Posted at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2007
Hawaii towing facility cited for solid-waste violations
Advertiser Staff
Vern's Towing II was cited by the state Department of Health for storing too many vehicles at its Hilo facility, which is a violation of its solid-waste management permit.The state Health Department issued a warning letter to the facility in April 2007 and said Vern's failed to comply with the warning letter. In July 2007, Vern's had even more vehicles on its site, officials said.
Then the state imposed a penalty of $1,287 and ordered Vern's to take corrective action. The penalty takes into account the extent of deviation from the law and the potential for harm. Although the manner in which the waste vehicles are currently stored at the site poses a relatively low likelihood of exposure to solid waste or related contaminants to humans or the environment, the number of vehicles stored there exceeds permit requirements creating a potential risk.
Vern's may request a hearing to contest the allegations or order.
The Health Department's Solid Waste Section regulates standards governing the design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of solid-waste disposal, recycling, reclamation and transfer systems.
Such standards are intended to: prevent pollution of the drinking water supply or waters of the state; prevent air pollution; prevent the spread of disease and the creation of nuisances; protect the public health and safety; conserve natural resources; and preserve and enhance the beauty and quality of the environment.
