The Aftermath of the

August 7 Release into

the Neighborhood

After several months of

deliberation, the Hawaii DOH

fined PGV $23,700 for release of

hydrogen sulfide and the failure

of the monitoring system on the

night of August 7 2014. This

small fine leads to a conclusion

that DOH maintains a cozy

relationship with PGV, providing

regulation that is anemic.

Over 100 people suffered from

symptoms of moderate H2S

exposure on the night of August

7. Two people died while still

suffering from consequences of

their exposure that night, about

10 people essentially passed out,

and dozens had rashes, breathing

problems, nausea and other

symptoms.

Fines for cutting a few trees on

state land without permit were

about $50,000 and fines for use

of an non-permitted home for a

bed and breakfast were about

$50,000. Affecting the health of a

neighborhood comes in at

$23,700?

It should be noted we offered
to facilitate DOH to interview those
affected. But no effort was made

to take advantage of this offer.

Non-Covered Source

Permit (NSP)

The NSP implements standards

for monitoring and regulation

of toxic substances not directly

covered by the Clean Air Act.

The Hawaii DOH is due to issue

a replacement permit for one

that expired in December.

DOH has promised PPA a

public hearing. PPA believes

the amount of H2S PGV can

release should measured at the

source, not based on readings

of sometimes useless perimeter

monitors. Also some toxic

substances not now covered

need to be added.

Public Health Study

A request for proposals (RFP) to

do the Geothermal Public

Health Assessment Working

Group (Adler Group)

recommended health study was

issued in February.

Unfortunately the selection

process is not transparent and

does not call on the expertise

needed to make an informed

decision. PPA may not be able

to support the health study

unless these issues are

addressed.