HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-10 EMC Agenda and Director's Informational ReportENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MEETING AGENDA
MEETING DATE: Wednesday, January 10, 2018
A. Time and Place: 9:00 a.m. (Regular Meeting)
Wests Hawaii Civic Center, Community Meeting Hale
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
B. Time and Place: 11:30 a.m. (Limited Meeting and Site Visit closed to Public)
Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant and Disposal Sump
74-5220 Queen Kaahumanu Highway
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Assemble at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center. Meeting will recess during transit and reconvene in front of the site. This portion of the Environmental Management Commission meeting is closed to the public pursuant to HRS § 92-3. Minutes of the limited meeting will be subsequently available to the public.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 28, 2017
3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. None.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion on revisions made to Bill 82 (Draft 2) regarding proposed increases of the solid waste tipping fees. The Commission needs to review the changes and submit a new recommendation to the County Council, signed by the Chair or appropriate designee.
b. Proposed letter from the Commission to Councilmembers Chung, Lee Loy, Kanuha, and Eoff regarding Commission vacancies in their districts and requesting their assistance in identifying candidates to fill the vacancies.
c. Proposed letter from the Commission to Mayor Kim, requesting his assistance in filling Commission vacancies in order for the Commission to be fully functional and responsive.
d. Discuss and decide on the process by which commissioners can get items placed on the agenda, as well as the process by which they are to provide their district updates to the secretary for placement on the agenda.
6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
a. Director’s Informational Report. (Note: The report is available online at www.hawaiicounty.gov/boards-and-commissions/Environmental Management Commission/Agendas.
The Director will provide informational updates on the following:
(1) The State Department of Health’s Report to the Twenty-Ninth Legislature, State of Hawaiʻi, 2018 Regular Session, Relating to Cesspools and Prioritization for Replacement.
(2) Status of Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance.
(3) Discussion of R-1 water management.
b. Letter to the Commission dated December 28, 2017, from Karen Eoff, Council Vice Chair, in response to the Commission’s December 13, 2017, letter regarding Policy Proposal Suggestions for Water Resource Management.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
a. Discussion on proposed upcoming bill to increase sewer fees. The Commission will need to review the bill and submit a recommendation to the County Council.
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. The next meeting is scheduled for February 28, 2018, in Hilo at the Aupuni Center Conference Room.
b. Limited meeting and site visit at 11:30 a.m. today: Limited meeting and site visit to the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant and Disposal Sump to see the operating facilities and ponds for informational and educational purposes. This portion of the meeting is limited to Commissioners and necessary County staff, pursuant to Haw. Rev. Stat. § 92-3, as the site visit is necessary for educational and informational purposes of the treatment plant, disposal sump, operations and infrastructures. As an active construction site, its location is unsafe for the public to attend. This limited meeting was unanimously approved by the Commission at its November 28, 2017, meeting. Minutes of the limited meeting will be made available along with the regular meeting minutes.
9. RECESS FOR A LIMITED MEETING
10. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting place is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request an auxiliary aid or language translation, please call 961-8083 five days prior to the meeting date. Comments may be sent to the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720, or emailed to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov.
Notice to lobbyists: If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawaiʻi County Clerk within five days of becoming a lobbyist. [Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawaiʻi County Code.] A lobbyist means “any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours in any month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action by communicating or urging others to communicate with public officials.” [Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6), Hawaiʻi County Code.] Registration forms and expenditure report documents are available at the Office of the County Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720.
DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT
TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
JANUARY 10, 2018
CURRENT LEGISLATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS
12/4/17: Finance
Bill 82 Amends Chapter 20, Article 4, of the Hawaiʻi
County Code Relating to Solid Waste Fees. It Committee meeting.
Second Draft
increases disposal fees from the current $85 per 12/20/17: Council meeting
ton to $108 per ton, to further increase by $2 per (first reading).
st
ton on July 1 of each year, from July 1, 2018, 1/4/18: Council meeting
through July 1, 2022. Also increases fees to be (second reading)
applied when the scale cannot be used due to
outages, for special handling and all types of
vehicles.
Authorizes the Payment of Funds of a Later Fiscal 1/3/18: Finance
Res 453-18
Year and of More than One Fiscal Year for a Committee meeting.
Multi-Year Lease for One Full-Size Color
Scanner/Plotter for the Department of
Environmental Management
DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL UPDATES
1. The State Department of Health’s Report to the Twenty-Ninth Legislature, State of
Hawaiʻi, 2018 Regular Session, Relating to Cesspools and Prioritization for
Replacement.
