David Y. Ige

HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has issued Notices and Findings of Violations and Orders (NOVOs) against four facilities in the state. Responsible parties may request a hearing to contest the violations and penalty fees.

Hawaii BioEnergy AlgaeCo, LLC aka Hawaii BioEnergy, LLC was cited for late submittal of a 2013 monitoring report on their algae farm in Lihue, Kauai. The violation was noted during an April 22, 2014 annual inspection and a fine of $1,700 has been paid.

City and County of Honolulu, Department of Environmental Services was cited for violations that occurred at its Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant operated by Synagro. The bioconversion facility produces fertilizer from sewage sludge and is located at 1350 Sand Island Parkway on Oahu. Violations that were noted during an Aug. 26, 2014 inspection included failure to operate a waste gas burner and pilot light, failure to conduct monthly certified visible emission observations and open burning. A fine of $17,400 has been issued and a consent order is being negotiated.

Bolton, Inc., was cited for late submittal of a 2013 report and for not conducting its 2013 annual source performance test for its 475 TPH portable stone processing plant located in Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawaii. Violations were noted during a Feb. 7, 2014 inspection and a fine of $5,800 has been issued and a consent order is being negotiated.

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company (HC&S) was cited for a fugitive dust violation that occurred on Dec. 13, 2014. The alleged dust violation was documented and confirmed through photographic evidence provided by a third party witness. HC&S operates a sugar cane refinery and plantation at Puunene, Maui and a penalty of $3,300 has been assessed.

Copies of the full Notices of Violations are posted at https://health.hawaii.gov/cab/

The DOH Clean Air Branch monitors air quality and regulates businesses that release pollutants into the air. The Branch reviews and approves air permits, evaluates and enforces state and federal air standards, conducts inspections, and investigates reported incidents related to outdoor air quality. Through the air permit process, the Branch ensures companies comply with state and federal emission standards to minimize air pollution impacts on the public.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Jill Stensrud

Clean Air Branch

Phone (808) 586-4200