Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill Operational Update: May 2024
09 May 2024
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --
The Navy continues work on the safe and deliberate closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF). Since the last update, Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill (NCTF-RH) has begun soil vapor extraction, which includes removing contaminant vapors from below ground for treatment above ground. The team also removed 39 55-gallon drums of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrate and other AFFF material, installed six air quality monitoring stations, initiated the creation of a groundwater monitoring well, and reduced discharge from the Red Hill shaft to the Halawa Stream.
Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE): NCTF-RH began efforts to determine if the SVE remediation technology could work in cleaning up underground contamination from the Nov. 2021 spill in the Red Hill tunnel system. These efforts include the installation of vapor extraction points and soil vapor probes; the sampling of soil, groundwater, and soil vapor; and the installation and testing of the extraction system over the last 18 months. The data collected will inform future environmental remediation efforts and aid in refining the understanding of impacts underground.
AFFF Removal: As of April 24, 2024, the Navy removed 32 55-gallon drums, or more than 1,012 total gallons, of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrate that had previously been in the AFFF fire suppression system at RHBFSF. These drums, together with seven drums containing personal protective equipment used during the removal operations, were taken from the Red Hill facility, and transported off Oahu for disposal on the continental U.S.
Air Quality Monitoring: NCTF-RH established an Air Quality Monitoring program to monitor air quality during tank ventilation and cleaning at RHBFSF. Six air monitoring stations have been judiciously placed around the Red Hill facility to track changes in air quality, measure total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and collect atmospheric data (air speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure) for future reference and comparison. Changes in air quality will be assessed daily during tank cleaning and ventilation.
Red Hill Monitoring Well #21 (RHMW21) Installation: On May 10, the Navy will begin the groundwater monitoring well installation process for RHMW21. This groundwater monitoring well is part of the emergency response to further characterize the November 2021 release and to expand and continue the long-term groundwater monitoring and sampling program.
Red Hill Shaft Flow Reduction: On April 29, 2024, nine months after the Navy first requested permission from state regulators, the Navy reduced groundwater pumping from the Red Hill Shaft from 4.2 million gallons a day (MGD) to 1.8 MGD into the Halawa stream. The reduction in pumping will conserve more than 875 million gallons per year. Impact to stream ecology will continue to be monitored.
Open House Announced: NCTF-RH invites members of the community to an open house, May 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Oahu Veterans Center located at 1298 Kukila St., Honolulu. Task force members will share updates on the ongoing mission to decommission the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and attendees will have the opportunity to interact with subject matter experts.
“Our team continues to take positive steps toward closure,” said Rear Admiral Marc Williams, deputy commander, NCTF-RH. “Each operation we do supports our primary endeavors: to clean and close the tanks, remove the pipelines, and remediate the environment. We remain on track for all these efforts and welcome the community to come see us and talk more about this critical mission on May 15 at the Oahu Veterans Center.”
NCTF-RH is committed to working with all government agencies and community stakeholders to safely and deliberately close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility underground storage tanks and associated piping system, 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 navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil or download our free mobile app by searching for “NCTF-Red Hill” in the Apple App store or Google Play store. For imagery, video and other digital media please visit our DVIDS site here: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NCTF-RH