Puna Geothermal Reports Steam Release

PGV file courtesy photo.

At 2:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3, Puna Geothermal reported a release of steam at its plant.

PGV also reports that the situation has been contained and secured.

Based on all available data, there is no threat to the public and no evacuation is necessary.

The Hawai‘i County Fire Department arrived at the scene at 3:06 a.m., responding to a possible explosion and gas release.

An employee on scene told fire officials that a system malfunction occurred and steam was released, but there was no explosion.

The immediate area, the perimeter of the property, adjacent subdivisions and downwind areas were monitored for H2S and SO2; the readings were negative.

The HazMat team monitored again two hours later with negative findings.

Civil Defense will continue to monitor the incident.

Puna Geothermal is located at 14-3860 Highway 132, Pāhoa

For more information, call 935-0031.