Institute to stop waste outfall at Makapu'u
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — On the same day that the state issued a violation to Oceanic Institute for discharging pond overflow water into the ocean at Makapu'u Point, the research facility announced that it would cease the practice.
The state Department of Health said yesterday it had determined that the research institute is discharging aquaculture pond overflow containing marine life wastes into the ocean at Makapu'u without a permit, said Laurence 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," Lau said. "We want the public to know that what appears to be a natural stream to the beach is not one."
The department called for the institute to construct disposal wells to end the discharge and monitor the effluent, the receiving waters and sea life in the area. The institute has one year to build the wells or face $100-a-day fine.
The DOH also ordered the institute to post signs about the water's source and nature.
Carroll Cox, president of the environmental watchdog group EnviroWatch Inc., who had brought the discharge to the attention of the DOH, said the state didn't go far enough to protect the public. People continue to play in the stream off Kaupo Beach where the water is being discharged.
Cox said he expected the facility to be fined and the water flow shut off immediately.
"This whole thing is a slap in the face because it's contaminated water," he said.
In a separate announcement yesterday, Oceanic Institute said it has submitted a plan to the DOH outlining the measures the facility will take to stop the runoff from its pond, including constructing four wells in which to channel the water.
"The Oceanic Institute holds it as its highest priority to operate its aquaculture research facilities in compliance with state and national regulations that ensure protection of the community, the institute's staff, its research animals and the environment," said Thomas E. Farewell, president and CEO of Oceanic Institute.
The institute has been operating its seawater disposal system in compliance with a letter issued in 1972 by the DOH, Farewell said.
In March the DOH rescinded that authorization, conducted a review of the institute's operations and provided the institute with suggested courses of action, he said.
The institute conducts research on the culture of marine shrimp and fish, obtaining seawater for research from a well on the coast near Makapu'u Point.
Seawater used for the study of indigenous animals is placed in a settling pond before being discharged into an ocean outfall at Kaupo Beach, Farewell said.
Seawater used for research of non-indigenous animals is treated and discharged into permitted dispersion wells, he said.
The institute also operates sanitary wastewater treatment systems.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
