HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0492.006 1996-1998 Post Office Box 30
PUNA
143860 Kapoho Pahoa Rd. ~iEOTHERMAL VENTURE
Pahoa, Hawaii 96778
Telephone (808) 965-6233
Facsimile (808) 965-7254 ~ ~ -
L~ ~ j.; ~ • 1 ~ . - December 1, 1997
The Honorable James Arak~ Chairman`and Members of the County Council HAWAII
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Members of the Hawaii County Council:
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the noise issues raised during the
November 13, 1997, County Council meeting.
We understand that several speakers expressed concerns over noise emissions resulting
from Puna Geothermal Venture's ("PGV") operations. It was stated that PGV is exceeding
noise levels established during mediation which were incorporated into PGV's Geothermal
Resource Permit ("GRP") pursuant to condition 51. Actually, it is condition 50 of the GRP,
not condition 51, that refers to the mediation that was held prior to issuance of the GRP.
Furthermore, it should be noted that condition 50 does not incorporate any of the "Other
Agreements and Recommendations" that were contained in section 5 of the mediation report as
conditions of the GRP. Instead, condition 50 required PGV to submit semiannual status
reports to the Planning Commission on PGV's "best efforts to address/comply with the "Other
Agreements and Recommendations."
In any event, the "Other Agreements and Recommendations" do not include an
agreement by PGV to limit noise emissions to 40 dBA during evening hours and 55 dBA
during the day. The only references to 40 dBA in the "Other Agreements and
Recommendations" are found in paragraphs 3 and 6. There aze no references to 55 dBA.
Pazagraphs 3 and 6 do not limit noise emissions from PGV's operations to 40 dBA. The two
paragraphs read as follows:
3. Puna Geothermal Venture agrees that it will, with regard to noise, support
residents seeking benefits from the asset fund who aze exposed to a measured
ambient noise level of 40 dBA at their residences as a result of PGV's activity.
(Afternoon session, August 16, 1989)
6. Puna Geothermal Venture agrees to complete, prior to the end of the first year
following the commencement of full power plant operation, the final adjustment
of control measures for noise generated during long term project operations.
During this time, PGV has also agreed to make a good faith effort, on a case-
by-case basis when requested by any resident, to minimize the impact of noise
generated by project operations in excess of 40 dBA when measured at that
residence. (Afternoon session, August 16, 1989)
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The Honorable James Arakaki
December 1, 1997
Page: 2
The G12P, in condition 24, established noise guidelines for PGV's operations "[u]ntil
such time as noise regulations are adopted by the State or County." In general, condition 24
had permitted noise levels of 55 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night. These guidelines
were superseded in 1996 when the State Department of Health promulgated statewide
Community Noise Control ("CNC") standazds. The CNC set 70 dBA as the maximum
permissible noise level, both daytime and nighttime, for the zoning district (Agricultural
district) in which PGV's operations are located.
Although the CNC allows noise levels of 70 dBA, PGV has generally maintained
average noise emissions at or below 55 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night. We have
utilized sound experts to recommend noise mitigation measures in an effort to reduce noise to
our neighbors. Mitigation measures include the use of sound suppression blankets, increased
landscaping and implementation of a minimum nighttime work schedule to reduce noise
emissions after sunset.
PGV has been in operation for more than four and a half years. During this period,
PGV has continually complied with County and State noise regulations.
PGV's operations currently supply almost a quarter of the electricity needs of the Big
Island. In doing so, we have displaced about 1.9 million barrels of oil from being burned to
produce electricity, avoided 19 shiploads of oil from entering Hilo hazbor, and contributed to
reducing global warming. We look forward to continuing to operate in a responsible manner,
in the best interest of all the people on the Big Island.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to respond to the issues raised concerning
noise. Please call if you would like to visit PGV's power plant.
Very truly yours,
G(l. ~ A"t-
J ck A. Dean
Vice President and General Manager
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