HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-26 EMC Agenda and Director's Informational Report
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: July 26, 2018
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: County Council Chambers
West Hawaiʻi Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 27, 2018
3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Continued discussion on the motion that any contracts entered into with the
Department of Environmental Management contain a percentage of the contract
dedicated to an education and outreach component for waste reduction. (The
motion is on the table from the June 27, 2018, meeting.)
b. Status report by subcommittee pursuant to its investigation on how to address
implementing the Commission’s resolution approved and adopted on March 28,
2018, to adopt a proactive pollution elimination program consistent with the
goals of the Clean Water Act.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discuss and adopt a policy on how the Commission may comment on
environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, and government
documents and communications.
b. A report by Chair Bennett regarding research being done on on-site waste
disposal technology that may be studied by the University of Hawaiʻi and used
in County and private facilities.
c. Discuss changing the Commission’s regular meeting dates in 2019 from the
fourth Wednesday of each month to the fourth Thursday of each month.
6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Director’s Informational Report. (Note: The report and agenda are posted
online on the County Calendar and on the County’s website under Boards and
Commissions, Environmental Management Commission
(http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=8405&dbid=1).
The Director will provide informational updates on the following:
(1) Status of the proposed Nāāʻlehu Wastewater Treatment Plant.
(2) Status of the closure of the Hilo Landfill.
(3) A report on Fats, Oils, Grease (FOG).
(4) Report on a complaint to the Mayor’s Office about a commissioner’s
tenure.
7. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Chair Bennett will report on his experience reporting an abandoned vehicle in South
Kona.
8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioners can suggest items they would like placed on the next agenda.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is scheduled for August 22, 2018, in Hilo at the Aupuni Center
Conference Room (101 Pauahi Street, Suite 1, Hilo).
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.
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DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT
TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
JULY 26, 2018
CURRENT LEGISLATION
ITEM DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS
Bill 154 The bill proposes to extend the authority of the DEM and EMC submitted
Department of Environmental Management to memos in support. Further
remove abandoned vehicles from certain private hearing is on 7/24/18 before
roadways in the interest of public health and the Council’s Environmental
safety. Management Committee.
DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL UPDATES
1. Status of the proposed Nāālehu Wastewater Treatment Plant.ʻ
2. Status of the closure of the Hilo Landfill.
3. A report on Fats, Oils, Grease (FOG).
4. Complaint to the Mayor’s Office about a commissioner’s residence.
SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. OPERATIONS
A. COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSING (CDL) TRAINING:
Two employees were able to pass the CDL driving exam. These employees are
now undergoing baseyard orientation for the various transfer stations.
B. WEST HAWAI‘I SANITARY LANDFILL:
• A revised rate schedule was submitted to Waste Management Hawaiʻi for their
review.
• A recommendation for award was submitted for the Scale Replacement Project
for the West Hawaiʻi Landfill.
C. EQUIPMENT
SWD continues to work with the Automotive Division of the Public Works
Department to prioritize repairs that can be done by the County mechanics and
utilizes a contractor to assist with repairs and servicing.
D. KALAPANA TRANSFER STATION
The Kalapana Transfer Station returned to a weekly schedule (Monday, Thursday,
Saturday) from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2. ADMINISTRATION
• SWD conducted interviews for two vacant Solid Waste Supervisor positions, has
made offers, and has had the offers accepted by the two selected candidates.
• SWD also conducted interviews for two temporary Clerk positions and expects to
finalize the selection process in the upcoming week.
3. SOLID WASTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
• A completed restated contract was submitted to Hawaiian Earth Recycling for their
review.
• The consultant is continuing to work on the environmental assessment needed for the
East Hawaiʻi Compost Facility.
4. COMPLIANCE
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee had a limited meeting on July 11, 2018, to visit the
SWD’s West Hawaiʻi facilities.
5. RECYCLING SECTION
A. ORGANICS DIVERSION PROGRAM:
SWD is in the process of revising the contract for the provision of greenwaste and
composting services.
B. INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
The 2019 County of Hawaiʻi Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP)
update will be prepared in compliance with the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS)
Chapter 342G, which requires counties in Hawai‘i to update and revise their solid
waste management plans every 10 years. The last update to the County of
Hawai‘i’s ISWMP was completed in 2009.
The update to the ISWMP will include an evaluation of local needs and
conditions to determine the most effective combined strategy for managing solid
waste while protecting human health and the environment. The plan will outline
the components of an effective solid waste management strategy and identify
short and long term goals, while providing a framework for implementation.
As required by HRS Chapter 342G, Mayor Kim appointed members to the Solid
Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). The County’s SWAC is comprised of eight
members, and a schedule has been established to meet monthly. Input from the
SWAC members during the ISWMP update process is crucial to ensure that the
completed plan effectively identifies and addresses the County of Hawai‘i’s
unique solid waste challenges.
