2019-01-23 Meeting Minutes (EMC)

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All conventional sewer systems leak, the extent to which is determined by the age and maintenance of the system. Inward leakage is called infiltration and inflow, or I and I. Groundwater, seawater, rainwater enters the lines in breaks, holes, and separations and greatly adds to the volume and cost and efficiency of treatment. Inefficient treatment raises the risk of wastewater discharge that is partially treated; and as a result, public health is placed at risk. Seawater is infiltrating the sewer lines serving the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant is undergoing a $70 million upgrade to produce R-1 water for reuse. Reclaimed water with high salt and chloride content is unsuitable for most irrigation applications. Thus, the value of the water and the investment in reuse is in jeopardy from deferred maintenance. Failure of the reuse program will result in continued discharge of wastewater to the environment and increase the prospects of legal challenges, as occurred to Maui County. The other form of sewer leakage is exfiltration. In this case, when a defect in a pipe arises and pressures from pumping stations or force mains are applied, sewage can flow out into the environment. Along the coastal areas where sewers are common, exfiltration is a major concern. The EPA estimates that aged sewers can leak between 30% and 50% of the flows. Currently, measuring exfiltration is not easy to do and therefore not conducted by most U.S. municipalities. Any exfiltration conveys human pathogens and the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus to the ground water. If the sewers are to be a future option for cesspit closures, exfiltration must be monitored and controlled via regular operational surveillance and repairs. Hence, it is easy to discern that efficient sanitary sewer systems are in the vital interest of all county residents and visitors. Extending the fee increases over a five-year period may on first blush seem fair and harmless. However, we advise the county to move forward to enhance sewer efficiency sooner rather than later. We further suggest a funding mechanism be explored to include all residents and visitors to support sewer operations that protect public health, the oceans, property values, and the economy. We welcome any opportunity to further serve the County Council and our community. Sincerely. Director Kucharski explained that with Bill 210, the fees would go up 80% to 90% and would still be the lowest in the state. The increase would help in the operation and maintenance of existing sewer facilities and lines. About 18% of the county population is on sewer, which means 82% of the cost is now being shared by all county residents. Part of the increase will allow the Wastewater Division to hire additional personnel who will be necessary to operate the R-1 system. Without the increase, he does not know how they will afford the additional personnel. The rate increase is also to allow them to catch up financially, because they have been doing nothing but crisis management for the last 10 to 20 years. He asked the commissioners to discuss Bill 210 again and provide the support they feel is appropriate.