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September 16, 2003
HONOLULU - The State Department of Health (DOH), Clean Water Branch,
has issued a Notice and Finding of Violation and Order (NFVO) to
Oceanic Institute for violations of state water pollution control
law.
The NFVO alleges that the research institute is discharging
aquaculture pond overflow water, containing marine life wastes, into
the ocean at Makapu'u without a permit. The NFVO imposes a schedule for
constructing and using disposal wells to end the discharge into the
ocean. It also requires monitoring of the effluent, the receiving
waters, and sea life in the area, as well as requiring notices to be
posted informing the public as to the source and nature of the
effluent.
"We want the public to know that what appears to be a natural stream
to the beach, is not one," said Laurence K. Lau, Deputy Director of
Environmental Health. "While our investigation so far has not shown any
public health threat from the pond overflow, the department is
requiring continued monitoring as a precaution."
The timeline for compliance with the order requires Oceanic to
complete injection wells and cease the flow of effluent by September
30, 2004. A fine of $100 per day will be assessed if the deadline is
not met.
The institute is being allowed time to resolve this matter, in part,
because of a 1972 letter from DOH that excused Oceanic from needing a
permit to release water into the ocean. Upon investigation and
reevaluation of the site earlier this year, due to public concern, DOH
concluded that a violation was occurring and correction is needed.
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For more information, contact:
Janice Okubo
Communications Director
Phone: (808) 586-4442
E-mail: jsokubo@mail.health.state.hi.us
Laura M. Lott
Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
E-mail: lmlott@mail.health.state.hi.us
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