HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0154.002 2022-2024 Pl ��1
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From: Cory
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2023 8:02 PM
To: Evans, Cynthia F.W.; Galimba, Michelle M.; Inaba, Holeka; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kimball, Heather; Lee Loy, Sue;Villegas, Rebecca;
Council Testimony
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Subject: Bill 34 Council April 5
C=D 7)
Comments on Bill 34, Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades
For Hawaii County Council, 9 AM Wednesday,April 5, 2023, Hilo chambers I
From Cory Harden,Sierra Club, Hawai'i Island Group
We applaud Director Mansour's efforts to address deterioration at the Hilo plant,and we realize the urgency., were
conflicted about making comments, but we hope Council addresses several issues. ;
• The Environmental Protection Agency has been watching closely. Worst-case scenario is that the
replacement is done, but then EPA says it's not enough and requires up-to-date equipment.
• As we said at Finance Committee, exemption from an Environmental Assessment does not seem appropriate.
We have contacted the State Environmental Review Program for an opinion.
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• Rebuilt 30-year-old technology may not meet modern standards,
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• Modern operators may lack appropriate training and experience for the 30-year-old technology.
• Will sludge still be trucked to the Kona landfill? Is there enough funding for maintenance to keep the trucks
running?
• Salt water infiltrating into sewer collection pipes may get into the rebuilt plant and damage it.
• Should ultraviolet disinfection be done?
• Why is the original project for"upgrades" (Ordinance 22-125) being changed to "rehabilitation and
replacement" with a "Phase 1" and "Phase 2" (Bill 34) ?
Mahalo for your consideration.
Comm. , t
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Ref. Date.., AIJK S 20231