HONOLULU (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) has agreed to pay $76,500 and upgrade its facilities to comply with rules over allegations it was violating the Clean Air Act.
“The goal of EPA’s inspections is to protect the health and safety of the workers at the plant and the residents in the community,” Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest, said. “Our continued oversight will help ensure that it operates in a safe manner by complying with federal requirements.”
In August 2013, the EPA conducted a chemical facility inspection of the PGV site, finding that the company had allegedly failed to take necessary steps in preventing accidental releases of hydrogen sulfide into the environment. The company allegedly failed to test and inspect its equipment at the proper frequency to comply with manufacturer recommendations.
The EPA took action under the federal Clean Air Act’s Section 112(r) General Duty Clause and Risk Management Program requirements.
PGV must submit Risk Management Plan updates to the EPA and also submit regular air quality monitoring reports to the state of Hawaii’s Department of Health.