HONOLULU, June 23, 2021 – Today, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with AES Hawaii,
LLC over Clean Air Act and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
violations at its coal-fired electrical power generating plant in Kapolei,
Hawaii. The facility will pay a $199,725 penalty.
“Companies must take actions such as replacing corroded
pipes and training staff on emergency shutdown procedures to reduce the risk of
releases of hazardous substance to nearby communities and the environment,” said
Amy Miller, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Director of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance. “Facilities that do not comply with chemical accident
prevention requirements will face significant fines.”
In January 2020, EPA performed an inspection of the facility
and found violations of the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program
requirements and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Many
of the violations were associated with insufficient documentation, reporting,
and proper labeling of the plant’s anhydrous ammonia system. The inspection
also found failures associated with process hazard analysis and physical
distance safeguards, as well as problems with corroded piping and equipment.
Other failures included insufficient staff training, as employees were not
provided written normal and emergency shutdown procedures.
In addition to paying the civil penalty as part of the
settlement, AES has addressed the violations at the facility.
To find information on the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management
Program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/rmp/fact-sheet-clean-air-act-section-112r-accidental-release-prevention-risk-management-plan-rule
To find more information on the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/what-epcra.
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Media Contact:
Soledad Calvino
Phone: 415-972-3512
Email: calvino.maria@epa.gov
