EPA bills polluters $95M for violations

Pflueger settlement has $2M in penalties

Polluters in Hawaii committed to more than $95 million to correct environmental violations and prevent future pollution during 2006, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Highlights of the EPA's enforcement actions this year include continued cesspool upgrades, the largest storm-water settlement against a private landowner -- James Pflueger -- in the nation, and $1.1 million from the state Department of Transportation to fund community projects with expanded environmental benefits, the agency said in a press release.

STATE'S BIGGEST POLLUTERS Hawaii's top polluters in 2006, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's list of projects to correct violations and prevent future pollution: » The state Department of Transportation will pay a $1 million penalty and spend an estimated $60 million to address Clean Water Act violations at highways and airports across the state. » The state Department of Education will spend $22 million to replace more than 320 large-capacity cesspools throughout the state. » James Pflueger will pay a nearly $7.5 million settlement for Clean Water Act violations on Kauai. » The County of Hawaii will spend $5 million to replace 30 large-capacity cesspools on the Big Island. On the Net » www.epa.gov

"The Pflueger and HDOT settlements and the replacement of over 350 large capacity cesspools will provide Hawaii residents continued enjoyment of cleaner water and land areas," said Wayne Nastri, administrator of the EPA region that includes Hawaii.

Among the top cases cited by the EPA:

» Pflueger storm water: A nearly $7.5 million settlement with James Pflueger over Clean Water Act violations on Kauai includes $2 million in penalties and $5.3 million to prevent erosion and restore streams affected by illegal construction activity.

» State Department of Transportation storm water: The state will pay a $1 million penalty and spend an estimated $60 million to address Clean Water Act violations at highways and airports across the state. The DOT will also provide compliance assistance to construction and development firms.

» Large-capacity cesspools: The state Department of Education agreed to spend $22 million to replace more than 320 large-capacity cesspools throughout the state, and the County of Hawaii will spend $5 million to replace 30 large-capacity cesspools on the Big Island.

» Wetlands restoration: D&J Ocean Farm Inc. was ordered to restore sensitive wetlands at Kalaeloa on Molokai that were illegally filled, and the Coluccio Construction Co. and Kaneohe Ranch were ordered to remove illegal fill and restore sensitive wetlands adjacent to Hamakua Stream in Kailua.