PRINCEVILLE — Bali Hai Villas Ltd. has been ordered to correct stormwater runoff violations at its Princeville construction site — the second such order since 2004. The company failed to implement pollution controls outlined in its stormwater permit at the
PRINCEVILLE — Bali Hai Villas Ltd. has been ordered to correct stormwater runoff violations at its Princeville construction site — the second such order since 2004.
The company failed to implement pollution controls outlined in its stormwater permit at the Princeville area construction site, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
“This company was previously cited for similar issues at the site and should have taken action to follow through with improved stormwater management measures,” Alexis Strauss, Water Division director for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region, said in a statement.
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the resort’s parent company, did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
During a September 2007 visit to the residential construction site, EPA inspectors noted deficiencies with the site’s sediment trap, silt fences, litter control and other measures to keep dirt in its place in accordance with the Clean Water Act.
Sediment is considered a pollutant because it can run off into the ocean and settle on coral reefs as well as clog drains.
“It’s putting soil into the environment that would not be there normally,” Dean Higuchi, EPA Region 9 spokesman, said.
The EPA order requires the company to control erosion and stabilize soil where stormwater runoff could leave the project site. Specifically, the company 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, according to the EPA.
Bali Hai Villas was cited in 2004 for similar violations, including failing to install pollution protection at storm drains or fences to control silt. The company corrected the cited behaviors and paid a $15,000 fine.
This time around, Bali Hai Villas is required to hire an independent inspector to conduct monthly stormwater inspections and submit reports to the EPA. In addition, Bali Hai must submit bi-monthly compliance reports.
“It puts the onus on the company to hire someone to now continue to do what they have to do,” Higuchi said.
Higuchi said Bali Hai Villas has a week to clean up litter, about two weeks to temporarily stabilize the soil, a month to hire an inspector and subsequent deadlines to file reports with the EPA.
“Within the next month they need to take a lot of action,” he said.
The company also faces a $32,500 fine per day per violation if it does not comply with the order.
Bali Hai Villas is a Pahio Resorts project of Wyndham Vacation Ownership. The Villas feature one- and two-bedroom furnished condos on Pepelani Loop in Princeville.
• Blake Jones, business writer/assistant editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or bjones@kauaipubco.com.
