EPA v. County of Hawaii Communities of Pahala and Naahelu

Case summary

An amendment was signed in FY24 for Closure of Cesspools in Pahala and Na'alehu; Administrative Order on Consent with the County of Hawaii. Under the terms of the revised Order, EPA approved the County additional time to solicit public input and evaluate the feasibility of wastewater treatment options that would protect surface water and underground sources of drinking water. Examples of these treatment options include decentralized wastewater systems (e.g. septic systems) or pre-manufactured wastewater treatment facilities (e.g. package plants). Based on the initial feasibility scoping, the County will be required to conduct an environmental review, solicit feedback from the public on wastewater treatment options, and select a preferred option. The requirements of the revised Order are consistent with the requirements of the State Environmental Review Process. The revised Order requires the County to close the two LCCs serving the community of Pāhala by July 21, 2026, and the three LCCs serving the community of Na alehu by December 31, 2027.

Defendants (1)

• County of HawaiiNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• COUNTY OF HAWAII COMMUNITY OF PAHALA *

  108 RAILROAD AVE, HILO, HI, 96720

  Registry ID: 110069491712

• COMMUNITY OF NAAHELU, COUNTY OF HAWAII

  108 RAILROAD AVE, HILO, HI, 96720

  Registry ID: 110070082952

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1422/1423 — UIC Regulations Classes I - V
• SDWA 1421 — UIC Regulations

Enforcement conclusions (5)

• County of Hawaii Communities of Pahala and Naaheluentered 2022-08-22

  Primary law: SDWA

• County of Hawaii Communities of Pahala and Naaheluentered 2019-09-09

  Primary law: SDWA

• County of Hawaii Communities of Pahala and Naaheluentered 2024-02-14

  Primary law: SDWA

• County of Hawaii Communities of Pahala and Naaheluentered 2017-06-22

  Primary law: SDWA

• County of Hawaii Communities of Pahala and Naaheluentered 2019-05-24

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2017-07-07Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2024-02-14Final Order Issued
• 2024-02-14Enforcement Action Closed