Hawaii volcano: Lava from Kilauea eruption creeps toward major power plant

Molten lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island is creeping towards a geothermal power plant site, as workers rush to shut down the facility to prevent the uncontrollable release of toxic gases.

Key points:
A County spokeswoman said the lava had stalled at a berm on the property’s boundary
The plant has been closed since the May 3 eruption
Workers have already moved 227,124 litres of pentane
Crews worked into the night to cap the 11th and final well at the Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) plant, which provides about 25 per cent of the Big Island’s power, as lava from an active fissure flowed around 250 metres from the nearest well pad, county and federal officials said.

“County, state, and federal partners have been collaborating closely to monitor the situation and work with PGV to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities,” the county said.

via Hawaii volcano: Lava from Kilauea eruption creeps toward major power plant – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)