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May 30, 2003
The Department of Health (DOH) has filed a Complaint and Order
against the City & County of Honolulu at the Waipahu Incinerator
and Ash Landfill for violations of the state’s solid and
hazardous waste rules.
On February 27, 2003, the DOH conducted an inspection at the Waipahu
Incinerator and Ash Landfill after receiving a complaint of illegal
solid and hazardous waste activities at the site such as stockpiling of
propane gas tanks, burial of white goods and construction and
demolition waste, and disposal of bricks from the incinerator into the
closed ash landfill. Since the initial site investigation, the DOH has
conducted a number of investigations and has continued to monitor the
City’s actions, including requiring the City to conduct sampling
of and to remove waste material.
Pursuant to inspections, visits and review of documentation, DOH
alleges the following violations:
- Improper Disposal of Solid Waste
- Operation of an Open Dump
- Failure to Make a Hazardous Waste Determination
- Storage of Hazardous Waste Without a Permit
- Disposal of Hazardous Waste Without a Permit
- Operation of an Unpermitted Solid Waste Management System
"Our policy is vigorous enforcement of existing pollution control
laws, and we act today to follow that policy. The number and length of
time of the City’s violations at the Waipahu Incinerator and Ash
Landfill compel us to assess substantial penalties and to order the
City to safely and properly manage hazardous and solid waste at the
site," said Larry Lau, Deputy Director for Environmental Health.
DOH has assessed a penalty of $542,459 and has ordered the City to
comply with state solid and hazardous waste rules.
ACCESS has developed several community partnerships in Oahu
including Aloha United Way (211), Warm Lines, etc.
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For more information, contact:
Janice Okubo
Communications Director
Phone: (808) 586-4442
E-mail: jsokubo@health.state.hi.us
Laura M. Lott
Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
E-mail: lmlott@health.state.hi.us
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