Urging The Director Of Health To Require Operators Of Waste Combustion Facilities To Implement Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies That Have Been Tested And Verified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Ensure That The Operators Continuously Monitor, Sample, And Report The Emissions Of Contaminants.
The resolution highlights that H-POWER currently monitors merely four air pollutants continuously, contrasting sharply with the practices employed in other states where continuous monitoring includes toxic metals and harmful chemicals like dioxins and furans. The bill presents a significant step toward enhancing environmental and public health protections, urging the state to adopt practices that have been effectively utilized in other jurisdictions, such as Oregon and various states on the mainland. Establishing continuous monitoring could lead to more accurate data about emissions, informing both regulatory actions and public awareness.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 105 (SCR105) urges the Director of Health in Hawaii to mandate that operators of waste combustion facilities, such as the Covanta Honolulu Resource Recovery Venture (H-POWER), implement continuous monitoring and sampling technologies for emissions. This initiative is propelled by advancements in monitoring technology that can track a broader range of harmful pollutants that are currently only sampled infrequently under outdated methods. SCR105's resolution reflects growing concerns regarding air pollution and public health in communities near waste combustion facilities, notably those impacted by H-POWER on Oahu.
Points of contention may arise amongst lawmakers and stakeholders concerning the implementation of SCR105, particularly regarding the cost of introducing such monitoring technologies and the responsibility of waste management operators to adapt to these changes. Proponents advocate for the health benefits of reducing toxic emissions, while critics might express concerns over potential economic impacts on waste facility operations and the broader implications for local governance in regulating environmental practices. This resolution aligns with a growing trend across various states aimed at addressing air quality and community health standards.