HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-06 Hilo Shoreline Discharge -- press release
PRESS RELEASE
NOTIFICATION OF TREATMENT PLANT BYPASS
Reporting Agency: County of Hawaii Phone No.: 961-8338
Wastewater Division Fax No.: 961-8644
108 Railroad Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Location of the Discharge: Puhi Bay, Hilo, Hawaii
Date of Discharge: 6/5/2017
Description: Discharge of Secondary Treated and Disinfected Wastewater at shoreline in the
vicinity of the Pua Sewage Pump Station and the Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resource Center (PACRC) in
Hilo, Hawai`i.
Cause of the Discharge: The cause of the discharge of Secondary Treated and Disinfected Wastewater is
currently under investigation.
Recently, fourteen (14) joints in the vicinity of shoreline had been repaired, individually tested, and dye tested to
verify that the leaks had been repaired. Today’s discharge was discovered during a dye test of the ocean outfall a
week later to ensure previously identified leaks on the offshore piping had been satisfactorily repaired.
The shoreline area has been posted with Warning Signs is as indicated in the attached map.
Remedial Actions Taken: The shoreline in the vicinity of the discharge of the treated and disinfected
effluent has been posted with Warning Signs in accordance to State of Hawai’i, Department of Health
requirements. The Wastewater Division is performing testing of shoreline waters in the vicinity of the discharge in
order to verify that bacteria levels are within acceptable regulatory limits. Shoreline testing will continue until
authorization is obtained from the State of Hawai`i, Department of Health to remove Warning Signs posted in
the area. The County will be investigating the cause of the current leak.
Contact Person: Dora Beck, P.E., Wastewater Division Chief
Working hours phone number: 808-961-8513
After hours phone number: 808-937-0349