# Honolulu and Waste Management Addressing Violations Now

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/honolulu-and-waste-management-addressing-violations-now/
- Published: 2011-12-02T18:05:04-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## U.S. EPA orders City and County of Honolulu and Waste Management to address stormwater violations at Waimanalo Gulch Landfill

HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week issued an order to
the City and County of Honolulu and Waste Management, Inc. The order emphasizes 
the urgent need for stringent measures to rectify ongoing stormwater violations 
at the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill on Oahu. This directive comes in response
to concerns raised about the potential environmental impacts and public health risks
associated with improper stormwater management. The EPA’s order mandates immediate
steps to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, it highlights
the importance of protecting both local ecosystems and the community’s well-being.
The agency expects thorough documentation of the actions taken. It also expects 
a timeline for implementing necessary improvements. This is intended to prevent 
any further infractions.

EPA’s ongoing review of operations at the landfill revealed violations of the Clean
Water Act. Additionally, the review found violations of the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permit regulating stormwater discharges from the landfill.

![A worker in an orange safety vest surveys a sloped, rocky landscape with a winding
road in the background, surrounded by green vegetation.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/image-23.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)

A worker inspects the landfill site, highlighting the need for improved stormwater
management practices following EPA violations.

“The City and County of Honolulu and Waste Management must complete work on stormwater
protections at the landfill quickly,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator
for the Pacific Southwest. He added, “We will monitor the work closely. This way,
runoff from future storms will be controlled properly. Consequently, we protect 
residents’ health and Oahu’s coastal waters.”

## EPA Found Honolulu and Waste Management

EPA found the [City and Waste Management](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/missouri-environmental-education-association-gets-epa-grant/)
failed to comply with the requirements of the state of Hawaii’s NPDES stormwater
general permit on at least three occasions. These violations were associated with
storm events in December 2010 and January 2011.

### The order cites failure to:

* prevent runoff of surface water that had come into contact with waste,
* control
erosion to prevent loss of landfill cover or washout of refuse slopes,* properly
manage leachate, and* retain and remove silt from surface water before it was discharged
from the site.

The order requires completion of a project to completely separate stormwater generated
outside of the landfill from stormwater generated at the landfill. Furthermore, 
the order requires submission to EPA for review and approval a study to evaluate
the adequacy of the landfill’s stormwater detention basin pond. It also requires
an enhanced stormwater monitoring plan. Additionally, the order requires monthly
monitoring reports to be submitted.

## Waste Management

Waste Management operates the landfill for the City and County of Honolulu, a facility
integral to managing the region’s waste disposal needs. In December 2010 and January
2011, heavy rains caused significant flooding at the landfill. As a result, a situation
escalated quickly and demanded urgent attention.

Consequently, stormwater flooded a section of the landfill, which allowed waste 
to escape into the surrounding environment. This unfortunate incident led to beach
contamination and closures, impacting local wildlife and community access to recreational
areas.

In response to this environmental crisis, the EPA issued an order to Waste Management
in January, mandating stringent compliance measures aimed at addressing the pressing
concerns caused by the contamination. This order required immediate response and
cleanup actions to mitigate the effects of the contamination, emphasizing the urgency
of the situation. As a result, Waste Management is now tasked with implementing 
comprehensive strategies to eradicate hazardous substances from affected areas, 
ensuring the safety and health of the local community. Additionally, the EPA has
scheduled regular assessments to monitor progress and ensure that all prescribed
measures are being adhered to diligently, reinforcing the importance of accountability
in environmental protection efforts.

Waste Management acted swiftly and efficiently. They completed the necessary actions
to stabilize the landfill’s structure and enhance stormwater controls. Moreover,
they implemented strategies aimed at preventing future incidents. This reinforced
their commitment to environmental stewardship and public safety.

For more information visit: [http://www.epa.gov/region9/water/npdes/compliance.html](https://www3.epa.gov/region9/water/npdes/compliance.html)

Follow the U.S. EPA’s Pacific Southwest region on Twitter: [http://twitter.com/EPAregion9](https://mobile.twitter.com/EPAregion9)

and join the LinkedIn group:[http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1823773/&nbsp](http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1823773/&nbsp);