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EPA orders Bali Hai Villas Ltd. to correct stormwater violations on Kauai

Release Date: 01/29/2008
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, [email protected]

(01/29/08) HONOLULU ( The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today ordered Bali Hai Villas Ltd., to comply with Clean Water Act requirements at its residential construction project in Princeville, Kauai.

The company failed to implement stormwater pollution controls outlined in its stormwater permit at the Princeville area construction site.

“This company was previously cited for similar issues at the site and should have taken action to follow through with improved stormwater management measures,” said Alexis Strauss, Water Division director for the EPA's Pacific Southwest region. “Stormwater discharges from construction projects must have pollution controls in place as erosion and sedimentation causes severe pollution problems for our coastal waters and coral reefs.”

In September, EPA inspectors found the company had failed to install adequate control measures to prevent soil- and sediment-filled stormwater from running off the site. Specifically, the inspectors cited deficiencies with the site's sediment trap, silt fences, litter control and other measures to control stormwater runoff.

The EPA's order requires the company to install soil stabilization and erosion and sediment controls at all locations of exposed soil and locations where stormwater runoff could leave the project site. The company also needs to repair its silt fence, protect soil stockpiles from runoff, provide a contained and lined concrete wash area, and clean up litter on the site.

Bali Hai needs to submit bi-monthly compliance reports to the EPA on its work, hire an independent inspector to conduct monthly stormwater inspections and submit reports to the EPA. If the company fails to comply with the order, it could face fines of up to $32,500 per day per violation.

In January 2004, EPA and Department of Health inspectors found similar violations at the site and the company agreed to correct the violations and pay a fine of $15,000.

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