The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it has reached a settlement with Puna Geothermal Venture regarding Clean Air Act violations by the company.
The EPA says the company has agreed to pay a $76,500 fine and it has complied with rules to minimize accidental chemical releases.
The agency says it inspected the Big Island facility in August 2013 after Puna Geothermal accidentally released hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere earlier that year.
The inspection found the company failed to test and inspect its equipment in line with manufacturer recommendations, good engineering practices and prior operating experience.
Puna Geothermal is owned by Ormat Technologies of Reno, Nevada. It sells power to Hawaii Electric Light Company.
Ormat Technologies didn’t immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
It would be great if some of the fine was distributed to families in the area that were directly affected.
The fallguy will end up taking the rap for the company.
Can’t fine Mother Nature with her volcano emissions.