Since its institution in November 2023 by the Secretary of Protection, NCTF-RH has shadowed JTF-RH because it performed group occasions, replicated and developed security and safety procedures, and regarded for alternatives to use JTF-RH finest practices to RHBFSF closure operations.
NCTF-RH developed complete plans to systematically shut the ability via an built-in grasp schedule (IMS) created and repeatedly revised in shut coordination with the Environmental Safety Company (EPA), Hawaii Division of Well being (DOH), and different stakeholders.
“Over the previous 5 months, the Navy rigorously and intentionally assembled a crew of pros to kind a totally operational Navy command able to safely executing Crimson Hill closure obligations,” mentioned Rear. Adm. Steve Barnett, NCTF-RH commander. “We additionally accomplished a collection of evaluations in tandem with the JTF to confirm we’re able to tackle the vital mission of closing Crimson Hill. I’m pleased with the crew’s efforts to get the place we’re, and I’m assured we’re able to take the mantle and transfer ahead.”
The closure course of has 4 major phases: eradicating roughly 28,000 gallons of sludge from tanks; cleansing 16 storage tanks and 4 surge tanks (4 storage tanks have already been cleaned); deconstructing and eradicating greater than 10 miles of pipeline between the ability and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; and environmental remediation across the Crimson Hill facility.
“We’ve got a fancy set of duties that may take a while. That is why the Built-in Grasp Schedule and shut collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Safety Company and Hawaii Division of Well being is vital,” mentioned Rear. Adm Marc Williams, NCTF deputy commander. “All of us absolutely perceive that we’re entrusted with closing this facility as rapidly and as safely as doable, and that’s our primary precedence. That’s what the Navy created our process pressure to do.”
Moreover the teachings realized through the transition interval with JTF-RH, NCTF-RH can be benefiting from personnel and gear from the joint process pressure, who safely defueled the ability six months forward of schedule, efficiently setting the circumstances for closure.
“Rear Admiral Barnett and the Navy Closure Activity Power are prepared, they perceive the significance and enormity of their mission to soundly and expeditiously shut and decommission Crimson Hill, guarantee clear water and conduct the mandatory long-term environmental remediation.” mentioned Vice Adm. John Wade, JTF-RH commander.
Closure operations are anticipated to take three to 4 years whereas the environmental remediation efforts will probably be an everlasting mission whose timeline will probably be largely outlined by an environmental evaluation that will probably be performed later this yr.
NCTF-RH is dedicated to working with all authorities businesses and group stakeholders to soundly and intentionally shut the Crimson Hill Bulk Gas Storage Facility underground storage tanks and related piping system, conduct long-term environmental remediation, and guarantee continued entry to secure consuming water in compliance with all Federal, State, and native legal guidelines, insurance policies and laws.
For imagery, video and different digital media please go to our DVIDS website right here: https://www.dvidshub.internet/unit/NCTF-RH
