Despite concerns and criticism, EPA insists Red Hill Fuel Facility Shutdown Consent Order is needed

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — The EPA said it is seeking community input on a draft consent decree requiring the Navy to dump fuel from Red Hill and close the facility.

The order also contains specific actions to operate and maintain the Navy drinking water system at Pearl Harbor, which was contaminated by fuel spills in 2021.

But the vast majority of those attending a town hall meeting at the Oahu Veterans Center on Wednesday criticized the order, saying it didn’t go far enough.

The Water Supply Board also said the proposal could drag out refueling.

Amy Miller, director of enforcement for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Regions, told Hawaii News Now that the federal agency is bolstering its workforce in Hawaii to deal with the Red Hill crisis. . She insists that her proposed order does not conflict with the state’s emergency order.

The Navy had announced the resupply plan over the summer, and we had to put something in place so that we had oversight, Miller said at City Hall.

Now that we have a draft consent order, we are very committed to engaging with the community.

This order requires the Navy to remove fuel from Red Hill, which sits just above the Oahus Aquifer.

But critics at the meeting say he didn’t go far enough in protecting drinking water for all Oahus residents, not just the military.

There is not enough concern about protecting the aquifer, said Gina Hara, one of the witnesses. It’s just what the Navy thinks it should do without even consulting the Board of Water Supply.

By law, I have to work with the DPA and the Ministry of Health. But I recognize the Water Supply Board, its role and its contributions, said Vice Admiral John Waide, who leads Joint Task Force Red Hill and oversees Navy resupply.

But the board’s chief engineer, Ernie Lau, said the EPA needed to be more aggressive. The Board of Water Supply sent a letter to thousands of its water customers objecting to the EPA’s proposed consent order with six reasons, including the fact that there is no clear deadlines and no strict penalties.

How can you make this thing detailed enough with accountability, strict timelines, and consequences for DOD not sticking to it because it’s too general. It’s too vague, Lau said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Amanda Zawieruszynski, who said she was sickened by the contaminated water, told Miller, Maam, I’m not managing health care anymore. But something has to be put in there that if they poison us, or if we hurt ourselves or if we were in the hospital, and they will be held responsible for that, individually.

Others demanded more communication from the Navy.

You can not do this ? Because you are at Washington DC level? Because you’re waiting for your next promotion?, asked Pat Tobara. Go on!

Part of my mission is to rebuild trust, Wade said. It’s really difficult to rebuild trust where we are now.

Hawaii News Now asked if the EPA thinks the Army can meet its mid-2024 deadline to refuel Red Hill.

We want to make sure they achieve the goal they set for themselves and we want to make sure it’s done in a safe way, Miller said.

The order also does not address the last spill of AFFF or fire-fighting foam concentrate.

The EPA says the latest AFFF spill is a separate investigation.

EPA, its primary mission is to protect human health and the environment. We are very committed to our oversight responsibilities and believe this agreement will give us the tools to do so,” Miller said.

The EPA says the public comment period ends Feb. 6, but doesn’t yet have a specific timeline on when it might be implemented.

At City Hall, Lau had a warning for the Navy.

For the past nine years, I’ve worked with several admirals on these issues, trying to work with them, trying to talk to them, he said. The oily, rusty, leaky tin can was thrown away by these others. Now it rests squarely on your lap.

Copyright 2023 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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