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U.S. EPA HOLDS MEETINGS FOR PUNA GEOTHERMAL VENTURE PERMIT

Release Date: 3/27/1998
Contact Information: Paula Bruin, U.S. EPA, (415) 744-5587

                MEDIA ADVISORY

     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) will hold meetings on proposed  permits for reinjection wells at Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) and its operator COSI Puna, Inc. in Pahoa, Hawaii.  The proposed permit, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, would authorize PGV to operate three existing geothermal injection wells and to construct up to seven new wells under conditions set by the permit.   The permit would require safeguards to protect groundwater resources, ensure safe operation of the system as well as prevent endangerment to public health and the environment.

     The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) is also seeking public comments on the renewal of its existing state permit to PGV for three injection wells and on PGV's application for approval to construct seven new wells.
 
       The public is invited to attend the U.S. EPA's and DOH's public hearings to provide written and verbal comments on the proposed state and federal permits.  The public hearings will be held on April 3, 1998, Pahoa High School Cafeteria, 15-3038 Puna Rd., Pahoa.  DOH will begin its public hearing at 4:00 p.m. followed by U.S. EPA's public hearing beginning at 6:30 p.m.  The public is also invited to an informational workshop on April 2, 1998, beginning at 5:00 p.m.,  also at the Pahoa High School Cafeteria.   Representatives from the U.S. EPA, Hawaii DOH, and PGV will be at the workshop to answer questions concerning the UIC permits and applications.
 
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