MECO Cited For Air Permit Violations

By Wendy Osher

Maui Electric Company offices in Kahului. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui Electric Company, Ltd., was among five businesses in the state that were cited recently for air permit violations.

The state Department of Health (DOH) Clean Air Branch has issued Notices of Violations and Orders against Covanta Honolulu Resource Recovery Venture, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., American Hauling, LLC, Maui Electric Company, Ltd., and B.J. Ree’s Enterprise.

The violations were either self-reported or discovered during an annual inspection.  Three of the companies cited have already paid monetary fines for their violations.

Maui Electric Company was cited for exceeding its 20% or 60% opacity limit during various times from June 2010 to January 2011 at the generating units located at the Maalaea Generating Station on North Kihei Road.  The violations at generator units M14, M16, M17 and M19 were self-reported and a penalty of $22,500.00 was imposed for the violations.

The DOH Clean Air Branch monitors air quality and regulates businesses that release pollutants into the air.   Through the permit process, the DOH ensures companies comply with state and federal emission standards to minimize air pollution impacts on the public.