HONOLULU, Hawaii —
Today, Joint Task Force-Red Hill (JTF-RH) began emptying the “flowable tank bottoms” of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility's underground storage tanks.
Flowable tank bottom is the engineering term for the remaining usable fuel at the bottom of a storage tank.
When gravity defueling of the 14 storage tanks was completed on Nov. 17, JTF-RH was able to drain down to the 7-foot level vice the planned 10-foot level, leaving a little less than 1 million gallons in total. JTF-RH will remove this remaining usable fuel.
Originally, emptying the flowable tank bottoms was expected to be completed on Dec. 15, but because of the reduced amount of fuel left in the tanks, the evolution is expected to be complete on or about Dec. 8.
An updated video illustrating flowable tank bottoms can be found at: dvidshub.net/video/906289/flowable-tank-bottom-motion-graphic-update
JTF-RH is committed to working with regulators and government stakeholders to ensure Red Hill is defueled safely, expeditiously, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
For more information about JTF-RH, visit pacom.mil/jtf-red-hill or download the App by searching for “JTF - Red Hill” in the Apple App store or Google Play store.