20 Dec 2014: By Jim Mendoza, HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) –
The tanks in the Navy’s Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility are constructed of quarter-inch steel covered with concrete. In January, one of the underground tanks leaked 27,000 gallons of jet fuel. The Health Department believes each tank should have another wall of protection.
“Should the interior wall that’s holding the petroleum spring a leak, the petroleum will be contained within the outer wall and can be instantly measured and removed,” Deputy Director Gary Gill said.
But Navy Region Hawaii’s chief engineer said rushing to double-wall the tanks could lead to problems. It would be difficult to inspect a tank if it’s enclosed.
“How do you manage accelerated corrosion which could occur if you had water or moisture collect in that space right now?” Capt. Mike Williamson said.
The Department of Health is leading a task force that’s finalizing a report on the spill. The committee will recommend what should be done to minimize risk to Oahu’s drinking water should another spill happen.
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