The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), has finalized amendments to the 2023 Red Hill Administrative Consent Order (ACO). These changes aim to enhance public outreach during the closure and cleanup of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, as well as ongoing efforts to protect drinking water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, emphasized the importance of transparency and communication with communities. "Transparency and direct communication with communities is paramount to our collective work to serve the public," she stated. The amendments are designed to ensure that both the Navy and DLA engage effectively with the public on environmental challenges at Red Hill.
Karnig Ohannessian, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Environment and Mission Readiness, reiterated their commitment to community engagement. "We remain committed to productive and transparent engagements with the community as we work together toward the permanent closure of Red Hill," he said.
The revised order aims to improve community involvement by restructuring meetings under the Community Representation Initiative (CRI). Previously, twice-quarterly meetings were held without sufficient guidance for effective engagement. To address this, EPA offered mediation but proceeded directly with renegotiations after CRI members declined participation.
Under the amended order, an EPA-appointed facilitator will oversee meetings focused on topics covered by the ACO. The Navy and DLA will participate quarterly to address public queries related to their work under this agreement. Meeting agendas will be collaboratively set by all members involved.
Additionally, if CRI participants do not adhere to established ground rules, neither Navy nor DLA will be obligated to attend or fulfill roles outlined in these guidelines.
Further stipulations include submitting an annual Community Engagement Plan by January 15 each year for EPA's review and approval. Information provided under this order must be posted on a designated website within fourteen days after submission. Public comments can be submitted via email or phone; responses will be published monthly online.
Sampling data is required in electronic form approved by EPA within thirty days following receipt of validated results from activities conducted under this order.
The full amended 2023 Consent Order is available on EPA’s website alongside information about its work at Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawai‘i.
