UPDATE – At a 3 PM press conference Governor David Ige told media that he and other emergency officials are confident Puna Geothermal Venture has been secured after efforts to plug the final well appear to have been successful.

(BIVN) – Highly active volcanic vents and lava flows continue Tuesday along the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea volcano.

According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, Fissure 20 is feeding one flow entering the ocean, while other fissures are supplying additional flows. Sulfur dioxide emissions remain high, causing elevated levels in areas downwind of the vents.

Lava is slowly flowing onto the Puna Geothermal Venture property, but a berm is reportedly halting the advance of the lava. “This activity has destroyed the former Hawaii Geothermal Project site area adjacent to PGV,” emergency officials say.

Due to this activity, the following policies are in effect:

• At this time this situation is being closely monitored. There is no immediate threat to any of the wells at PGV.
• Due to high sulfur dioxide emissions, all media escorts near the fissures are postponed until further notice for safety.
• Due to the laze hazard at the lava ocean entry stay out of the plume.
• Take precautions to protect yourself from ash fallout and hazardous gases.
• Residents in the affected area should be prepared to leave the area with little notice due to gas or lava inundation. Take action necessary to prepare ahead of time.

Highway 137 is closed between Kamaili Road and Pohoiki Road, while Kapoho and Kalapana Roads are open to residents only with identification.

Civil Defense says that the explosive eruption that occurred at 3:45 a.m. at the Kilauea summit resulted in an ash plume that reached a height of 8,000 feet. “Ash has been reported in communities downwind of Kilauea. Take action to avoid exposure to ash,” officials say.

An eruption community information meeting will be held at the Pahoa High cafeteria tonight, Tuesday, May 22 at 5:30 in the evening.

NOTE: The previous headline for the article has been changed in order to avoid confusion. The HGP site (Hawaii Geothermal Project) is not the same as PGV (Puna Geothermal Venture).