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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-23 EMC Meeting Agenda and Director's Informational Report ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI MEETING AGENDA MEETING DATE: January 23, 2019 (Wednesday) A. TIME: 9:00 a.m. (Regular Meeting) PLACE: Aging and Disability Resource Center 1055 Kinoʻole Street, Suite 101 Training Room Hilo, Hawaiʻi B. TIME: 11:30 a.m. – time approximate (Site Visit) PLACE: Pāpaʽikou Transfer Station 27-215 Old Māmalahoa Highway Pāpaʽikou, Hawaiʻi 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 28, 2018 3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Chair’s update on Water Sustainability Policy White Paper and plans. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Informational discussion on the State’s Water Reuse Task Force Report. (1) Director’s introduction to the report (2) Commission’s input b. Discussion on Bill 210, which proposes to increase wastewater service charge rates to cover the costs of providing the services. The County Council wants the Commission to discuss alternative funding options other than sewer user fees and comment on the fee schedule options of 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. A recommendation to Council is also requested for these options. The Commission can also propose alternative to these scenarios. 6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE a. Chair’s Report. (1) The Commission’s work (a) our “business” (b) the importance of the agenda (c) the meeting schedule (2) Environmental reports to the Office of Environmental Quality Control (3) Public testimony recommendations (4) Standing subcommittee’s recommendation (5) Commissioner recruitment recommendations b. 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 Bill 192 (Draft 2) regarding a comprehensive environmental quality control program to assess and address current and potential negative environmental or human impacts at county facilities on county-owned properties under the control of the Department of Environmental Management. The b ill was forwarded on January 8, 2019, from the Committee on Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management to the full Council with a negative recommendation (0 ayes, 9 noes). (2) Status of Bill 210, which proposes to increase wastewater water service charge rates to cover the costs of providing the services. The bill was forwarded on January 9, 2019, from the Finance Committee to the full Council with a positive recommendation (9 ayes, 0 noes). (3) Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāāʻlehu Wastewater Treatment Plants. As the County of Hawaiʻi is being sued (Sandra L. Demoruelle v. Dora Beck et al., Civil No. 18-1-00206), discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects ʻ will be limited. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioners can suggest items they would like placed on the next agenda. 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2019, at the West Hawaiʻi Community Center at 75-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building G. 9. ADJOURNMENT 2 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 ?ive 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 Of?ice of the County Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720. 3 DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION JANUARY 23, 2019 CURRENT LEGISLATION ITEM DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS Bill 192 Bill 192 seeks to amend Chapter 2, 01/08/19: Hearing before Article 40, Section 2-202, and Chapter 14 the Committee on of the Hawaiʻi County Code by Agriculture, Water, Energy establishing an Environmental Quality & Environmental Control program to mitigate nuisance Management. Bill was forwarded to Council factors at County facilities managed by with a negative DEM, such as improperly handled refuse recommendation (0 ayes, and wastewater, feral cats, dogs, and 9 noes). other animals abandoned or released at DEM facilities. Bill 210 Bill 210 proposes to increase wastewater 01/09/19: Hearing before service charge rates to cover the costs of the Finance Committee. Bill was forwarded to providing the services. The increases will Council with a positive reduce the Wastewater Division’s recommendation (9 ayes, 0 dependence on the General Fund and noes). EMC’s input was provide for improved maintenance and requested on alternative repair of the facilities. funding options. DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL UPDATES 1. Status of Bill 192 (Draft 2) regarding a comprehensive environmental quality control program to assess and address current and potential negative environmental or human impacts at county facilities on county-owned properties under the control of the Department of Environmental Management. (See Current Legislation above.) 2. Status of Bill 210, which proposes to increase wastewater service charge rates to cover the costs of providing the services. (See Current Legislation above). 3. Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāālehu Wastewater Treatment Plants. As the ʻ County of Hawaiʻi is being sued (Sandra L. Demoruelle v. Dora Beck et al., Civil No. 18-1- 00206), discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects will be limited.ʻ 1 SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES 1. OPERATIONS A. WEST HAWAI‘I SANITARY LANDFILL: Waste Management Hawaiʻi (WMH) installed the liner system for cell 12. It is expected the installation will be completed and ready for use by the end of January. B. EQUIPMENT SWD took delivery of new equipment in December, including a new bulldozer for the WHSL. 2. ADMINISTRATION • SWD conducted interviews for several vacant EO III and SWFA positions. Offers are currently being made to the selected candidates. • A meeting was held at the Waimea Community Center to communicate with the users of the WHSL. Topics discussed were the changes in the Notice of Authorization process, liquids restrictions at the landfill, dumpsters on the side of the highway and permits. Another meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2019, at the Waimea Community Center to discuss additional landfill related items. • SWD has scheduled a meeting for January 22, 2019, at the Aupuni Center Conference Room to discuss the effects the new East Hawaiʻi Sort Sta?on guidelines will have on the users of the facility. SWD plans to have additional informational meetings in the upcoming months so as to provide accurate information to the users of the Sort Station. • SWD is holding a public information meeting in conjunction with Councilwoman Maile David to discuss the operating days for the Pāhala Transfer Station. This meeting is scheduled for January 29, 2019, in the Pāhala Community Center. 3. SOLID WASTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS • The Environmental Assessment for the upcoming East Hawaiʻi Organics Facility sited at the Shipman Business Park in Keaʻau has been completed, and a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) was reached. • The contract for the Waiohinu Transfer Station work has been signed. Design work will begin in the next month for this project. • The contract has been signed for construction of a new transfer station in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. The contractor is expected to begin work in the State Highway right-of-way in the next month. • A pre-bid meeting was held for the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill closure project on November 27, 2018. The deadline for questions to be submitted on this project was January 10, 2019. Bids open for this project on January 24, 2019. 2 4. RECYCLING SECTION A. ORGANICS DIVERSION PROGRAM: The Amended and Restated Service Agreement for greenwaste and composting services was approved and accepted by both Hawaiian Earth Recycling and the County during September 2018. B. INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE: The 2019 update of the County of Hawaiʻi Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP) will be prepared in compliance with Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 342G, which requires counties in the state 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 has been meeting monthly. Input from 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. C. TRANSFER STATION RECYCLABLES (“TWO-BIN”) COLLECTION AND RECYCLING: The current contract will end on September 30, 2019. Starting December 1, 2018, a new acceptable list of recyclables was implemented. Only plastic bottles, jugs and jars with resin codes #1 and #2 are acceptable. All #5 plastics and all plastic covers/lids/caps are no longer acceptable due to changing worldwide market conditions. A recycling program education and outreach campaign is being developed. The campaign will include new flyers and pamphlets along with radio, TV and newspaper ads to educate the public on what is and is not recyclable and discourage contamination. In addition, new bin signage was finalized and is ready for production. 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. SWD is working with the vendor to repair ramps. 3 D. DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING: • Forms B-202 and the ERC were completed on January 3, 2019, to have available funds transferred for the purchase of UMO containment units to replace damaged units and to add one new UMO site. • IFB 3725 was awarded to Hawai‘i Petroleum and expires on August 31, 2019. The NTP was issued on September 24, 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 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, Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Kealakehe, Keauhou, Waimea, and Wai‘ōhinu. F. ELECTRONICS RECYCLING: • The IFB 3514 contract with 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. • 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 this convenience on O‘ahu to comply with the Electronic Waste and Television Recycling & Recovery Act mandatory take-back provisions. A stronger EPR law requiring convenient on-island manufacturer sponsored take-back should be considered. The DOH awarded the County grant funding in FY2019, partially reimbursing SWD electronics recycling expenditures. 