2. Status of Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance.
3. Discussion of R-1 water management.
WASTEWATER DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. COMPLIANCE:
• TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL: November 28, 2017 – Aeration system bypass
occurred at Kulaimano Wastewater Treatment Plant resulting in discharge of
approximately 94,000 gallons of partially treated, disinfected wastewater. Occurred
during blower failure due to power interruption. The aeration process was restored
immediately upon discovery. The WWD Chief reported the incident to the DOH-
CWB who acknowledged the information. Effluent samples were collected, analyzed
and reported to the DOH-CWB. Resulting values were below the discharge permit
limitations. A noncompliance report was filed with DOH-CWB in accordance with
the discharge permit.
• COLLECTION SYSTEM: No report
2. OPERATIONS:
A. TREATMENT/COLLECTION SYSTEMS AND PUMPING STATIONS/
FORCE MAINS:
• Trenchless point repair training for east and west side collection system staff
was conducted during November 7 through 9, 2017. A training exercise was
conducted on a section of gravity line in Aliʻi Drive in the general vicinity of
Keopu SPS to mitigate saltwater intrusion.
• Unscheduled repairs/upgrades/replacement of failing equipment due to age and
prolonged wear and tear continue at the Hilo WWTP.
B. SAFETY PRACTICES/TRAINING:
• WWD Administration continues to review and update the Emergency
Response Procedures and the Standard Safety Procedures.
3. ADMINISTRATION:
A. VACANT POSITIONS:
• Progress continues in filling vacant positions in Operations: Operator I, II and
IV (Hilo); Sewer Maintenance Working Supervisor (Hilo and Kona); WWTP
Operator III (Kona); Assistant WWTP Operator (Kona); WW Working
Supervisor III (Kona).
• Progress continues in filling vacant engineering positions: Clerk III; CE III; CE
IV.
4. WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS:
A. NĀ‘ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
• Preparing a consultant contract to complete the Preliminary Engineering
Report, conduct public outreach and perform a permits evaluation.
• Public outreach is anticipated in the first quarter of 2018.
• Pacific Legacy conducted an archaeological field inspection of an 8.5 acre
property in Nā‘ālehu for potential use as a site for the new WWTP. No
traditional cultural resources, sites or features were observed on the property.
An archaeological survey and consultation with SHPD is expected as a next
step.
• Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur
once the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and properties
have been connected to the new collection system.
• The project is funded by Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF)
monies.
B. PĀHALA LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
• The consultant successfully conducted talk story sessions during December 12,
13, and 14 for the Pāhala community. Additional public meetings involving
the Department are planned to take place some time in early 2018.
• Pacific Legacy conducted an archaeological field inspection of a 42.5 acre
property in Pāhala for potential use as a site for the new WWTP. Findings from
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the cursory inspection included a scattering of artifacts. An archaeological
survey and consultation with SHPD is expected as a next step.
• Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur
once the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and properties
have been connected to the new collection system.
• The project is funded by Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF)
monies and partially by a federal EPA grant.
C. NORTH KONA SEWER & EFFLUENT REUSE UPGRADE:
• The wastewater portion of the State Highway Widening Project construction
work is approximately 80% complete. The remaining wastewater work
consists of installing sewer and reuse laterals.
• The revised draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the last re-design
and additional construction cost attributed to project delays for the sewer and
reuse lines is with the State Attorney General for final review.
• The State DOT began the overall project construction in September 2015.
Currently, the anticipated completion date is August 2018. The project
continues with installation of reuse piping and gravity sewer lines.
• The project is funded by Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) monies.
D. LONO KONA SEWER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT:
• A construction pre-bid meeting took place on December 20, 2017. Bid
opening is scheduled for January 29, 2018, at 2:00 pm.
• Loan closing is scheduled to occur sometime during the first quarter of 2018
prior to bid advertising. Construction NTP is estimated to be issued in mid-
2018.
• The USDA Rural Development has obligated loan and grant funds of
$2,437,000 and $4,024,800 respectively to this project.
E. KEALAKEHE AERATION UPGRADE AND SLUDGE REMOVAL:
• Project completion is to take place in early January.
• Monitoring of endangered bird species continues. The project is in the midst
of the breeding season which will delay the project.
• The purpose of this project is to replace the existing aeration blowers with
units that will save on electrical energy costs and be quieter. Estimated annual
electrical cost savings is $370,000 per year. The new blowers are currently
installed, with start-up to occur pending completion of electrical work.
