(Media release) — At approximately 4 p.m. on March 13, Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), tripped off line and experienced a steam release. The steam was released through the plant’s Emergency Steam Release System, which abates hydrogen sulfide emissions.
Council Member Greggor Ilagan of District 4, went directly from Hilo’s County Council Meeting to the PGV site in Puna Wednesday afternoon. Ilagan discussed the plant’s steam release with staff of PGV, which included Operation Manager, William E. Wiebe, and Plant Manager Cliff Townsend.
“Everyone worked together quickly and effectively. PGV’s safety mechanisms were put into action immediately, the public was notified, and the appropriate authorities took action. I feel it’s better to be overly cautious than unprepared” said Council Member Ilagan.
PGV staff monitored the facility and surrounding area throughout the late afternoon and into the evening. The Fire Department’s personnel also assisted in these efforts. “Everything went well…precautionary procedures were implemented early on. The community did a great job. Those that were concerned chose to leave and seek information,” said Darryl Oliveira, Director of Civil Defense.
The Pahoa Community Center, with direction from the Department of Parks and Recreation, opened their doors for those who preferred to remain outside of the area. According to Ken Nagasawa, Director of the Pahoa Community Center, “just one” couple arrived in the evening after the center had been notified to “stand down,” at approximately 6:45 p.m.
The Hawaiian Electric Light Company (HELCO), released a statement at 6:45 p.m. on March 13, which explained that power to 20,095 customers in the Waikoloa, Waika, Kailua, Kaloko, Captain Cook, Kuakini, Waiakea Uka and lower Puna, which included the PGV plant, was interrupted when HELCO’s transmission line tripped open. The PGV plant tripped off line following HELCO’s power interruption. HELCO continues to investigate the exact cause of the event
“I’d like to thank Civil Defense, Fire Department, Department of Parks and Recreation, and staff of the Pahoa Community Center for their swift execution of contingency plans.” Ilagan continued, “To the residents of Puna and Hawai’i County, thank you for maintaining calm with Aloha, during this event. Ilagan of District 4, is available at 965-2712, or via E-mail atgilagan@co.hawaii.hi.us.
(Submitted by Kristin Hashimoto.)
March 14th, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Well this is a good lesson in response. Glad to see there was prompt follow up. Glad Dominic Yagong saved some of the relocation funds Emily wanted to deplete completely. Had this been a real emergency the cupboard would not have been bare. Using the neighborhood center was a smart precaution.
March 15th, 2013 at 10:13 am
Hmmm, something smells fishy here, oh, I mean like rotten eggs…
Sorry Gregor, but by the time it takes to drive from Hilo to the PGV plant, people could be dead. By the time it takes the fire department to get there and assess the problem, people could be dead. What if they assess a grave danger, then they call who – hazmat, more fire department, the police? How long does it take them to respond? How much longer to go door-to-door? There was the distinct smell of hydrogen sulfide, and the hand-held monitors were reading “0″. I don’t trust them at all. There are only a couple monitors for the whole operation, I don’t trust them. Who called civil defense? Who notified all the residents?
The whole idea of switching to solar, wind and wave energy is to make localized grids, or individual homes self sufficient, so the power doesn’t “mysteriously trip off” for 20,095 customers in the Waikoloa, Waika, Kailua, Kaloko, Captain Cook, Kuakini, Waiakea Uka and lower Puna. And if there is a problem, you don’t get killed by the sun, wind or waves…
March 15th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Hopefully the HFD responded first. If not Gregor did the best he could under the circumstances. No one is happy with this mistake. The easy way would have been to just call HPD and say he gave directions. I realize the last time we had any concerns about PGV the Councilperson just took funds from the account. This left Puna with less options. A Hepa Filter, clean room with vinyl to seal the windows and Oxygen with a multi manifold mask system. These are still good ideas which will cost around a grand. We discussed the lack of monitors and placement at the same meeting. You are correct not to trust so few monitors and the placement.