HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0566.007 2002-2004 J~6E° sr~r°s
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a n~Yn UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
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San Francisco, CA 94105.3901
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20 Apri12004
Hawaii County Council
c/o Barbaza Bell, Director
Department of Environmental Management
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Members of the Council:
We recently learned via press reports about the County of Hawaii's plan to continue using
blanket exceptions related to sewer connections. Following recent discussions with County and
State staff on the exceptions, I wish to offer U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)
perspective on this matter. EPA supports legislation to remove Hawaii County Code exceptions
to the connection requirements for lots accessible to public sewers.
Through the County's wastewater management planning, a decision was made to build
and use centralized wastewater systems in Hawaii County. EPA is concerned that continuing
general exceptions to the connection requirements do not support the operation and maintenance
of a centralized system. Economically, the centralized system requires maximum utilization of
the system. Exceptions to connections may cause serious fiscal strain, both to users and the local
government, by subjecting those who aze connected to beaz an increased, if not disproportionate,
cost.
Homeowners and commercial properties not connected to the sewer system use on-site
systems for wastewater disposal. On-site systems, particulazly cesspools. can cause water quality
problems, especially where there is shallow ground water, such as in coastal azeas. On-site
systems require regular management to ensure proper operation. In our efforts to close large
capacity cesspools in Hawaii, we have found that management of cesspools and other on-site
systems is generally not a high priority for property owners until the system fails and affects the
property owner or a neighbor. Cumulatively, failing on-site systems can result in impacts to the
entire community by impairing ground water and/or surface water quality. In contrast, a
centralized system ensures a consistent level of operation and maintenance, resulting in
consistent effluent quality when it is discharged into the environment While we are supportive
of centralized wastewater systems, we recognize that on-site systems may be acost-effective and
appropriate wastewater treatment mechanism for certain communities or geographic areas and
should be considered during planning phase.
Comm. No.
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Ref. Date
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These comments are offered to explain EPA's position regarding wastewater treatment
and management. We look to your leadership to assist Hawaii County in meeting the challenge
of environmental and public health protection. If you have any questions, please call me at (415)
972-3572 or Laura Tom Bose at (415) 972-3538.
Sincerely.
Alexis Strauss 2gz-~~~-~/2pp¢
Director, Water Division
cc: Laurence Lau, HDOH