#clean water act
Maui Water Department begins initial planning for West Maui desalination plant
The Maui County Department of Water Supply is taking the first steps toward developing its first publicly owned desalination facility in West Maui. The project would extend the arid region’s water resources beyond current ground and surface water limitations that currently force the department to cope with a Stage 2 water shortage. With a desalination […]
In coordination with EPA, Aloha Petroleum completes improvements to oil facility in Kahului
The US Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Aloha Petroleum LLC over Clean Water Act violations at its oil storage and distribution facility in Kahului, according to a news release by EPA on Wednesday. Under the proposed settlement, Aloha Petroleum will pay a $103,377 civil penalty.
EPA addresses pollution violations involving wastewater treatment plants on Hawaiʻi Island
Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency entered into an Administrative Order on Consent with the County of Hawai’i to ensure pollution discharge requirements are met at the Hilo, Pāpa‘ikou, and Kula‘imano Wastewater Treatment Plants in accordance with the Clean Water Act. The three plants are located on Hawai‘i Island.
Film documents environmentalists’ crusade to halt sewage disposal into Maui waters
Filmmaker Alli Waters tells the story about the successful US Supreme Court fight to force Maui County to stop polluting nearshore waters by disposing of treated sewage through injection wells.
Hawaii Wildlife Fund reviews successes, looks forward to future challenges
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund co-founder Hannah Bernard is happy with the successes of her groups on Maui and Hawaiʻi islands, including the scores of volunteers who help to clean up marine debris. The nonprofit educational organization is part of a broad movement to protect endangered species, such as the Hawksbill and green sea turtle, and to take measures to maintain clean coastal waters. Maui Now writer Gary Kubota talks to Bernard about Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund’s successes and future challenges in this People of Maui series.
Maui Councilmember King proposes funding for wastewater solution in Māʻalaea
If approved, the proposed funding of up to $9.5 million will be used to construct a wastewater treatment facility for the Māʻalaea community which Councilmember King said currently relies on 24 outdated injection wells.
Maui County Won’t Appeal Decision on Operation of Lahaina Wastewater Facility
The County of Maui today announced it has come to a resolution on the Hawaiʻi Wildlife lawsuit involving operation of the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. County officials say they will not appeal Judge Susan Oki Mollway’s decision.
Council Chair Lee: Seeks Unity as Injection Well Case Proceeds Through Courts
“Maui County is making investments to make its wastewater system more efficient and environmentally friendly, and that effort will continue regardless of the outcome in any court case,” Council Chair Alice L. Lee said today.
Hawai‘i Federal Court Decides Maui’s Lahaina Facility Requires Clean Water Act Permit
One day after federal Judge Susan Oki Mollway issued an order requiring Maui County to get discharge permits for Lahaina injection wells under the Clean Water Act, Councilmember Kelly Takaya King said today she urges Mayor Michael P. Victorino to not appeal the decision.
EPA: Pearl Harbor water plant “exceeds discharge limits” under Clean Water Act
The plant treats domestic and industrial wastewater from the Navy’s Pearl Harbor facilities and has exceeded its discharge limits to the Pacific Ocean under the Clean Water Act.
EPA Requires Lanai Oil Co. To Protect Hawaiian Waterways from Oil Spills in Proposed Settlement
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a proposed settlement with Lanai Oil Company, Inc. for Clean Water Act violations at its facility on Lanaʻi Island. Under the agreement, Lanai Oil is required to pay a penalty of $71,166.
EPA: Waters Around Two Hawai‘i Beaches Impaired by Plastic Pollution
The US Environmental Protection Agency has found the waters around two Hawaiʻi beaches to be impaired by plastic pollution and ordered state officials to take corrective actions under the Clean Water Act.
Lawsuit Prompts Review of Plastic Pollution on Hawaiʻi Beaches
Responding to a lawsuit from environmental groups, the Trump administration has ordered Hawaiʻi officials to examine the impact of plastic pollution on its waters, beaches and wildlife.
Mayor’s Statement on Lahaina Injection Well US Supreme Court Oral Arguments
Oral arguments were heard today before the US Supreme Court in a case involving Maui County’s Lahaina injection wells and the interpretation of the Clean Water Act.
Maui Clean Water Case Heads to US Supreme Court This Week
The US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week in the clean water case involving Maui County’s injection wells.
Lawsuit Launched Over “Failure to Recognize Plastic Pollution” in Hawaiian Waters
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal notice today of its intent to sue the Environmental Protection Agency for allegedly “failing to protect Hawaiian waters contaminated by plastic pollution.”
Committee Votes in Favor of Settling Lahaina Injection Wells Case
Late Friday night, a majority of the Maui County Council voted in favor of a settlement to withdraw the county’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the federal Clean Water Act’s protections against ocean pollution from the county’s Lahaina wastewater plant.
Mayor Responds to Committee Vote on Lahaina Injection Well Case
Mayor Michael Victorino expressed disappointment in a County Council committeeʻs decision to settle the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility injection well case.
Committee Votes to Settle Lahaina Injection Well Case
On Friday night, a Maui County Council committee agreed to settle the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility injection well case.
Lahaina Injection Well Case Impacts Explored
An email communication from the EPA addresses the impact of the expansion of the federal Clean Water Act on Maui County and possibly on “commonplace and ubiquitous activities such as backyard septic systems.”
