Kauai company told to fix storm-water runoff
Advertiser Staff
The federal Environmental Protection Agency yesterday ordered Bali Hai Villas Ltd. to correct storm-water violations on Kaua'i at a construction project in Princeville.
The agency said the company failed to implement storm-water pollution controls outlined in its storm-water permit at the Princeville construction site, where new time-share units are being built.
"This company was previously cited for similar issues at the site and should have taken action to follow through with improved storm-water-management measures," said Alexis Strauss, Water Division director for the EPA's Pacific Southwest region.
"Storm-water discharges from construction projects must have pollution controls in place as erosion and sedimentation cause severe pollution problems for our coastal waters and coral reefs," she said.
In September, federal inspectors found the company had failed to install adequate control measures to prevent soil- and sediment-filled storm water from running off. Specifically, the inspectors cited deficiencies with the site's sediment trap, silt fences, litter control and other measures to control storm-water runoff.
The resort is operated by Wyndham Vacation Resorts. Company officials were not immediately available for comment.
The EPA order requires the company to install soil-stabilization and erosion and sediment controls at all locations of exposed soil and locations where storm-water runoff could leave the project site. The company also needs to repair its silt fence, protect soil stockpiles from runoff, provide a contained and lined concrete wash area, and clean up litter on the site.
Bali Hai needs to submit bi-monthly compliance reports to the EPA on its work, hire an independent inspector to conduct monthly storm-water inspections and submit reports to the EPA. If the company fails to comply with the order, it could face fines of up to $32,500 per day per violation.
In January 2004, EPA and Department of Health inspectors found similar violations at the site, and the company agreed to correct the violations and pay a fine of $15,000.