Combined with the removal of accumulated sludge from the aerated lagoons, it
will restore biological treatment capacity and also allow the County to utilize
the full capacity of the aerated lagoons treatment system as the community
grows as projected for the next 20 years.
• The construction phase scope of work also includes (among other items)
replacement of aeration piping and diffusers, dredging and dewatering
wastewater sludge (biosolids) within the construction premises; hauling the
dewatered sludge to be disposed of at the Pu‘uanahulu Landfill; and
implementing mitigation measures during construction to protect endangered
bird species.
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• This is the first removal of sludge from the lagoons since the initial
construction of the plant in 1989. Sludge removal occurs every 10 to 15 years
as is typical for an aerated lagoon treatment system. Estimated sludge removal
from this project is approximately 3,000 dry tons.
• The construction work will occur in phases without interruption to the
wastewater treatment process.
• The project is funded by CWSRF monies which is being increased from $18
million to $23 million.
F. KEALAKEHE WWTP EFFLUENT R-1 UPGRADE:
• Working on executing a contract for R-1 design.
• Focus group meetings and an interagency workshop took place during the first
week of November. The purpose of the meetings was to solicit input from the
community on the R-1 plan of approach. An additional public meeting is
being considered sometime prior to the draft EIS publication.
• The environmental process is ongoing. A draft EIS is anticipated to be
published in November 2017 followed by 45-day comment period.
• The long range plans for R-1 quality effluent began in 2007 as a phased
approach. Phase I, which installs a reuse line between the Kohanaiki area and
Kealakehe Parkway, is planned under the State DOT’s Phase II Queen
Ka‘ahumanu Highway Project (see item C above).
• The DOH has earmarked SRF monies in the amount of $54 million to fund
both design and construction of the R-1 upgrade at the Kealakehe WWTP.
G. WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECTS:
• Pua Sewage Pump Station (SPS) Upgrade: Design of the upgrade to the Pua
SPS is in progress. It includes a complete renovation to include the structural,
electrical and mechanical upgrades to the pump station. Cause for renovation
is due to deterioration of the wet well from H2S; electrical component damage
due to H2S corrosion and the overall age of the facility; and mechanical
damage due to faulty discharge line valves due to hydraulic surging. Work is
to include upgrading the HVAC; replacing/upgrading components of the
electrical system; replacing corroded duct work; upgrading the wet well level
control system and improving on safety issues by eliminating fire and electrical
hazards to achieve compliance with NFPA 820 and 70E. The project is funded
by CWSRF monies.
• Hilo WWTP Administration Building Reroofing: Work on mold remediation is
complete. The remaining work is sheetrock installation, painting, and HVAC
work. The contractor for this work is waiting on the County permits.
• ZOM Dilution and Assimilative Capacity Study: Field work for the Dilution
and Assimilative Capacity Study for the Hilo, Pāpa‘ikou, and Kula‘imano
WWTPs, in accordance with NPDES permit requirements, is to begin in
December 2017.
H. ULU WINI WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT:
• The WWD continues to maintain stability of the treatment plant with the goal
of achieving consistent process data and meeting the regulatory as well as
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expected effluent limits. The treatment system currently meets DOH
regulatory requirements, and nutrient removal is taking place. The longer term
goal is to cut down on operation and maintenance. Currently, we are waiting
for a design proposal from the consultant to achieve this end.
• Design plans and specifications (for the installation of the immediately planned
treatment plant upgrades aimed at maintaining treatment plant stability and
reliability plus lowered operations and maintenance cost for the next several
years) is anticipated to go out to bid in early 2018.
• The State DOH is being kept apprised of the progress.
I. SEWER RATE STUDY UPDATE:
• Work on the Sewer Rate Study continues. DEM is currently working with the
consultant on finalizing the rate study.
J. UPDATE ON WATER SHUT-OFF FOR NON PAYMENT OF SEWER BILLS:
• DEM is currently drafting administrative rules for the implementation of water
shut-off for non-payment of sewer fees. The Department of Water Supply
(DWS) is also drafting amendments to its rules to allow for water shut-off due
to non-payment of sewer fees. Both DEM and DWS rules need to be amended
for the water shut-off to be implemented. In the meantime, we continue to
work with delinquent customers to bring their accounts current and refer
accounts to the Office of the Corporation Counsel to pursue judgments when
necessary.
SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. OPERATIONS
A. COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSING (CDL) TRAINING:
• A Hilo participant successfully completed the program and received a CDL on
October 31, 2017. The participant will be audited by the SDIC in the new
year.
• A new Hilo participant began the program. This employee is last on the Hilo
employee list.
