2021-09-22 EMC agenda item 7b - KWWTP water reuse recommendations

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Several steps are required to realize the reuse potential: (1) The County of Hawaii needs to adopt a water conservation and water reuse policy that, among other actions, designates and operates the KWWTP as a Recycling Plant under HAR §11-61-27. The KWWTP Operations Manual is currently being revised. That revision should be for the exclusive recycling of wastewater. (2) The Department of Environmental Management should be funded adequately to resolve the problem of saltwater infiltration into the sewer system. That will necessitate repairing leaking sewer lines and adopting ordinances that require property owners to repair leaking sewer pipes that the county has identified as problematic.Reducing the salt concentration in sewer water to make it equivalent to local freshwater, is essential for agronomic reuse. Excessive chlorides from seawater are rather toxic for most plants. (3) The distribution and reuse of the water for agronomic purposes must be conducted consistent with the best management practices for optimizing plant growth and efficient water use. The expertise for properwater management exists at all the major golf courses. That same expertise will be critical for the success of any county sponsored reuse projects. 3 From a legal liability perspective, 100% reuse will allow for the closure of the unlawful wastewater sump at Kealakehe. The ocean water quality will improve by closing the sump and thereby discontinuing its drainage to the harbor and nearby shoreline. The probable liability from continued discharge will thereby be resolved. Perhaps most important is the long-term benefits to the people of Hawaii County. Water Reuse will generate its own economy; it will create an income stream for the county and help offset the looming infrastructure deficiencies. Water reuse will conserve water and power. The demonstration of sound resource policy will bolster confidence in our ability to meet the challenges of climate change and make our island home more sustainable. - End - Ќ County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund, No. 18-260, 590 U.S. ___ (2020)