Soil sampling at former Kekaha Sugar Mill Lot B will determine if contaminants exist

Kauai’i County Office of Economic Development is notifying the public that its contractors will conduct soil sampling from April 21 to May 2 at the former Kekaha Sugar Mill Lot B property.

Lot B property is bounded by Kekaha Road to the north, Hale Lio Street to the east, Kopa‘a Street to the south and the former sugar mill’s Lot A.

The county is conducting the sampling — with permission from property owner Aloun Farms — to determine whether the property’s soil is contaminated before it moves forward with any future economic development of the property.

It is funded through a $300,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which was awarded to the county for the purpose of assessing and evaluating potentially contaminated properties, or “brownfields,” in Kekaha.

“Before we can breathe new life into a portion of the old mill site, we need to understand what’s in the soil,” said Nalani Brun, director of the Kaua’i County Office of Economic Development. “Sampling gives us that clarity.”

Brun added that the sampling process helps identify and address any harmful substances present in the property’s soil early on, ensure what type of cleanup methods are necessary and the correct measures are used as well as plan for a safe future for Kekaha.

Sampling will be conducted using a compact direct-push drilling rig and small support vehicles. Nearby residents might notice some activity and minor noise during the brief 2-week period.

The end date of sampling is tentative and could be extended dependent on need.

Visit the project website or contact Ana Española at 808-241-1969 or via email at aespanola@kauai.gov for additional information.