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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLEPC meeting minutes amended 091217 HI County LEPC Meeting Minutes County Building Puna Conference Room September 12, 2017 10:00am Members Present: Gerald Kosaki, Lead Co-Chairperson; Henry Silva, Co-Chair; John Bowen, Hazmat consultant; John Peard, DOH HEER; Terri Napeahi, Keaukaha Action Network; Chris Leonard, New West Broadcasting; Muriel Ahuna-Leong, PGV; Maj. James O’Connor, HPD; David Cummings, Hamakua Energy; Chenoa Haa, HELCO. Non-Members: Sharon Leonida, DOH-HEER; David Guinn’ Big Island Biodiesel. Call to Order Meeting called to order at 10:07 am by Chair Gerald Kosaki. II. Minutes Approval of the May 31, 2017 meeting minutes. Minutes was approved as circulated. Chair Kosaki to post minutes of the meeting on the county website. III. Continuing Challenge Recap There were four personnel from HFD who attended. This was tabled until the next meeting until we receive their reports from the conference. IV. County Reports 1. Fire/Hazmat – a. Haztech Refresher training held and trained 140 personnel b. Biodiesel truck incident at Kaawalii gulch discussed by David Guinn c. Propane tanker truck overturned in Honomu – Terri inquired as to where the tank was taken. As far as we know, it was still at the auto body shop where it was towed to. Maj. O’Connnor stated that if there is a fatality, the vehicle is towed to Ken’s towing. 2. Police – No report V. Industry Partners Report 1. PGV – Normal operations, well drilling completed 2. HEP – David Cummings stated that they have completed their overhaul of the engine 3. HELCO – Reported that they will conduct an oil spill drill at their baseyard on 9/13 from 0700-1600 hrs. VI. Community Report 1. Terri Napeahi, Chair of the Keaukaha Action Network reported that she did a presentation to the County Council about a month prior giving them data of information gathered to identify facilities who pose a risk to the community. 2. Terri also identified some companies who are not compliant with EPA and is obtaining baseline data to do a community risk assessment. 3. They suggested remediation and reduction of facilities release of chemicals 4. Terri is also working with other agencies to monitor the quality of water by taking samples – she said that the problem is that there is only 1 person taking samples. 5. Terri also stated that she is still working on an asset fund through legislation, similar to what is currently done with PGV. VII. State of Hawaii 1. DOH HEER – a. John Peard stated that EPA has an oil program to address oil pollution related issues under federal laws (Hawaii is in EPA Region 9). According to EPA it is possible for at least a portion of fines assessed under federal laws to go back to the local community, if this is approved and part of the settlement decision. However, in cases where fines are assessed, it could take quite some time and as long as 5 years to go through the court system before monies can be dispersed according to the settlement decision. b. Terri stated that we need to investigate how we can use this fund or at least a portion of it. Maj. O’Connor stated that we need to consult with Corp Counsel. c. John stated that the HEER Office is working on developing areawide exposure hazard management plans (EHMPs) for harbor areas. The first two harbors being worked on are Kahului and Hilo harbors. . d. John said that they need to use GIS database to develop maps for underground pipelines. Dr. Bowen inquired about the definition of a pipeline and it was inquired to be determined by the size of the pipe at 6-8?” Gerald stated that we could look at PHMSA as a resource. e. John also talked about schools in east Hawaii (in the former sugarcane growing areas) that were recently assessed by the Dept. of Education regarding the potential of arsenic contamination, but arsenic contamination in surface soils was found to be less than anticipated, with the exception of some building perimeter areas. However, the DOE’s contractor did find lead, all within 3 feet of the buildings, in over half of the 22 schools that were screened. Lead residues near building perimeters (from deteriorated lead paint used on the buildings) is generally associated with older buildings where the concentration of lead in paint was much higher than used on newer buildings. f. Arsenic found at local sites, is usually a result of historic weed control practices. The DOH determines appropriate ways to mitigate arsenic on a site-specific basis. One good option is to dig out contaminated soils at pesticide mixing sites and disposed of at the West Hawaii Landfill. He said that there is a Brownfields forum that is scheduled soon in Hilo to discuss various federal/state grants or loans available to assess, cleanup, provide training, and assist with sites. g. Sharon stated that there will be a Dept. of Ag exercise to examine a pesticide incidence response scenario – to be held in November on the Big Island. 2. Media – Chris stated that he is still waiting to meet with the SECC for state operations procedures regarding emergency messaging under the FCC. He said that we need to look at the community infrastructure and ensure compliancy VIII. New Business 1. EOP/ERP – Statewide the counties are reviewing their EOP and ERPs. No new developments on status. 2. Henry Silva stated that he will be stepping down from his position. He asked for the committee members to consider filling his position but wanted to table this discussion until the next meeting. X. Next meeting: Next meeting was scheduled for December 12, 2017 at a venue TBD. XI. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:48am.