HONOLULU — Lava from the Kilauea volcano reached a geothermal power plant on the Big Island on Sunday, approaching wells that have been capped to protect against the release of toxic gas should they mix with lava. The lava breached the property overnight and was within 200 yards (183 metres) of the nearest well, said David Mace, a spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Asked about safety hazards, he replied: “I think it’s safe to say authorities have been concerned about the flow of lava onto the plant property since the eruption started.”A plant spokesman, Mike Kaleikini, told the news agency Hawaii News Now that the lava was as close as 130 feet (40 metres) from wells. He said there was no indication of the release of the poisonous gas hydrogen sulfide, the greatest fear should lava hit the wells. They also capped the 11 wells at the property to try to prevent a breach.

Source: National Post May 27, 2018 17:45 UTC