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EPA orders Bali Hai Villas Limited Partnership to correct stormwater violations on Kauai

Release Date: 3/22/2004
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, (808) 541-2711

HONOLULU The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Bali Hai Villas Limited Partnership to comply with Clean Water Act requirements at a residential construction project in Princeville, Kaua'i.

The EPA action cites unauthorized stormwater discharges from the company's construction site in the Princeville area, the company's failure to implement stormwater pollution controls, and the lack of a needed permit to discharge stormwater from the site. If the company fails to comply with the order it could face federal fines of up to $32,500 per day per violation.

"Any stormwater discharges from construction projects must have pollution controls in place to protect ocean habitat," said Alexis Strauss, the EPA's director for water programs in the Pacific Southwest region. "Erosion and sedimentation from stormwater discharges can cause severe pollution problems for our coastal waters and coral reefs."

In January 2004, EPA and Department of Health inspectors found that the company:

-did not properly place and install fences around the project area to control silt from stormwater runoff;
-failed to install pollution protection at storm drains to prevent soil and sediments from reaching the ocean;
-failed to prevent discharges of pollutants associated with construction activities; and
-began construction activities prior to receiving a stormwater permit.

The EPA's order requires the company to install the proper soil stabilization, erosion and sediment controls at all locations of exposed soil that are not undergoing active construction and locations where stormwater runoff could leave the project site. The company will also need to submit monthly compliance reports to the EPA and the Hawai'i Department of Health beginning in April 2004, and review and revise their stormwater pollution control plans for the project.
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