It’s not a high-profile hearing like the contested case that went on for months and months. But it’s a public hearing nevertheless.

The Thirty Meter Telescope developer’s application for a construction storm water renewal permit is scheduled for public hearing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 25 at the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kona.

It’s the same permit — lawfully granted without a public hearing — the developer of the TMT obtained five years ago but let expire last week due to legal setbacks and other delays.

This time state Health Director Bruce Anderson scheduled a formal hearing after receiving a significant number of requests claiming the public wasn’t given enough opportunity to voice concerns over the proposed facility, according to the meeting’s notice.

Mauna Kea Hui leader Kealoha Pisciotta said the potential for polluted runoff is real for a project as large as the Thirty Meter Telescope in an area as sensitive as the summit region of Hawaii’s tallest mountain.

The TMT project, one of the largest and most powerful observatories in the world when completed, would have a five-acre footprint, plus an access road. During construction, additional acreage will be used for a batch plant, staging areas and underground utilities, for a total of 12.5 acres, according to plans.

“Anything dealing with water on Mauna Kea is a problem,” Pisciotta said. “There are supposed to be seven years of construction. That’s a lot.”

Waters identified by the Health Department as vulnerable to stormwater runoff from Mauna Kea’s northern plateau are found in the Kemole, Kuupahaa, Puupohakuloa and Pohakuloa gulches and Wailuku River.

They are classified by the department as Class 2 inland waters needing protection for functions such as recreation, the support and propagation of aquatic life, agricultural and industrial water supplies, shipping and navigation.

“These waters shall not act as receiving waters for any discharge which has not received the best degree of treatment or control compatible with the criteria established for this class,” the notice says.

During the contested case hearing on the project’s construction permit, TMT foes argued the development is a threat to the aquifer and drinking water.

But TMT countered that there are no wells tapping into the groundwater near the summit and the nearest wells are some 12 miles away at Waikii Ranch along the Saddle Road.

TMT officials said they would install a zero- discharge wastewater system, with all wastewater collected and transported off the mountain for treatment and disposal. Hydrologists have determined there is no reasonable prospect of adverse impact on groundwater, they said.

As for construction runoff, they said they would follow best management practices to prevent pollution.

When construction of the telescope will begin remains uncertain. TMT officials say they are continuing to work toward complying with requirements of the construction permit that was upheld by the state Supreme Court in October.

Those wishing to speak about the water permit are asked to submit two copies of their statement before or at the hearing. Written statements will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. June 25 at clean­waterbranch@doh.hawaii. gov or at P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, Hi. 96801-3378.