PGV plans new well

[leilaniguy]

Yes. It said the property was in a geothermal subduction zone. A piece of land I sold in Nanawale farm lots a few years ago had the same disclosure, along with coqui and overflights.

[kalakoa]

It's obscene to have geothermal development in the middle of a residential area

County zoning is obscene: Leilani isn't "residential"...

[ironyak]

Regardless of the pros/cons for geothermal energy itself, the current location is either:

a very poor choice from a consideration for residents' comfort or PR obligations given all the complaints in regards to noise, emissions, special treatment, etc

a very astute choice from a consideration for resident's discomfort or minimizing tax mine obligations given all the complaints in regards to noise, emissions, special treatment, etc

Was there really no where else on the rift that was suitable? What other sites were considered?

[Punatic007]

This is what I heard from more than one source I would consider reliable several years ago...

The wells were originally planned to be within hearing range of the Volcanos residential areas, and at that time that area(Golf course community) had a high percentage of attorneys living there. They said hell no and then suddenly things got real shifty paperwork wise and *surprise* it came to Puna butting up to residential properties.

[kalakoa]

Volcanos residential areas ... hell no ... *surprise* it came to Puna butting up to residential properties

Proves the point: pick a random lot in/around Volcano, and it'll probably be zoned R.

Leilani is Ag.

Did "they" maybe get their zoning as a "buffer" against development? Smart move...

[geochem]

quote:

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Originally posted by ironyak

Regardless of the pros/cons for geothermal energy itself, the current location is either:

a very poor choice from a consideration for residents' comfort or PR obligations given all the complaints in regards to noise, emissions, special treatment, etc

a very astute choice from a consideration for resident's discomfort or minimizing tax mine obligations given all the complaints in regards to noise, emissions, special treatment, etc

Was there really no where else on the rift that was suitable? What other sites were considered?

---

In fact, the selected location was a very good choice for geothermal but a very bad choice for 1 acre ag/residential subdivision (sitting astride the rift zone). When geothermal was initiated in that location, Leilani Estates was less than 10% occupied with no real expectation that it would become a bedroom community - a failed subdivision, with a single pay phone on a pole halfway up Leilani Avenue. Don't recall now whether they have private lines to the few developed lots or not in 1976.

Was there anywhere else considered - you bet. Kahaulea was targeted for development but, as another poster has noted, it was too close to Volcano Village and the National Park and they pushed to have it move further down the rift zone to what was the Puna Forest Reserve which they claimed was much less pristine than the Kahaulea land. A land exchange was effected between the owner of Kahaulea land and the State and an effort was made to develop there - well away from any residential area, but the former Puna Forest Reserve lands were then claimed to be too pristine to develop by the obstructionists and all the activists subjected the project to continuous harassment until, after PGV's venting episode and the suspension of all geothermal drilling by the State, the company pulled out.

But that's the problem: there's land in areas where development has occurred, and areas that are located far from any development - one is deemed too close to residences and the other is considered too pristine for development. Just no pleasin' some people....

[Punatic007]

There are huge tracts of land available on this island far from everyone but without roads or infrastructure making geothermal development not cost effective remotely here. A huge compromise was made initially and continues by those who develop. The compromise is to human health and well being.

Another poster mentioned these gases arise naturally here. Multiplied by the millions when released by geothermal. The anti-corrosives poured into the wells by the ton, are highly toxic to humans and animals as well.

May not have been many neighbors in Leilani initially, but the existing folk did not deserve to be thrown under the bus by international corporations. Without the developer purchasing all the residential ag lots there was always potential for more folk to move in and suffer the ill effects not to mention the noise from a blow out, venting or drilling. Why didn't they at least purchase the undeveloped adjoining properties?

It's also too close to schools, other subdivisions and private property. I almost bought there in the early 80's, no realtor warned me of potential health risks.

[ironyak]

The bus may be PGV but appears it was county that did the throwing. Allowing that site to be developed, giving free passes to repeated bad behavior, fleecing the relocation fund - it's almost like they want all the income but none of the obligations. Tax mine then, tax mine now, tax mine tomorrow?

[geochem]

quote:

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Originally posted by Punatic007

I almost bought there in the early 80's, no realtor warned me of potential health risks.

---

Because there are none - other than those in your own mind.

BANANA - Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone/Anything....

[ironyak]

With due respect to you geochem, writing off all concerns as imaginary or NIMBY appears dismissive. Given the seriousness of the possible risks, sufficient monitoring and health studies would be helpful.

In Feb 1983, when Campbell was granted exploratory rights for the intial geothermal project up in Kahaualea (Volcano), a whole list of requirements were included. Given the proximity to residents an extensive air and water catchment monitoring program was required including tracking noise, H2S, SO2, mercury, lead, arsenic, radon, and total suspended particles. Monitoring was to be done by independent contractor picked by BLNR and paid for by Campbell, with results reported directly to state and county officials. (HTH 2-25-83). These strict requirememts, along with many others, most likely played a part in the land swap deal and project relocation to Wao Kele O Puna.

What are the required monitoring programs for PGV, both ongoing and for new drilling? What is being monitored, who is performing the work, and how are the results communicated?