The Hawaii County Wastewater Division posted warning signs near the Pua sewage pump station and the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resource Center in Keaukaha after tests with dye suggested repairs made to pipe joints were ineffective. ADVERTISING The Hawaii County
The Hawaii County Wastewater Division posted warning signs near the Pua sewage pump station and the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resource Center in Keaukaha after tests with dye suggested repairs made to pipe joints were ineffective.
Dora Beck, Wastewater Division chief, said the water containing the dye is already “treated and disinfected” and would normally be discharged into the ocean about 3/4 of a mile offshore.
Tests are being conducted at the Puhi Bay location of the dye leak this week to make sure the treated water has not been contaminated and bacteria levels are within acceptable regulatory limits.
The Wastewater Division said in a statement Tuesday that 14 joints “in the vicinity” of the shoreline were repaired and the “discharge was discovered during a dye test of the ocean outfall a week later to ensure previously identified leaks on the offshore piping had been satisfactorily repaired.”
Testing will continue until the state Department of Health authorizes removal of warning signs posted in the area.
“It is just a precaution right now, while we investigate,” Beck said.
Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
