Public Notification

Clean Air Branch has a web link to their public notices:

http://hawaii.gov/health/about/admin/health/environmental/air/cab/notices/notices_index.html

Here's an excerpt of the Application for the Covered Source Permit (clean air permit):



VII. After receipt of a complete application, the Director, in writing, shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny an application within eighteen months, except as provided in HAR §11-60.1-88 and (A) and (B) below.

A. Upon program approval, within nine months for an application containing an early reduction demonstration pursuant to section 112(i)(5) of the Clean Air Act.

B. Within twelve months for a new covered source or significant modification subject to the requirements of subchapter 7.

VIII. A Covered Source Permit application for a new covered source or a significant modification shall be approved only if the Director determines that the construction or operation of the new covered source or significant modification will be in compliance with all applicable requirements.

IX. The Director shall provide for public notice, including the method by which a public hearing can be requested, and an opportunity for public comment on the draft Covered Source Permit in accordance with HAR §11-60.1-99. Each notification shall also identify the intent to operate at various locations, and the estimated number of location changes for the proposed term of the Temporary Covered Source Permit.

Pepeekeo Power Plant permit documents

EPA database Permit 0229-01-C documents

Engineering Report 1999

Proposed Permit Details

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

Thanks to Patti & Bob Ferrazi for pointing us to greenhouse gas emissions. Check out the box on the right "Coal Plant Lawsuits" and you'll see some interesting rulings about coal plants in other states requiring a permit for co2 emissions. Does anyone know about Hawaii's plans to regulate these emissions? Can someone research?

Air Permit Status

Permit 0229-02-C is a Covered Source Permit, issued by the Clean Air Branch, State Dept of Health, transferred from Hilo Coast Power Company to Pacific Rim Energy Partners LLC on 7/19/2005; again transferred on 11/30/2007 to Ethanol Research Hawaii, LLC; and again transferred on 10/17/08 to Hu Honua LLC. The "covered source" is the Babcock & Wilcox steam boiler and diesel generator. The fuel covered is coal and diesel.

Any modification to the fuel type, including wood chips, requires a modification process with the Clean Air Branch. The process is a technical review against the federal and state emission guidelines. It is not a review of the merits of the project.

Process requires a 30 day public notice period for public comment. Notices are published in Honolulu and east and west Hawaii papers. There is no modification in process at this time. This information was given to me by Nolan Harrari, engineer supervisor on 7/29/08.

Obtaining a copy of the existing permit is underway.