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The state Department of Health is fining Puna’s geothermal plant nearly $24,000 for violations related to the release of poisonous gas during a tropical storm last August.
The state said Thursday Puna Geothermal Venture released 39 pounds of hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere on August 7.
A department report says a pressure release valve at the plant failed. This resulted in accumulated gas being released into the atmosphere without first passing through a hydrogen sulfide abatement system.
The department says Puna Geothermal Venture failed to submit a written report about the release within the time required. It also allegedly failed to maintain required meteorological and ambient air quality monitoring stations.
The fine covers alleged operational, emission and notification violations.
The company didn’t immediately respond to a voicemail message seeking comment.