4 G. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW): • The next HHW Collection Events are scheduled for March 2, 2019, in Waimea and March 3, 2019, in Pāhoa. More information is available at http://www.hazardouswaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/. • December 2018 events were very successful with increased turnout. 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 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. 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 are 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) • On October 26, 2018, the State Department of Health made a determination on plastic bottles caps. The public now needs to remove the caps on the bottles if redeeming by weight. This is pursuant to Hawaiʻi Administra?ve 5 Rules § 11-282-61, wherein caps should not be included when redeeming by weight. • On December 21, 2018, the State Department of Health approved the ad that the County will run in the newspapers to educate the public of the No Caps change: 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. • Staff continues to give presentations to community organizations. The st biggest event will be the 31 Earth Day Fair at UH-Hilo in April 2019, where hundreds of students will be attending. • Out of the Sea Media Arts received a contract as a result of professional services procurement for Recycling Education Program Development services. The contractor is developing various education campaigns for UMO, the Polystyrene Food Service Ware ban, and a general update to recycling. M. TIRE RECOVERY/RECYCLING EDUCTION AND OUTREACH: • The contractor 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 6 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/ 5. DERELICT AND ABANDONED VEHICLE (DAV) PROGRAM • Towing and Vehicle Disposal Contracts are in place island-wide. ᵒ Zone 1 Towing (N. & S. Hilo, Puna, and parts of Kaū): Ken’s Towingʻ ᵒ Zone 2 Towing (N. & S. Kona and parts of Kaū): Diamond Auto Workzʻ ᵒ Zone 3 Towing (N. & S. Kohala and Hāmākua): Diamond Auto Workz ᵒ Hilo Vehicle Disposal: HMP dba Business Services Hawai‘i ᵒ Kona Vehicle Disposal: Big Island Scrap Metal ᵒ Pu‘uanahulu (W. Hawaiʻi) Vehicle Disposal: Big Island Scrap Metal • 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. • An auction for abandoned vehicles was held in December. ᵒ Total cars auctioned: 47 ᵒ Total cars sold: 27 ᵒ Total sales: $19,767 ᵒ Cost savings: 27 cars x $675 = $18,225 (this is what it would have cost the County if we had to dispose of them). • Monthly towing numbers: AV Towing 2018-19 Hilo W. Hawai‘i July 2018 23 58 Aug 2018 31 61 Sept 2018 89 61 Oct 2018 71 45 Nov 2018 60 58 Dec 2018 46 58 Jan 2019 Feb 2019 Mar 2019 Apr 2019 May 2019 June 2019 July 2019 The total tow request sent for the months of November and December 2018 was 250; however, 28 vehicles were not on location at the time of arrival. 7 6. SORT STATION UPDATE (FY 18-19) Total Tons Taken Total Tons Month/Year to Sort Station Diverted Jul 2018 1,350.04 0.00 Aug 2018 1,895.74 0.00 Sept 2018 1,167.65 0.00 Oct 2018 1,982.18 0.00 Nov 2018 1,558.75 0.00 Dec 2018 1,277.18 0.00 Jan 2019 Feb 2019 Mar 2019 Apr 2019 May 2019 Jun 2019 Totals 9,231.54 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. 7. MONTHLY LANDFILL TONNAGES (FY 18-19) Month/Year SHSL WHSL Jul 2018 6,141.14 14,593.45 Aug 2018 6,411.82 13,824.53 Sept 2018 6,184.31 13,558.78 Oct 2018 6,335.40 12,149.22 Nov 2018 5,985.36 16,512.28 Dec 2018 6,399.42 11,499.00 Jan 2019 Feb 2019 Mar 2019 Apr 2019 May 2019 Jun 2019 Totals 37,457.45 82,137.26 8 8. MONTHLY TRANSFER STATION TONNAGES (FY 18-19) Month/Year SHSL WHSL Jul 2018 3,422.47 4,434.41 Aug 2018 3,448.69 4,206.27 Sept 2018 3,373.07 4,100.10 Oct 2018 3,342.37 4,252.90 Nov 2018 3,271.14 3,942.70 Dec 2018 3,548.18 3,924.22 Jan 2019 Feb 2019 Mar 2019 Apr 2019 May 2019 Jun 2019 Totals 20,405.92 24,860.60 The above table is to include data on the waste disposed of in the landfill (not the greenwaste or recycling data). WASTEWATER DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES 1. COMPLIANCE • TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL: Kulaimano WWTP experienced a bypass on 12/28/18 that resulted in the discharge of approximately 66,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater through the outfall to the Pacific Ocean. The bypass was due to malfunctioning equipment used in the disinfection process. The disinfection process was restored on 12/29/18. • 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. B. SAFETY PRACTICES/TRAINING: • WWD Administration continues to review and update the Emergency Response Procedures and the Standard Safety Procedures and the weekly safety meeting agendas. 