HANAPEPE — State and county officials have identified the probable source of the noxious odor that affected two three-man refuse crews last Thursday, a county news release states. The men became nauseous after picking up garbage in Puhi and Hanapepe
HANAPEPE — State and county officials have identified the probable source of the noxious odor that affected two three-man refuse crews last Thursday, a county news release states.
The men became nauseous after picking up garbage in Puhi and Hanapepe and were sent home to recuperate.
Based on an on-site assessment and interviews of refuse crews, officials determined that an acetone-based chemical was released in one truck and a pesticide known as malothine was released in the other truck.
Due to the small amount of these chemicals found in the trucks that had either evaporated or became absorbed in the mixed solid waste, the loads were deemed safe to transport and were disposed of at the Kekaha Landfill.
The public is reminded not to mix any potentially hazardous chemicals with solid waste for curbside collection or for delivery to disposal facilities due to the risk of harm to county employees that work in waste management programs as well as the environment.
Proper disposal methods, which are provided on most product labels, should be used at all times.
Anyone uncertain as to whether a material is hazardous or for information on safe disposal of hazardous materials is asked to call the Solid Waste Division at 241-4895.
