‘Essentially safe’: Officials say fears of gas release mitigated as 10 of 11 PGV wells ‘quenched’

Courtesy of Volcano Helicopters via U.S. Geological Survey/File This aerial view, looking toward the southwest, shows the eruption at fissure 22 and lava channels flowing southward during an early morning overflight Monday. The Puna Geothermal Venture property can be seen at the right.
HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald Lava flows into the ocean Monday near McKenzie State Recreation Area on the southeast coast of lower Puna. Special thanks to Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.

HILO ­— Gov. David Ige and the state’s Civil Defense chief expressed confidence Tuesday that the risk of a hydrogen sulfide release at Puna Geothermal Venture has been mitigated as lava creeps onto its property.