• A new Waimea participant is in the program and is scheduled to complete the
permit process and participate in the driving course in December. This
employee is last on the Waimea employee list.
• A new Puʽuanahulu participant is scheduled to begin the CDL component in
the new year.
B. WEST HAWAI‘I SANITARY LANDFILL:
• Loads of select waste continue coming over from East Hawaiʻi, with mulch
materials returning to the East Hawai‘i Organics Facility.
• The Division intends to submit a revised tonnage pricing proposal to Waste
Management for their review in the new year.
C. EQUIPMENT
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• One landfill compactor is operating, and one landfill compactor is down for
repair.
• Hilo sent one of their compactors to the WHSL for use while repairs are being
made.
• One landfill D-8 is operating, and one landfill D-7 is in the shop for repair.
D. FACILITY CLOSURE
• The Division closed for the traditional holidays on November 23
(Thanksgiving), December 25 (Christmas), and January 1 (New Year’s Day).
2. ADMINISTRATION
• The Division conducted interviews for a Recycling Specialist II position during
December.
• The Division is interviewing candidates for temporary Equipment Operator positions
in Hilo.
3. SOLID WASTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
• The Kealakehe Scrap Metal Facility Remediation Project is currently in progress. The
contractor is currently staging equipment on site. Dust fences and other Best
Management Practice controls were installed at the site.
• The Glenwood and Volcano Transfer Stations’ traffic restriping was performed.
• SWD has chosen H.D.R. Engineering Consultant to assist with changes to the
County’s organics processing contract with H.E.R.
• A SWD consultant is working the closure of the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill. The
closure will include performing an environmental assessment for the closure project.
The EA process for this project is nearing completion.
• A consultant was selected to assist with the site selection of the future East Hawai'i
Compost Facility.
4. COMPLIANCE
• A notice to proceed was given to the consultant who will be assisting the SWD with
the revisions to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan.
5. RECYCLING SECTION
A. ORGANICS DIVERSION PROGRAM:
• The Division is in the process of revising the Contract for the provision of
greenwaste and Composting services.
B. TRANSFER STATION RECYCLABLES (“TWO-BIN”) COLLECTION AND
RECYCLING:
• The current contract will end on September 30, 2018. SWD is now enforcing
the ban on illegal commercial usage of self-haul resident-only recycling bins.
Redesign of the Hilo site is proposed to better handle traffic and customers.
The Hilo Sort Station recyclables diversion has tentatively resumed for
commercial-only usage. We are working with the vendor to update and
replace signage and repair ramps.
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C. DO-IT YOURSELF (DIY) USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING:
• IFB 3625 resulted in contract award to HFN and Cameron Corp. The NTP
issued on October 16, 2017.
• A list of island-wide year-round collection locations (seven) is on our website
at http://www.Hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/motor-oil. Residents can also
recycle DIY used motor oil at all County’s HHW collection events. Used
motor oil is not accepted at the Recycling and Transfer Stations. DOH ended
funding of the program in FY2015. DEM has funded the continuation of the
UMO program in the FY2017 Budget.
D. REUSE CENTERS:
• RFP 3515 resulted in contract award to Recycle Hawai‘i for six of the seven
locations. Transfer Station Thrift Store LLC was awarded the Wai‘ōhinu
location.
• The County operates seven Reuse Centers at Recycling and Transfer Stations
located in Hilo (opened June 5, 2017), Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Kealakehe, Keauhou,
Waimea and Wai‘ōhinu (opened August 14, 2017).
• The SWD intends to reissue the RFP for this service in April 2018.
E. ELECTRONICS RECYCLING:
• IFB 3514 resulted in contract award to Mr. K’s R&R. Residents are allowed
no charge household electronics recycling on Saturdays at Mr. K’s R&R.
Businesses, non-profits, schools and others are offered discounted fees on
Saturdays. An acceptable list and more information is at
http://hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste. Mr. K’s is open and accepting
electronics daily.
• The County provides free monthly electronic recycling collections in Hilo,
Kona, Waimea and Wai‘ōhinu for residential electronics only. Details of the
County collections and any changes to private collections will be posted on our
website at http://hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste.
F. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW):
• There was record turnout at both Hilo and Kealakehe HHW collection events
in December. More information is available at
http://www.hazardouswaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/.
