Lava engulfs geothermal power plant well in Hawaii, prompting explosion concerns

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

May 28, 2018 2:17 pm Updated: May 28, 2018 2:25 pm

By Jolyn Rosa Reuters

Lava from Hawaii‘s erupting Kilauea volcano has covered a potentially explosive well at a geothermal power station and threatened another, after flowing onto the site, officials said.

The Hawaii Civil Defense Agency said the wells “are stable and secure,” and Hawaii Governor David Ige said that the plant was “sufficiently safe” from the lava that has plowed through backyards and streets and burned dozens of homes.

But lava has never engulfed a geothermal plant anywhere in the world and the potential threat is untested, according to the head of the state’s emergency management agency. Local residents fear an explosive emission of deadly hydrogen sulfide and other gases should wells be ruptured.

The molten rock was expected to continue to flow across the Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) facility, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Read more: https://globalnews.ca/news/4236664/hawaii-volcano-lava-geothermal-power-plant/

[Baclava]

1. Lava goes where it wants to

?w=670&quality=70&strip=all

[alfredo]

3. It's the geologic version of the Honey Badger.

[alfredo]

2. Some aggressive island building going on. Let's hope there is no explosion.

[truthisfreedom]

4. Jeepers! Hydrogen Sulfide?? Holy fart blasts, Batman!

[Baclava]

5. Here's a tip: USGS Warning: Do Not Try To Roast Marshmallows Over Erupting Hawaii Volcano

You would think it would go without saying, but the U.S. Geological Survey took to Twitter on Tuesday to warn residents not to try and roast marshmallows over the erupting Hawaiian volcano.

The USGS responded to one Twitter user who asked, “Is it safe to roast marshmallows over volcanic vents? Assuming you had a long enough stick, that is? Or would the resulting marshmallows be poisonous?”

@USGSVolcanoes Is it safe to roast marshmallows over volcanic vents? Assuming you had a long enough stick, that is? Or would the resulting marshmallows be poisonous? @JimGriffith_SV @DrFunkySpoon

— Jay Furr (@jayfurr) May 29, 2018

The USGS responded: “Erm, We’re going to have to say no, that’s not safe. (Please don’t try!)”

Erm…we're going to have to say no, that's not safe. (Please don't try!) If the vent is emitting a lot of SO2 or H2S, they would taste BAD. And if you add sulfuric acid (in vog, for example) to sugar, you get a pretty spectacular reaction.

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/05/29/do-not-roast-marshmallows-over-erupting-hawaii-volcano/

[GulfCoast66]

6. Am I the only one confused?

An entire part of the island is pretty much being blown to hell and covered with huge amounts of liquid rock in an amazing display of perhaps the most powerful force on the planet.

And someone is worried about a geothermal plant exploding? I mean a volcano releases more toxins than we can imagine.

[FrodosNewPet]

7. What people imagine the Hawaii Lava flow looks like vs. reality

[GulfCoast66]

8. I have seen that. But thanks anyway.

Still, my question remains. I mean, even if it creates a big F’ing explosion, will it be at all comparable to an erupting volcano?

I am seriously asking. Seem far fetched, but I know nothing about geothermal wells except the have a lot on Iceland.

Thanks again.

[metalbot]

9. It's not the physical explosion they are worried about

They're worried about the explosion releasing lots of toxic gases.

[HeartachesNhangovers]

10. The OP says that it's the local residents who

"fear an explosive emission of deadly hydrogen sulfide and other gases should wells be ruptured." All the "experts" seem to think that an explosion isn't an imminent threat. So your confusion may be related to Reuters trying to make a story where a story doesn't really exist.

The headline of the Reuters piece could just as well be: "No experts fear effects of geothermal plant being covered by lava". But that wouldn't be very sexy.