PGV Incident today

[rainshadow]

I like the part about "no danger to the public".
That's amazing, that they would say that.
We are all sheep.

-- rainshadow

[opihikao]

Holding my breath for the Dept. of Health, the Mayor, Civil Defense, or some federal entity to issue the public a full investigative report. The current report from Civil Defense is not sufficient, nor does address the community's concerns.

I wouldn't hold my breath for an (accurate) report from PGV. JMO.

Waiting patiently for factual information.

ETA: Star Advertiser Article (*Credit Occupy Hilo Site):


Puna Geothermal Venture’s geothermal power plant released about 125,000 pounds of steam, resulting in a brief power outage in the Puna area this afternoon, a spokesman said.

Civil Defense notified area residents who may have seen the large plume of steam or smelled the hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs, but there was no sounding of a warning siren, said Mike Kaleikini, senior director for Hawaiian Affairs of Ormat Technologies, parent company of Puna Geothermal Venture.

Hawaii County Fire Department also responded, but officials were instructed to allow Civil Defense to comment.

Civil Defense could not be reached.

Kaleikini said the plant was disconnected from Hawaiian Electric Light Co.’s grid at about 4 p.m. for an unknown reason, resulting in a brief loss of power in the area. He said the company provides power to about 20,000 homes.

Kaleikini said low levels of hydrogen sulfide were released and did not exceed standards under the Department of Health permit.

He stressed the plant shut down was done in a safe and timely manner, taking 15 minutes. No workers or area residents were injured.

“It occurred rather quickly, but it was something we are trained for and are aware of what could happen,” he said. “It wasn’t like an unexpected catastrophe.”

He said PGV’s initial investigation did not find any reasons for the disconnection on its end.

PGV notified the Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii County Planning Department, as well as contact persons in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Garden subdivisions. (Star Advertiser)

[Obie]

Is this accurate enough ?? Sound like everything went as planned !!

At approximately 4 p.m. on March 13, Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), tripped off line and experienced a steam release. The steam was released through the plant’s Emergency Steam Release System, which abates hydrogen sulfide emissions.

Council Member Greggor Ilagan of District 4, went directly from Hilo’s County Council Meeting to the PGV site in Puna Wednesday afternoon. Ilagan discussed the plant’s steam release with staff of PGV, which included Operation Manager, William E. Wiebe, and Plant Manager Cliff Townsend.

“Everyone worked together quickly and effectively. PGV’s safety mechanisms were put into action immediately, the public was notified, and the appropriate authorities took action. I feel it’s better to be overly cautious than unprepared” said Council Member Ilagan.

PGV staff monitored the facility and surrounding area throughout the late afternoon and into the evening. The Fire Department’s personnel also assisted in these efforts. “Everything went well…precautionary procedures were implemented early on. The community did a great job. Those that were concerned chose to leave and seek information,” said Darryl Oliveira, Director of Civil Defense.

The Pahoa Community Center, with direction from the Department of Parks and Recreation, opened their doors for those who preferred to remain outside of the area. According to Ken Nagasawa, Director of the Pahoa Community Center, “just one” couple arrived in the evening after the center had been notified to “stand down,” at approximately 6:45 p.m.

The Hawaiian Electric Light Company (HELCO), released a statement at 6:45 p.m. on March 13, which explained that power to 20,095 customers in the Waikoloa, Waika, Kailua, Kaloko, Captain Cook, Kuakini, Waiakea Uka and lower Puna, which included the PGV plant, was interrupted when HELCO’s transmission line tripped open. The PGV plant tripped off line following HELCO’s power interruption. HELCO continues to investigate the exact cause of the event

“I’d like to thank Civil Defense, Fire Department, Department of Parks and Recreation, and staff of the Pahoa Community Center for their swift execution of contingency plans.” Ilagan continued, “To the residents of Puna and Hawai’i County, thank you for maintaining calm with Aloha, during this event. Ilagan of District 4, is available at 965-2712, or via E-mail atgilagan@co.hawaii.hi.us.

[opihikao]

Obie, works for me. Others, probably not.

Mahalo for the update. Ends up being a HELCO problem (not surprised in the least) as related in this article:

(*Snipped)


Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) announced this evening that a power interruption hit a significant number of its Big Island customers at 3:53 p.m. today.

HELCO said that approximately 20,095 customers in Waikoloa, Kailua, Waiakea Uka, Lower Puna and other parts of Hawaii Island were without power after a HELCO transmission line tripped open, subsequently tripping Puna Geothermal Venture off line as well.

http://bigislandnow.com/2013/03/13/power...ig-island/