Report Title:

Bioremediation of Contaminated Waterways Research; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for biotreatability evaluation, additional research, and small-scale testing of bioremediating contaminated sediments in statewide waterways by the University of Hawaii, college of tropical agriculture and human resources (CTAHR). Requires CTAHR to submit interim and final reports to the Legislature. (SB919 HD1)

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

919

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR BIOREMEDIATION RESEARCH.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that natural, noninvasive, and less costly cleanup methods such as the use of native plant species, uptake processes natural microbial processes, and other natural remediation processes, are needed to effectively and efficiently clean waterways of contaminants.

Constructed wetlands are man-made imitations of natural wetlands which treat water-borne contaminates by filtration and microbial actions using natural plants, microorganisms, and other natural processes. The primary benefits of constructed wetlands include:

(1) Flood control;

(2) The establishment of a pollution buffer for coastal regions;

(3) Potential water reuse;

(4) Attraction of wildlife;

(5) The creation of education opportunities for universities and schools; and

(6) The creation of an aesthetically pleasing area for the community.

These constructed wetlands will also have specific benefits for Hawaii, including coastal zone and coral reef protection, filtration of sediment, thus reducing the need for major dredging work, improved water quality in waterways, the creation of natural habitats for native species, and the maintenance and improvement of a tourism-friendly environment.

The legislature further finds that local institutions have and continue to be involved in the planning and development of constructed wetlands. This was accomplished by using federal funding administered by the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research in collaboration with the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources and various private-sector partners.

Significant discussions have taken place regarding the need for additional research and small-scale testing to develop treatment methods for contaminated sediments from local waterways. The research includes biotreatability evaluations and additional research on the bioremediation of contaminated sediments. Additional small-scale laboratory and field testing will provide additional data on the efficacy of these treatments.

The legislature further finds that the successful completion of the above research and small-scale testing is essential for the development of full-scale commercial application of bioremediation technologies for the treatment of contaminated sediments in statewide waterways. Performance, operation, and maintenance factors, and the cost of various biological treatment processes will be identified in the research and small-scale testing phase. The United States Army Corps of Engineers will provide technical assistance in this effort.

The legislature further finds that the University of Hawaii pacific cooperative studies unit, which forms partnerships between state and private organizations to conduct research or applied research has been examining the salvinia molesta infestation and other invasions by alien species. Their examination includes the potential causes of the infestations as well as potential control measures. While management of invasive species is of concern, the mitigation of explosive infestations must be the focus of research. The need to treat wastewater and storm drain runoff to minimize potential growth-enhancing agents is of particular relevance to the invasive species problem, and could be accomplished through the use of constructed wetlands.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for:

(1) Biotreatability evaluations;

(2) Additional research;

(3) Small-scale testing of the bioremediation of contaminated sediments in statewide waterways; and

(4) The planning and pilot demonstration of surface-flow constructed wetlands.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the department of health hazardous waste revolving fund the sum of $5,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 to conduct research, testing, and associated activities including:

(1) A biotreatability evaluation on sediments from various waterways targeted for dredging over the next three calendar years statewide;

(2) Research on contaminated sediments from waterways statewide;

(3) Small-scale testing, including a twelve-month screening program for plant species to remediate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons and heavy metals, and small scale field-testing;

(4) Collaboration with federal agencies and other states for the planning and pilot demonstration of constructed wetlands at appropriate waterways statewide;

(5) Collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies to research host-specificity of the Brazilian weevil and other potential biocontrol agents for salvinia molesta; and

(6) The identification and solicitation of federal and other funding for research, development, and long-term maintenance of constructed wetlands and developed habitats.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by Pacific International Center for High Technology Research for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. The Pacific International Center for High Technology Research shall submit an interim report of the research, testing, evaluation, planning, and pilot demonstration and other activities conducted under section 2, and an evaluation of the feasibility of scaling up the technology to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2004. A final report shall be submitted upon the completion of the project or no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2005 regular session, whichever occurs first.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.