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C. TRANSFER STATION RECYCLABLES (“TWO-BIN”) COLLECTION AND
RECYCLING:
The current contract will end on September 30, 2018. The SWD is now enforcing
the ban on illegal commercial usage of self-haul resident-only recycling bins at
recycling and transfer stations. Commercial generators/collectors should work
directly with recycling companies to manage recyclables, as they are prohibited
from the recycling and transfer stations. 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. The SWD is working with
the vendor to update and replace signage and repair ramps. A meeting was held
with the vendor to discuss more restrictive worldwide recycling market and trade
conditions and how it may impact local collections.
D. DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING:
• IFB 3725 closed on July 6, 2018. Hawai‘i Petroleum Inc was the only bidder
and shown to be fair and reasonable. Award recommendation submitted on
July 10, 2018.
• A list of island-wide year-round collection locations (six) is on our website at
http://www.Hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/motor-oil. Residents can also recycle
DIY used motor oil at all County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Events. Used motor oil (UMO) is not accepted at the recycling and transfer
stations. The DOH ended funding of the program in FY2015. DEM has
funded the continuation of the UMO program in the FY2018 Budget.
E. REUSE CENTERS:
• RFP 3693 resulted in contract award to Transfer Station Thrift Store LLC for
all seven locations.
• 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).
F. ELECTRONICS RECYCLING:
• The IFB 3514 contract awarded to Mr. K’s R&R expires April 17, 2019.
• 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.
• Mr. K’s offered a “free” electronics collection event for businesses and
agencies on June 30, 2018 partially sponsored by his recyclers.
• 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.
• Currently, no manufacturer offers convenient on-island take-back of
electronics; manufacturers only offer convenience on O‘ahu to comply with
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the Electronic Waste and Television Recycling & Recovery Act mandatory
take-back provisions. The DOH notified the County of potential grant funding
in FY2019, partially reimbursing SWD electronics recycling expenditures.
G. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW):
• June’s Kealakehe and Hilo HHW turnouts and quantities collected were
similar to December 2017.
• The next HHW Collection Events are scheduled for December 1, 2018, in Hilo
and December 8, 2018, in Kealakehe. More information is available at
http://www.hazardouswaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/.
H. 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 lukuohia or Ceratocystis
huliohia. 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 greenwaste collection sites and
recommends composting on-site.
• The County’s new contract with Hawaiian Earth Recycling continues
greenwaste 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 SWD relocated
the greenwaste recycling at the Waimea Recycling and Transfer Station to
make it more convenient for residents.
I. SCHOOL RECYCLING AND TOURS:
• Requests for school and HCC/UHH tours of SWD facilities continue. Many
were scheduled in April to coincide with Earth Day. These tours are helpful in
educating the next generation on recycling and sustainability. Several tours
have already taken place for various schools island wide.
J. 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.
K. HI-5 CERTIFIED REDEMPTION CENTERS (CRCs)
• IFB 3552, to “Provide Certified Redemption Center Services at County
Recycling & Transfer Stations 2018-2019” has been awarded. Atlas Recycling
will continue to operate at Kealakehe, Kea‘au, Keauhou, Ocean View,
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Volcano, and Waimea. Business Services Hawaiʻi will continue to operate at
Hāwī, Hilo, Honoka‘a, and Puakō. The Volcano Certified Redemption Center,
Wai‘ōhinu Certified Redemption Center, and Ocean View Certified
Redemption Center were closed temporarily due to current volcano events.
L. RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH:
• The Recycling Section’s website, www.hawaiizerowaste.org, completed its
transition to a mobile-ready format with enhanced location features. The
Recycling Section is researching upgrades to the website to improve
functionality and customer experience.
• Information is continually updated on the site.
• The staff continues to give presentations to community organizations. The
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biggest event was the 30 Earth Day Fair at UH-Hilo on April 20, 2018, where
hundreds of students attended. The Recycling Section participated in the World
Ocean Day on June 8, 2018 by staffing an exhibit table.
M. TIRE RECOVERY/RECYCLING EDUCTION AND OUTREACH:
• The contractor has completed the third round one-year follow-up of tire
retailer/wholesaler education and site inspections, educating tire retailers/
wholesalers of their responsibility to charge a disposal fee for tires sold and to
accept used tires from customers when tires are being replaced. Two-year
follow-up site visits are planned for April 2019.
• The contractor completed an initial and second round of consumer education
(media release, radio, newspaper, social media, posters/flyers, etc.) during the
September through December 2017 period, encouraging consumers to leave
used tires at the retailer when purchasing new ones, as customers already paid
the mandatory fee for disposal.
