Health Department investigating Big Isle bioenergy plant for wastewater violations

The Hawaii Department of Health said Friday it will take swift action against the Hu Honua Bioenergy facility on Hawaii island for the illegal discharge of industrial wastewater from its treatment system in November.

Honua personnel allegedly caused an unauthorized discharge of industrial wastewater from the Pepeekeo facility’s treatment system on the morning of Nov. 9, according to the department’s clean water branch.

“The discharge was a blatant disrespect of the environmental laws that govern this highly regulated industry,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson in a news release. “The history of concern over the operations of this facility emphasize the need for the Department of Health to take swift action on this violation.”

Health officials conducted an inspection of the Hu Honua facility on Nov. 20, with interviews of the management and workers who were on-site that day, in addition to an examination of its temporary wastewater treatment system as the source of the discharge.

“While in general, the department does not provide information about ongoing investigations, given the public nature of this case and community concerns, we are confirming the cause of the spill and moving forward on the enforcement process,” said Keith Kawaoka, deputy director of environmental health, in a statement. “Fortunately, our staff did not observe visible damage to the environment or determine an imminent threat to the health of the public from the discharge.”

The state will continue its investigation to determine the volume and chemical characteristics of the unauthorized discharge, followed by a formal report with recommendations for enforcement requirements and penalties.

Civil penalties for unlawful discharges into state waters range up to $25,000 per day per violation, in addition to potential criminal prosecution.