Posted on: Thursday, March 11, 2004

HECO reports inquiry into acid leak

Advertiser Staff

The Environmental Protection Agency and state Department of Health are investigating the alleged improper transport, treatment and disposal of hydrochloric acid by a Hawaiian Electric Co. contractor, according to a HECO financial report.

The company yesterday said the incident occurred last September at its Waiau Generating Station in relation to preparations for then-approaching Hurricane Jimena, which threatened the Islands over Labor Day Weekend.

A leak was found in the inner barrier of a double-walled container of acid, which is used to retard marine growth in power plant condensers. The internal leak could not be repaired by a contractor in time, and the contractor hired another firm to remove the container as a precaution, the company said.

"There was no release of anything," said HECO spokesman Chuck Freedman. "They didn't get the appropriate government agency approvals."

HECO said it has responded to the Health Department's inquiry and is awaiting a decision about any possible enforcement action.

The company said it does not anticipate enforcement action from the EPA.