HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has acknowledged the successful completion of Joint Task Force – Red Hill (JTF-RH) in safely defueling the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. In a letter addressed to Vice Admiral John Wade and Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett, DOH Deputy Director for Environmental Health Kathleen Ho expressed gratitude for the safe removal of 104 million gallons of fuel from the facility.
Deputy Director Ho emphasized the next steps in the process, stating, "There is still much work to be done to permanently close the Red Hill facility and remediate the environment." She also reiterated the DOH's commitment to overseeing Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill (NCTF-RH) as they continue their efforts towards closure and aquifer remediation.
"We will hold NCTF-RH accountable to complete this work and expect that they will execute these tasks with the same diligence and commitment to community involvement exhibited by JTF-RH," Deputy Director Ho added.
The DOH's confirmation of JTF-RH's defueling obligations being fulfilled marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns at the Red Hill facility. The focus now shifts towards the permanent closure of the facility and the necessary steps to remediate the aquifer.
For further details, the DOH letter can be accessed for more information.
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DOH Concurrence on JTF-RH Defueling Obligations