epa

A settlement has been reached between the Environmental Protection Agency and Syngenta Seeds.

If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a better way to forecast vog….help may be on the way.

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a $750,000 grant to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop Vog sensors on Hawai‘i Island.  Volcanic Smog or “Vog” is a mixture of sulfur dioxide and fine particulate matter which has negative impacts on human health, as well as agriculture.

The issue of underground fuel storage tanks at Red Hill was discussed today at the National Institute for Storage Tank Management conference.  HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.

Last spring, HPR News reported on the state of landfills around Hawai‘i.

One issue of concern on every island is green waste—including food.  In fact, the US Agriculture Department says food waste is the single biggest contributor to municipal landfills across the country.  It’s joining with the Environmental Protection Agency and private sector partners to reduce food waste—with a specific goal.  Just last month, the federal government announced a national target:  to cut food waste in half by the year 2030.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has been slapped with a $1.2 million fine for stormwater violations at Honolulu and Kalaeloa harbors. The state agency must pay the penalty and correct procedures to make sure they comply with the federal Clean Water Act. HPR’s Molly Solomon explains.

Hawaii Gas will pay $155,000 for violations at its Kapolei facility.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says an inspection revealed deficiencies in its risk management plan. These included a failure to annually certify its operating procedures as well as provide refresher training for employees. Dean Higuchi is a spokesman for the EPA.

A Maui property management firm has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over lead-paint disclosure violations. The company, Destination Maui, failed to notify its tenants about the potential hazard. But what’s unusual is the terms they’ve agreed to. As HPR’s Molly Solomon reports, the company will be paying for more than just a fine.