• More information is at: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/tires/
6. DERELICT AND ABANDONED VEHICLE (DAV) PROGRAM
• Bids were opened for the vehicle disposal contracts. Hilo Impound Lot was awarded
to HMP, Inc., dba Business Services Hawaiʻi; the Notice to Proceed issued on
February 22, 2018. Kona and Puʻuanahulu Impound Lots were awarded to Big Island
Scrap Metal; the Notice to Proceed issued on March 19, 2018.
• DAV coordinators continue to meet with the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Traffic
Services Section, to explore ways of improving the tagging and removal of abandoned
vehicles.
• Notice to Proceed was issued for Zone 1, option one, for Ken’s Towing Service.
• An auction for abandoned vehicles was held in May.
- Total cars auctioned: 53
- Total cars sold: 23
- Total sales: $8,357.00
- Cost savings: 23 cars x $675 = $15,525 (this is what it would have cost the County if
we had to dispose of them).
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• 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 29 52
January 45 59
February 33 40
March 40 45
April 17 48
May 33 60
June 14 56
The total tow requests sent for the month of June 2018 was 70; however, 2 were not on
location at the time of arrival.
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 1,353.19 0.00
Jan 2018 1,456.82 0.00
Feb 2018 1,239.54 0.00
Mar 2018 1,964.27 0.00
Apr 2018 2,182.72 0.00
May 2018 1,824.06 0.00
Jun 2018 1,513.89 0.00
Totals 18,035.01 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
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.
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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 6,906.55 10,988.65
Jan 2018 6,510.36 10,134.36
Feb 2018 5,730.29 9,517.57
Mar 2018 6,702.33 11,387.65
Apr 2018 5,933.86 15,030.98
May 2018 6,028.33 17,994.44
Jun 2018 6,485.06 17,307.18
Totals 75,342.84 148,853.31
9. MONTHLY TRANSFER STATION TONNAGES (FY 17-18)
Month/Year SHSL WHSL
Jul 2017 3,357.02 4,056.71
Aug 2017 3,113.68 3,988.31
Sept 2017 2,892.40 3,552.44
Oct 2017 3,192.04 3,955.99
Nov 2017 3,039.79 3,858.62
Dec 2017 3,499.18 3,787.83
Jan 2018 3,285.95 3,941.45
Feb 2018 2,887.68 3,535.49
Mar 2018 3,402.34 3,303.25
Apr 2018 3,317.87 3,860.52
May 2018 3,290.21 4,433.55
Jun 2018 3,535.34 4,084.54
Totals 37,033.34 46,358.70
The above table is to include data on the waste disposed of in the landfill (not the
greenwaste or recycling data).
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10. SOLID WASTE RECYCLE SUMMARY (FY 2017)
DESCRIPTION E. HI W. HI
Volume (tons) Volume (tons)
LANDFILL
1) Commercial 36,291.32 76,892.39
2) County Solid Waste Division 35,956.09 46,022.64
Total Landfill 72,247.41 122,915.03
RECYCLING/DIVERSION
1) Greenwaste 11,247.50 29,217.26
2) Metal/Automobiles 4,566.93 3,603.98
3) Tires 207.97 145.20
4) Paper 1,778.13 1,467.25
5) Plastics (#1, #2, #4 & #5) -- --
6) Glass* 306.16 420.44
7) Mixed Recyclables*** 2,359.57 1,801.68
8) Special Diversion Programs
a) Reuse Exchange/Recycling Centers 204.70 145.36
b) Household Hazardous Waste 25.80 26.80
c) Used Motor Oil Program** 29.75 34.38
d) E-Waste 161.94 73.02
e) BCDP Redemptions 2,956.21 3,115.13
Total Recycling/Diversion 23,844.66 40,050.50
Total Landfill + Recycling/Diversion 96,092.07 162,965.53
Total Recycling/Diversion County of Hawaiʻi 63,895.16
Total Landfill County of Hawaiʻi 195,162.44
Total Landfill + Recycling/Diversion County of 259,057.60
Hawaiʻi
County Diversion Rate 24.7%
*State funded program managed by the County. Current grant is $101,500.
**County funded program managed by the County. Includes HHWCE UMO weights.
***Mixed Recyclables may include plastics #1, #2, and #5, miscellaneous ferrous and non-ferrous metals,
all paper fibers.
WASTEWATER DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. COMPLIANCE
• TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL: No report.
• COLLECTION SYSTEM: No report.
2. OPERATIONS
A. TREATMENT/COLLECTION SYSTEMS AND PUMPING STATIONS/
FORCE MAINS:
• Unscheduled repairs/upgrades/replacement of failing equipment due to age and
prolonged wear and tear continue where necessary throughout the wastewater
facilities.
