A $5,000 penalty was imposed for failing to address the fuel spill crisis with local representatives.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined the Navy and Defense Logistics Agency $5,000 for not attending a December community meeting about the Red Hill fuel leak crisis, as required by a consent order. The meeting was organized by the Red Hill Community Representation Initiative (CRI), a group of 10 Hawaiian community members working with the Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, and EPA on the defueling, closure, and cleanup of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.
The EPA sent a letter to Rear Admiral Marc Williams and Deputy Commander David Kless stating that the Navy and Defense Logistics Agency’s absence violated the consent order terms.
The fuel leak, which occurred in November 2021, contaminated drinking water for over 90,000 residents near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, prompting temporary relocations and public outcry over the Navy’s handling of the crisis.
While new meeting ground rules were established in November, the Navy cited unresolved issues as the reason for missing the December meeting. The EPA warned that further penalties may follow if the Navy and Defense Logistics Agency fail to attend future meetings.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For EPA officials as they advocate for residents impacted by the fuel storage leak.
- For Navy and Defense Department officials as they assess the approach to closing the facility.
Sources: Stars and Stripes, MSN
