgments-_______________ 362 Minor reef structures______________________ 384 Systematic identifications and other research aid____ 363 Biotope X.
    [Show full text]
  • Summary of Ground-Water Data for Tutuila and Aunuu, American Samoa, for October 1987 Through September 1997
    U.S. Department of the Interior Summary of Ground-Water Data for Tutuila and Aunuu, American Samoa, for October 1987 Through September 1997 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Open-File Report 99-252 OCEAN Bay Prepared In cooperation with the AMERICAN SAMOA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Summary of Ground-Water Data for Tutuila and Aunuu, American Samoa, for October 1987 Through September 1997 By Scot K. Izuka U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Open-File Report 99-252 Prepared in cooperation with the AMERICAN SAMOA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Honolulu, Hawaii 1999 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Charles G. Groat, Director The use of firm, trade, and brand names in this report is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey. For additional information write to: Copies of this report can be purchased from: District Chief U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Information Services 677 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 415 Box 25286 Honolulu, HI 96813 Denver, CO 80225-0286 CONTENTS Abstract.......................................................................................... 1 Introduction....................................................................................... 1 Setting...................................................................................... 2 Acknowledgments ............................................................................ 2 Rainfall .........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Final Environmental Asessment Proposed Ice House and Boat
    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE Pacific Islands Regional Office 1845 Wasp Blvd. Bldg.176 Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 (808) 725-5000 • Fax (808) 725-5215 Finding of No Significant Impact Proposed Ice House and Boat Ramp, Pago Pago Harbor, to Support Recovery of the American Samoa Bottomfish Fishery (RIN 0648-XP001) September 12, 2019 Introduction The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) prepared this Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) according to the following guidance: x National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A (April 22, 2016) – Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Executive Orders 12114 (Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions), 11988 and 13690 (Floodplain Management), and 11990 (Protection of Wetlands); and its associated Companion Manual (January 13, 2017); and x Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) significance criteria at 40 CFR 1508.27(b). Proposed Action NMFS proposes to release congressionally appropriated fishery disaster relief funds to the AS Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR). Once approved for release, DMWR will use the funds to build a small concrete ice house at its administrative and workstation adjacent to Pago Pago Harbor at Fagatogo and a small boat ramp at the southwestern-most terminus of Pago Pago Harbor. The projects are intended to support recovery of the American Samoa bottomfish fishery, which experienced a fishery disaster after the 2009 Tsunami. The boat ramp would relieve boat traffic congestion in the area and fishermen would experience improved boat launching and return conditions due to a modernized ramp design.
    [Show full text]