In Hawaii, cesspools have long been used widely, more than any other state in the United States (U.S.), despite the fact that 95 per cent of drinking water in Hawaii comes from groundwater sources.
According to WaterWorld, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have disclosed agreements they have come to with two Big Island hardware stores as well as a commercial property in order to close four large-capacity cesspools (LCCs) at properties in Hilo, Kamuela, and Naalehu, Hawaii. In the state, LCCs have been made illegal as they have the potential to contaminate groundwater.
LCCs are cesspools that service multiple residences or commercial facilities, collecting and discharging waterborne contaminants such as untreated raw sewage into the ground, where pathogens that cause disease can pollute groundwater, streams, and even the ocean. In April 2005, under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, LCCs were made illegal in Hawaii. Since then, more than 3,400 LCCs have been shut down, many voluntarily.
“Replacing these harmful cesspools with modern wastewater treatment systems will protect the Big Island’s drinking water and coastal resources,” Alexis Strauss, the Acting Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest for the EPA, said. “Our goal is to protect Hawaii’s waters by closing all large-capacity cesspools.”
Source: WaterWorld
