2019-05-22 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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Vote: All commissioners voted aye. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Begin discussion about the proper monitoring of the R-1 treatment process, SAT pond function, wetlands performance, and the recommendation for a written plan and reporting. Chair Bennett said the EIS on the R-1 project did not spell out the details of how things will be monitored. Director Kucharski said that DEM will comply with the requirements that are put forth by the entity that issues the permit. The designers were mandated to provide a way to monitor post-SAT effluent so a determination could be made that the SAT functions. The DOH will be consulted to determine the number and location. If the EMC wants to put together a recommendation or position on the monitoring, it can be examined and discussed with the DOH. Chair Bennett said he knows the DOH has requirements, but they gloss over issues such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Director Kucharski explained that DEM has not yet applied for a discharge permit for the R-1 and SAT ponds, and he would note the goal is to not have to use the SAT ponds. DEM is prepared to monitor the R-1 post-treatment and comply with whatever the DOH says to do, as the EPA has delegated the DOH to utilize and administer the Clean Water Act. Chair Bennett said the DOH chooses not to require things they should, and the EMC has an opportunity to say we can do better than that. He asked if any of the commissioners would be interested in formulating a monitoring program to address the unique needs of the Kona coast, including what should be monitored, how frequently, and who should do it. Commissioner Fulton volunteered. Commissioner Burns said he would be happy to provide input, but in his experience, coastal monitoring is very difficult, and no one plan fits all. Chair Bennett clarified that the focus should be on what is coming into and going out of the wetlands and SAT ponds. Chair Bennett said they would form a subcommittee to work on this project and report back to the EMC. Director Kucharski said he would request that if there is monitoring, it should be done up gradient of the discharge and down gradient of the discharge, because everything that is brought down from mauka groundwater flows needs to be taken into account. Motion and second: Vice Chair Olson moved to “have a subcommittee to look at the details and monitoring of the wastewater stream in Kealakehe.” Commissioner Pequeño seconded. Commissioner Gaffney pointed out the motion was not correct, as they were discussing proper monitoring of the R-1 treatment process, which is different from monitoring the waste stream. Vice Chair Olson concurred. 6