Maui Reefs and Ocean Fears After Lahaina Fire

Scientists are preparing for one of the next challenges on Maui following the Lahaina fire. Recent reports suggest that not only has the water system been compromised in Lahaina, but that “the sheer scale of the damage could pose unprecedented threats to Maui’s diverse coastal ecosystem.”

The deadly Lahaina fire created a toxic environment that will likely affect water quality. Nature Journal reported scientists “fear that contaminated runoff (at Lahaina) will flow onto the island’s sensitive coral reefs.”

Concern moves to long-term impact on the ocean, Maui coral reefs, and fish.

Maui’s reefs are essential to coastal life on the island, as well as tourism and the island’s economic well-being. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been involved in preventing ocean contamination. They are spraying a soil stabilizer to create a crust on the ashes, a process which is relatively new to fire contamination prevention and cleanup. The application of Soiltac will be done in concert with Maui County to help control dust from the fire.

Testing at Lahaina is to begin.

Ash testing is just beginning at Lahaina, following testing done at Kula, the site of upcountry fires. At Kula, extremely high arsenic levels have already been […]

Full article: beatofhawaii.com