HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0744.016 2022-2024 P/Counci I
Res,445-214
CAMH.7y4l
From: selah levine
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:25 AM COUNTY CLERK
To: Council Testimony COUNTY OFHAWAII
Subject: Resolution 443-24 testimony Time I RECEIVED
f;�25 apt. B . 6
Date IA
Aloha,
I am a puna resident.I live less than 3 miles from PGV.I support this resolution for more testing of water quality around PGV.
The Adler Report,commissioned by Hawaii County in September 2013,recommended a robust,scientific study of the effects of
geothermal energy production on drinkingwater and the near-shore environment;
Subsequent testing by the USGS in 2015 and 2020 of samples from deep geothermal wells,public-supply wells,and coastal springs
did not provide sufficient evidence to unequivocally indicate or rule out adverse effects from geothermal energy production;
Those studies recommended further and continuous monitoring and sampling of groundwater particularly in wells and ponds makai °
of PGV to determine the potential impact of geothermal production on groundwater and near-shore water quality.Lower Puna has
expanded and changed drastically in the vicinity of PGV since the 2018 eruption, both above and below ground, making this
study even more important.
As part of the study,community members will be consulted regarding water sample sites and invited to accompany USGS field
teams for the sample collection to foster observational learning,build local knowledge in scientific methods,and foster community •
understanding and trust in the study's methodologies;
The study will help establish baseline water quality data and inform plans for regular water quality monitoring in future years.
In the future,t is important to hold meetings about Puna's watershed in Puna(not Kona or Hilo)ito allow for local community
engagement.Furthermore,it is a bit concerning that this study will be funded with PGV"royalties"and County funds as it seems a
conflict of interest as those parties will also ultimately be responsible for the results obtained.A third party analysis of the data
collected;would increase validity.
•
Please fund this study.It is crucial for our community to know our water is not being contaminated by PGV in the past,present and
future.
Mahalo
Comm. N.. jy •
r1i 4'
Ref. To: ► �IIC�I
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Ref. Date MAR 2 0 2024