Phase II response work begins at fuel spill site atop Haleakalā
Phase two of the spill response efforts at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex began on June 20, 2023. This comes after 700 gallons of diesel fuel spilled at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex Jan. 29 into Jan. 30, 2023.
Authorities suggest the spill was caused by a damaged float within a generator’s main fuel tank. Evidence suggests that a power surge likely caused the damage. Authorities have apologized for the incident.
Officials with the US Space Forces Indo-Pacific say this latest work will ensure the full extent of the fuel contamination as well as the geology of the site is characterized. The results of the characterization will then inform the development of an alternatives evaluation work plan, a sampling and analysis plan, and health and safety plans.
The phase two contract was awarded to GSI Pacific, a Native Hawaiian-owned company based in Honolulu. The phase two work plan was approved by the Hawaiʻi Depart of Health on June 16, 2023. Characterization work includes taking soil samples at depths of 40, 80 and 100 feet to build an underground “topographical” map of fuel contamination depth and breadth.
“We are taking deliberate actions as we work to safely restore the sacred grounds at Haleakalā, while taking into account regulatory and cultural needs at the site,” said Lt. Col. Phillip Wagenbach, 15th Space Surveillance Squadron commander.
Phase two work is expected to last about two weeks, based on weather conditions at the summit. The data gathered will inform the next phase, which will inform the team on where to focus remediation efforts and actual implementation of the selected remediation plan.
An archaeological expert was included as part of the phase two effort to make sure any soil disturbance or removal is informed by the cultural sensitivity of this sacred site. Archaeological monitoring will be conducted for all ground disturbing activities to identify if any significant archaeological deposits or features are uncovered during site work.
If deposits or features are identified, the monitor may suspend work to document, identify and assess the findings, and coordinate with the construction team and the State Historic Preservation Department. Space Force will continue conducting engagements with concerned members of the community throughout the phases of the spill response.
Additionally, the phase one report was recently released, detailing work done during the initial spill response and findings collected during that phase. That report may be viewed here.
The Air Force Civil Engineer Center is leading the spill response efforts, in conjunction with Native Hawaiian organizations and various governmental agencies including the Hawaiʻi Department of Health and Department of Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawaiʻi, the National Park Service and the US Department of Agriculture.
The Maui-based 15th Space Surveillance Squadron’s mission is to provide space domain awareness. The US Space Force reports that space domain awareness is a vital part of space flight safety, making GPS, internet banking, satellite TV and myriad other aspects of everyday life possible.
At more than 10,000 feet elevation, the space surveillance location at the summit of Haleakalā contributes to that mission.
Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, met with lineal descendants of King Kamehameha Feb. 10, 2023, atop Haleakala, Hawaii. Mastalir explained that deliberate actions are underway following a fuel spill at the site and heard their inputs regarding the remediation efforts. (U.S. Space Force photo by Stephen Brady)- Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, US Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, spoke Feb. 9, 2023, with a group of about 60 student leaders at Kamehameha Schools Maui in Pukalani, Hawaii. Mastalir detailed a fuel spill atop nearby Haleakala, a place sacred to native Hawaiians, and reiterated the Space Force’s pledge to exceed remediation standards and maintain transparency during the clean-up. The students asked a variety of questions, including what effect the spill had on plants and animals at the site, to what steps are being taken to prevent a spill from happening again. Mastalir assured the students that work would include a cultural monitor to ensure an approach consistent with cultural imperatives. The Kamehameha Schools offer a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum which includes the study of Hawaiian culture and language, as well as character education and religious instruction. (US Space Force photo by Stephen Brady)
- Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, spoke Feb. 9, 2023, with a group of about 60 student leaders at Kamehameha Schools Maui in Pukalani, Hawaii. Mastalir detailed a fuel spill atop nearby Haleakala, a place sacred to native Hawaiians, and reiterated the Space Force’s pledge to exceed remediation standards and maintain transparency during the clean-up. The students asked a variety of questions, including what effect the spill had on plants and animals at the site, to what steps are being taken to prevent a spill from happening again. Mastalir assured the students that work would include a cultural monitor to ensure an approach consistent with cultural imperatives. The Kamehameha Schools offer a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum which includes the study of Hawaiian culture and language, as well as character education and religious instruction. (US Space Force photo by Stephen Brady)
- Contractors with U.S. Ecology, a remediation firm with years of specialized experience in fuel spill recovery, assist with excavation efforts at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex in Maui, Hawaii on Mar 3, 2023. The work plan, approved by the Hawaii Department of Health, Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office, calls for the excavation of up to 200 cubic yards of soil following a fuel spill at the summit. (Courtesy Photo: 15th Space Surveillance Squadron)
- Contractors with U.S. Ecology, a remediation firm with years of specialized experience in fuel spill recovery, assist with excavation efforts at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex in Maui, Hawaii on Mar 3, 2023. The work plan, approved by the Hawaii Department of Health, Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office, calls for the excavation of up to 200 cubic yards of soil following a fuel spill at the summit. (Courtesy Photo: 15th Space Surveillance Squadron)
- US Space Force Lt. Col. Phillip Wagenbach, 15th Space Surveillance Squadron commander, speaks during a community forum at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College in Hawaiʻi on April 26, 2023. The purpose of the forum was to provide an update on the current status of remediation efforts at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex. PC: US Space Forces Indo-Pacific
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