HONOLULU —
Joint Task Force-Red Hill (JTF-RH) announced today it received Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) conditional approval of all 253 completed repairs, enhancements, and modifications at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).
“Hawaii DOH's conditional approval of the repairs is a major milestone as it represents culmination of the process and procedures established to ensure the repairs were completed to the highest standard,” said Vice Adm. John Wade, JTF-RH Commander. “We appreciate DOH's work on these approvals, which ensures safe operations and keeps us on schedule for the October start of defueling.”
The JTF-RH repair process included three different evolutions of quality checks for each of the 253 repairs. Once the contractor executing each repair completed the work, they performed a Quality Control (QC) step to check that work. Next, the DoD executing agency who administered the repair contract and the JTF-RH Quality Assurance (QA) and Safety Directorate performed a QA check of the repair, to verify the repair's quality a second time.
Further, an independent, third party performed a Quality Validation (QV) check of the repair to verify the work was done correctly for a third time. Finally, JTF-RH sent DOH these repairs for their final check and approval. DOH approval of the completed repairs is one of several regulatory approvals needed before gravity defueling can begin.
JTF-RH remains on track to commence gravity defueling by October 16, 2023, and to complete gravity defueling by January 19, 2024.
JTF-RH is committed to working with all relevant government agencies to ensure Red Hill is defueled safely, expeditiously, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, policies and regulations.
For more information about JTF-RH, visit pacom.mil/jtf-red-hill/ or download the mobile app by searching for “JTF–Red Hill” in the Apple App store or Google Play store.