10-24-2007, 12:07 PM
Cat, I did not realize that it got sold ... perhaps that accounts for an improved safety record.
seekir wrote
well, no, because Pu`u O`o primarily puts out sulfur dioxide, which causes respiratory issues, and the concern with geothermal is hydrogen sulfide, which is neurotoxic.
Also, Pu`u O`o is not separated from a residential subdivision (Lanipuna Gardens) by a fence.
In event of an accident PGV could put out a lethal cloud of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide kills.
When the volcano began emitting above acceptable levels of hydrogen sulfide in the main park (in June, when the eruption shifted) -- that was when they closed the park for a day or so.
It is not in question that hydrogen sulfide is very dangerous when it gets above a certain parts per million level. What is still debated is whether hydrogen sulfide at lower (allowable) levels can be injurious when the exposure is chronic. i.e., is there a cumulative effect?
I guess I do feel better about this business knowing that the old management is history (thanks Cat!).
It still makes me nervous, with Kilauea acting unpredictably, as to what would happen if magma intruded into that area. The well(s) is after all drilled directly into the rift.
In addition, this project was scaled back from its original ambitions. At least one well was ordered capped and expanding was blocked. There was a lawsuit filed against the company, and they were blocked from expanding into the forest reserve.
I like that it was scaled back, thanks to community activism.
Edited by - KathyH on 10/24/2007 16:23:59
seekir wrote
quote:
Pu'u O'o (not to mention the rest of Kilauea's east rift zone and other vents) probably puts out more of the noxious gases concerned in a single hour than the geothermal plant does in a year.
well, no, because Pu`u O`o primarily puts out sulfur dioxide, which causes respiratory issues, and the concern with geothermal is hydrogen sulfide, which is neurotoxic.
Also, Pu`u O`o is not separated from a residential subdivision (Lanipuna Gardens) by a fence.
In event of an accident PGV could put out a lethal cloud of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide kills.
When the volcano began emitting above acceptable levels of hydrogen sulfide in the main park (in June, when the eruption shifted) -- that was when they closed the park for a day or so.
It is not in question that hydrogen sulfide is very dangerous when it gets above a certain parts per million level. What is still debated is whether hydrogen sulfide at lower (allowable) levels can be injurious when the exposure is chronic. i.e., is there a cumulative effect?
I guess I do feel better about this business knowing that the old management is history (thanks Cat!).
It still makes me nervous, with Kilauea acting unpredictably, as to what would happen if magma intruded into that area. The well(s) is after all drilled directly into the rift.
In addition, this project was scaled back from its original ambitions. At least one well was ordered capped and expanding was blocked. There was a lawsuit filed against the company, and they were blocked from expanding into the forest reserve.
I like that it was scaled back, thanks to community activism.
Edited by - KathyH on 10/24/2007 16:23:59