HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1009.001 2012-2014comments on
communication 1009: report from Civil Defense and Public Works re. Puna storm impacts
for Hawai'i County Council Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit
2:15 PM Tuesday, September 16, 2014, West Hawai'i Civic Center
from Cory Harden, Sierra Club, Moku Loa group, Box 1137, Hilo, Hawai'i 96721
(808) 959 -7747 333cory@gmail.com
We wish to start by commending officials for their tremendous response to the lava threat
However, we hope lessons from Tropical Storm Iselle will be applied to the lava.
First, we urge that PGV (Puna Geothermal Venture) be shut down before lava reduces or cuts off HELCO
(Hawaiian Electric Light Company) power.
PGV did not shut down before Iselle. The storm cut power to PGV, causing a geothermal release that
residents could not escape because fallen trees blocked the roads. Over 100 people have reported health
problems.
If another release is triggered by lava cutting off, or even just reducing power to PGV, people trying to
escape may be blocked by lava evacuation traffic. A release could include steam and brine, both
containing hydrogen sulfide and heavy metals. Abatement does not remove heavy metals.
Second, some officials say PGV may be used as a stand -alone power source for lower Puna if lava cuts
off HELCO power. That raises questions:
1. If lava threatens or destroys first responder access, resident evacuation routes, and /or
emergency shelters, how would a geothermal release be handled?
2. If lava overruns PGV, or passes nearby causing extreme heat, what will happen to hazardous
substances such as pentane, caustic soda, and cleanout residues of silica contaminated with
heavy metals?
3. If lava blocks roads
• how will PGV be resupplied with materials needed for operation?
• how will workers travel to the plant?
• how will workers get food, gas, and other necessities?
Last, it appears that during the storm private companies had too much say about keeping PGV running.
So we urge Civil Defense to assure citizens that Civil Defense has the authority, and the intent, to protect
public health and safety. At the Pahoa Merchants Meeting on September 10, HELCO said that safety of
operation of PGV is up to PGV. But we feel it is not acceptable for a privately held company to make
profit- driven decisions about the safety of County citizens.
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