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B. SAFETY PRACTICES/TRAINING:
• WWD Administration continues to review and update the Emergency
Response Procedures and the Standard Safety Procedures. Reviewing and
updating weekly safety meeting agendas.
3. ADMINISTRATION
A. VACANT POSITIONS IN OPERATIONS:
• Trades Helper (temporary, Hilo – 2 positions): recruitment in progress.
• Operator II (Hilo): requesting reallocation to Operator IV.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor IV (Hilo): recruitment in progress.
• Assistant Operator (Hilo – 3 positions): recruitment in progress.
• Assistant Operator (Kona – 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor III (Kona): recruitment in progress.
B. VACANT POSITIONS AT RAILROAD OFFICE:
• Engineering Support Tech IV: recruitment in progress.
• Civil Engineer IV: position has been offered and accepted; start date is
8/16/18.
• Engineering Student: requesting reallocation to Env. Eng. III.
• Student Helper I: requesting reallocation to Env. Eng. III.
4. WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
A. NĀ‘ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
• Alternative potential sites are being investigated.
• Public outreach meetings will be scheduled for October
• The State Environmental Assessment process is to be completed prior to
purchase of land for the treatment/disposal facility.
• 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:
• Public outreach meetings will be scheduled for September.
• As a result of EPA funding for this project, the NEPA process in addition to the
State EA process are required. Both processes are to be completed prior to
selection of land for the treatment/disposal facility.
- The WWD has been teleconferencing with the EPA and their consultants on a
bi-weekly basis to ensure all items in the NEPA process are completed.
• 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.
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C. NORTH KONA SEWER AND EFFLUENT REUSE UPGRADE:
• The fully executed MOU has been received by DEM. Final walk through
scheduled for July 17, 2018.
• The State DOT began the overall project construction in September 2015.
Currently, the anticipated completion date is August 2018.
• The project is funded by Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) monies.
D. LONO KONA SEWER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT:
• Project re-bid opening took place on 3/29/18. The County is securing USDA
concurrence on the contract awardee in accordance with the terms of their
Letter of Conditions associated with the USDA funding.
• Loan closing is in progress. Construction NTP is estimated to be issued
July/August 2018.
• The USDA Rural Development has obligated loan and grant funds of
$2,437,000 and $4,024,800 respectively to this project. Low construction bid
received was $8,531,814.43.
E. KEALAKEHE AERATION UPGRADE AND SLUDGE REMOVAL:
• Final approval of the project will be issued pending the submittal of all close-
out documents.
• With respect to the Endangered Species Act for Hawaiian Stilts and Coots, the
County has executed a contract with Hoʻomaluo LLC to continue the predator
control and bird monitoring of endangered bird species.
• The project is funded by CWSRF monies which is being increased from $18
million to $23 million.
F. KEALAKEHE WWTP EFFLUENT R-1 UPGRADE:
• 60% plans to be submitted September 27, 2018.
• The environmental process for the R-1 system is ongoing. A draft EIS is
anticipated to be published in August 2018 followed by a 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. NORTH KONA SEWER PUMP STATION
• This new sewer pump station will be located on the mauka side of Queen
Kaʻahamanu Highway. It is to receive wastewater from a portion of the area
below Ane Keohokalole Highway between Hina Lani Street and Kealakehe
Parkway. The wastewater will be pumped to the Kealakehe WWTP via new
forcemains tentatively scheduled to be installed by mid-2020.
• The pre-design phase, including the archaeological and permitting
assessments, has begun. The Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) is in
process, and once the design concept is determined, a follow-up meeting will
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be scheduled with Hawaiian cultural groups and archaeologists to discuss
impacts to the Māmalahoa Trail.
H. 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: All work should be
complete by the end of July 2018.
• ZOM Dilution and Assimilative Capacity Study: Field work for the Dilution
and Assimilative Capacity Study for the Pāpa‘ikou and Kula‘imano WWTPs
has been completed and a report is forthcoming.
I. 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
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.
• Progress on the 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 on hold due to the Office of Housing and Community
Development’s notification to the Department that they are working with a
consultant to assess the condition of the treatment plant.
• The State DOH is being kept apprised of the progress.
J. SEWER RATE STUDY UPDATE:
• Work on the Sewer Rate Study continues. DEM is currently working with the
consultant on finalizing the rate study.
K. 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.
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L. FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN/ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
• Field work continues July 31 through August 3 to finish the asset data collection and
evaluation for East Hawaii facilities. Field work for West Hawaii facilities is
complete. There will also be a site visit the week of July 23, 2018 by the PG
Environmental team to evaluate current and possible future energy conservation
efforts for the wastewater facilities.
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