9 3. ADMINISTRATION A. VACANT POSITIONS IN OPERATIONS: • Temporary Trades Helper (Kona – 2 positions): recruitment in progress • Temporary Sewer Maintenance Repairer (Kona – 1 position): recruitment in progress • Operator I (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress. • Operator II (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress. • Operator IV (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress. • Superintendent of Operations (Hilo): recruitment in progress B. VACANT POSITIONS AT RAILROAD OFFICE: • Wastewater Deputy Division Chief: recruitment in progress. 4. WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS A. NĀ‘ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT: • October 25, 2018: Final Preliminary Engineering Report for the treatment plant was submitted to EPA and also made available for public viewing. Report includes listing of alternative potential sites that were investigated. • Public outreach meetings are to be scheduled after completion of the comment period for the Pāhala Draft EA. • The State EA 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 planned for funding with Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) monies. B. PĀHALA LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT: • 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 draft EA was submitted to OEQC on 9/12/18 for publication on 9/23/18. • The draft EA was re-submitted (unchanged) on 10/26/18 for publication on 11/8/18 in order to extend the comment period to 12/10/18 in response to public request during the initial comment period. • 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 planned for funding with Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) monies and partially by a federal EPA grant. 10 C. LONO KONA SEWER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT: • Construction Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued on 12/20/18. • Project is scheduled to be substantially complete by 9/6/19. • USDA Rural Development has obligated loan and grant funds of $2,437,000 and $4,024,800 respectively to this project. DEM is working with USDA to finalize a Subsequent Loan of $3,699,000 and Subsequent Grant of $1,071,000. Low construction bid received was $8,531,814.43. D. KEALAKEHE AERATION UPGRADE AND SLUDGE REMOVAL: • Final approval of the project will be issued pending the review and acceptance of all close-out documents. • Final invoice from the contractor was received on 1/3/19 and is being reviewed by WWD. • The final change order is being processed. • The project is funded by CWSRF monies. E. KEALAKEHE WWTP EFFLUENT R-1 UPGRADE: • The environmental process for the R-1 system is ongoing. A draft EIS is anticipated to be published in January 2019 followed by a 45-day comment period. • 90% plans are to be submitted to the WWD by 4/19/19. • 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). • 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. F. 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 por?on 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. The new sewer pump station is scheduled to be complete July 2022. • The pre-design phase, including the archaeological and permitting assessments, has begun. The Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) is in process and will be submitted to WWD by 3/22/19. Once the design concept is determined, a follow-up meeting will be scheduled with Hawaiian cultural groups and archaeologists to discuss impacts to the Māmalahoa Trail. 11 G. WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECTS: • Pua Sewage Pump Station (SPS) Upgrade: Design items for additional upgrades needed besides pump replacement at the Pua SPS is being worked into the contract. 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. • ZOM Dilution and Assimilative Capacity Study: The Pāpa‘ikou Study was finalized on 11/28/18 and submitted with the NPDES permit renewal for the facility on 11/29/18. The Kulaʻimano draft study was submitted on 11/1/18. The Hilo draft study will be finalized for submittal with the NPDES permit renewal that is due 3/19/19. H. ULU WINI WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: • 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 being considered is to install a gravity sewer line in Hina Lani Street that connects to the existing dry sewer in Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway as part of the North Kona Sewer Pump Station project. The Ulu Wini Housing community would connect to the gravity line and the existing Kaloko WWTP would be decommissioned. • 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 12 current and refer accounts to the Office of the Corporation Counsel to pursue judgments when necessary. K. FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN/ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM • PG Environmental has completed the data collection for all of the critical assets. The next deliverable will be the Draft Condition Based Assessment due in February 2018. 13