NCTF-RH Conducts Spill Drill Ahead of Tank Pressure Washing Operations

by NCTF-RH PAO

Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill (NCTF-RH) conducted a spill drill exercise on July 22, in preparation for pressure washing operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).  

The exercise tested the Navy’s emergency response capabilities and its ability to work with multiple agencies to respond to a spill consisting of a mixture of water and cleaning solution at the facility, ahead of the commencement of pressure washing fuel tanks that have completed successful fuel and sludge removal. 

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 22, 2024) Uncle Kalani, a community kupuna or elder, speaks to Rear Adm. Steve Barnett, commander, Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill (NCTF-RH), in the Regional Operations Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during a joint spill drill exercise for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF), July 22, 2024. The exercise tested the Navy’s emergency response capabilities and its ability to work with multiple agencies to respond to a spill consisting of a mixture of water and cleaning solution at the facility in preparation for pressure washing operations. Charged with the safe decommissioning of the facility, NCTF-RH was established by the Department of the Navy as a commitment to the community and the environment, and continues to engage with the people of Hawaii, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders as it safely and deliberately decommissions the RHBFSF. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristan Labuguen)

240722-N-PW030-1020

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 22, 2024) Uncle Kalani, a community kupuna or elder, speaks to Rear Adm. Steve Barnett, commander, Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill (NCTF-RH), in the Regional Operations Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, during a joint spill drill exercise for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF), July 22, 2024. The exercise tested the Navy’s emergency response capabilities and its ability to work with multiple agencies to respond to a spill consisting of a mixture of water and cleaning solution at the facility in preparation for pressure washing operations. Charged with the safe decommissioning of the facility, NCTF-RH was established by the Department of the Navy as a commitment to the community and the environment, and continues to engage with the people of Hawaii, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders as it safely and deliberately decommissions the RHBFSF. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristan Labuguen)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class Tristan Labugen

VIRIN: 240722-N-PW030-1020

Experts from the Navy, Environmental Protection Agency, Hawaii Department of Health, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and Honolulu Department of Emergency Management participated in the drill.  

"As we move into the next stages of tank cleaning operations, our goal is to ensure our teams are prepared to respond to any situation if there is an unplanned release or spill,” said Rear Adm. Marc Williams, NCTF-RH deputy commander. “We remain committed to ensure the safety of our workers, our community, and the environment.”  

NCTF-RH is committed to working with all government agencies and community stakeholders to safely and deliberately close the RHBFSF underground storage tanks and associated pipelines, conduct long-term environmental remediation, and ensure continued access to safe drinking water in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, policies and regulations. 

For more information about NCTF-RH, visit www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil or download the mobile app by searching for “NCTF-Red Hill” in the Apple App store or Google Play store.   

SAFE. DELIBERATE. ENGAGED. COMMITTED. 

- NCTF - RH -