Navy Stops Release of Water and Fuel Mixture

The Navy reportedly stopped the release of a water and fuel mixture from a fire suppression system drain line in the lower tunnel of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oʻahu at around 2 a.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 2021.

Approximately 14,000 gallons of water and fuel mixture have been removed from the tunnel and placed into an above ground storage tank as of midday Monday.

According to the Navy, this drain pipe is not connected to the Red Hill Fuel tanks or main fuel pipelines, all of which are secure. By mid-afternoon Sunday, the rate of release from the leak had reduced considerably, according to a Navy report. The incident occurred roughly ¼ mile downhill of the actual fuel tanks.

The tunnel capture zone, pumps and drain line are part of the layers of protection at Red Hill to protect the environment.  

The Navy continues to coordinate with and provide information to Hawaiʻi Department of Health and the EPA. There are no signs or indication of any releases to the environment and the drinking water remains safe.  The Navy is investigating the incident.