G. GREEN WASTE DIVERSION:
• The State Department of Agriculture finalized a permanent rule (HAR § 4-72-
13) prohibiting the interisland transport of ‘ōhi‘a plant material to prevent the
spread of Rapid Ōhiʽʽa Death caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata. They also
recommend not transporting ‘ōhi‘a plant material from an infected area to a
non-infected area. DEM has recommended that people not bring any ‘ōhi‘a
plant material to our green waste collection sites and recommends composting
on-site. The County’s new contract with Hawaiian Earth Recycling continues
green waste recycling. Enhanced mulch is available at the East Hawai‘i
Organics Facility. The mulch is treated for invasive species at EHOF since the
modified State Department of Health permit was issued. The Solid Waste
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Division relocated the green waste recycling at the Waimea Recycling and
Transfer Station to make it more convenient for residents.
H. SCHOOL RECYCLING & TOURS:
• Requests for school and HCC/UHH tours continue. These tours are helpful in
educating the next generation on recycling and sustainability. Several tours
have already taken place for various schools island wide.
I. SPECIAL EVENT RECYCLING:
• The Recycling Section continues to offer free rental HI-5 Event Recycling
Bins for fundraisers at community, sports or family events. Bins can be
requested via an online application form at
http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/event-planning. Please submit applications
for reservations well in advance of events to make sure bins are available and
to schedule pick-up/drop-off. The hawaiizerowaste.org website also provides
helpful resources for planning zero-waste events.
J. HI-5 CERTIFIED REDEMPTION CENTERS (CRCs)
• IFB 3552, to “Provide Certified Redemption Center Services at County
Recycling & Transfer Stations,” has been awarded to Business Services
Hawaiʻi for the following CRCs: Hāwī, Hilo, Honoka‘a, and Puakō; and to
Atlas Recycling for the following CRCs: Kealakehe, Kea‘au, Keauhou, Ocean
View, Volcano, Waimea, and Wai‘ōhinu.
K. RECYCLING EDUCATION & OUTREACH:
• The Recycling Section’s website, www.hawaiizerowaste.org, completed its
transition to a mobile-ready format with enhanced location features.
• Information is continually updated on the site.
L. TIRE RECOVERY/RECYCLING EDUCTION & OUTREACH:
• The contractor has started second round six-month follow-up of tire
retailer/wholesaler education and site inspections. The contractor is to educate
tire retailers/wholesalers of their responsibility to charge a disposal fee for tires
sold and accept used tires from customers when tires are being replaced.
• The contractor completed an initial round of consumer education (media
release, radio, newspaper, social media, posters/flyers, etc.) in September/
October, encouraging consumers to leave used tires at the retailer when
purchasing new ones, as they paid the mandatory fee for disposal. A second
round of newspaper ads is to run in November/December. Ads can be seen at
https://www.facebook.com/Return-Your-Tires-853709718126074.
• More information at: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/tires/
6. ABANDONED VEHICLE (AV) PROGRAM
• Bids were opened for vehicle disposal. Award of this new contract is expected to be
made in the new year.
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• AV Coordinators continue to meet with Hawai‘i County Police Department, Traffic
Services Section, Patrol and Community Police Officers to explore ways of improving
the tagging and removal of abandoned vehicles.
• Monthly towing numbers:
AV Towing 2017-18
Hilo Kona
July 46 37
August 35 64
September 47 51
October 34 55
November 37 51
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
The total tow requests sent for the month of November 2017 was 88; however, 15 were
not on location at the time of removal.
7. SORT STATION UPDATE (FY 17-18)
Total Tons Taken Total Tons
Month/Year to Sort Station Diverted
Jul 2017 1,091.43 0.00
Aug 2017 1,261.89 0.00
Sept 2017 1,128.11 0.00
Oct 2017 1,534.62 0.00
Nov 2017 1,484.47 0.00
Dec 2017
Jan 2018
Feb 2018
Mar 2018
Apr 2018
May 2018
Jun 2018
Totals 6,500.52 0.00
Per the Solid Waste Division, Total Tons Diverted has been zero for some time because
they have not been conducting active sorting. Much of this is due to the storage of tires
in the Sort Station collected during the dengue outbreak. Waste is received at the Sort
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Station early in the day, then the remainder is sent to the landfill. Just recently is the
SWD at the point where they have enough space in the sort station to receive waste.
8. MONTHLY LANDFILL TONNAGES (FY 17-18)
Month/Year SHSL WHSL
Jul 2017 6,285.01 11,599.78
Aug 2017 6,363.62 11,580.58
Sept 2017 6,037.19 10,132.09
Oct 2017 6,404.06 11,406.20
Nov 2017 5,956.18 11,773.83
Dec 2017
Jan 2018
Feb 2018
Mar 2018
Apr 2018
May 2018
Jun 2018
Totals 31,046.06 56,492.48
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