Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – i

Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility,

Oahu, Hawaii

Defueling Plan Supplement 3 – November 14, 2023
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – ii

November 14, 2023 Supplement 3

Contents

I. Introduction...............................................................................................................................1

A. Establishment and Mission of JTF-RH............................................................................ 2

B. JTF-RH Organizational Structure .................................................................................... 3

C. JTF-RH Progress ............................................................................................................. 4

II. November 14, 2023 Red Hill Defueling Plan Updates............................................................ 6

A. Phase 5 Update – Defueling RHBFSF............................................................................. 6

1. Phase 5.A. Defueling ............................................................................................... 7

2. Phase 5.B. Defueling.....................................................................................................7

a. Defueling Surge Lines .......................................................................... 8

b. Defueling Tank Gallery.......................................................................... 8

III. Red Hill (RH) Transition ........................................................................................................ 9

A. Establishment and Mission of Navy Closure Task Force - Red Hill (NCTF-RH)........ 10

B. NCTF-RH Organizational Structure...................................................................................................11

C. RH Transition Projected Objectives and Milestones ...............................................................12

D. JTF- RH Defueling Phase Exit Criteria .......................................................................................13

E. NCTF-RH Closure Phase Entrance Criteria .....................................................................................14

IV. Conclusion............................................................................................................................. 15

Figure 1 – DoD Red Hill Defueling Plan........................................................................................ 1

Figure 2 – JTF-RH Task Organization ........................................................................................... 4

Figure 3 – JTF-RH Phase 5.B. Defueling: Residual Fuel Locations and Quantities....................... 8

Figure 4 – RH Transition ................................................................................................................ 9

Figure 5 – NCTF-RH Closure Residual Fuel and Sludge Locations and Quantities.................... 11

Figure 6 – NCTF-RH Task Organization ..................................................................................... 12

Table 1 – Comprehensive List of Submitted Deliverables and Completed Events.......................... 4
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – iii

Enclosures:

(1) Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)

(2) Red Hill Residual Fuel Concept of Operations (CONOP)
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 1

I. Introduction 

On June 30, 2022, the Department of Defense (DoD) provided to the Hawaii Department 

of Health (DOH) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) its five-phase plan

to defuel the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF). DoD noted in that submission that 

its planning process was iterative and that DoD would provide supplements to the plan that would

include additional details and updated timelines and milestones for the completion of defueling. 

To date, DoD has submitted three supplements to 

DOH and EPA: Supplement 1.A on September 7, 

2022; Supplement 1.B on September 28, 2022; and 

Supplement 2 on May 15, 2023. 

Supplement 1.A focused on DoD’s plan to 

integrate community engagements into the defueling 

planning and timeline and outlined a detailed plan to 

safely unpack the Red Hill pipelines in order to 

conduct mandatory repairs and enhancements. 

Supplement 1.B centered on the following: updates 

to the Fire and Spill Response Plans, updates to the 

infrastructure repairs and enhancements, updates to 

Phase 5 planning, an update on DoD’s Joint Task 

Force Red Hill (JTF-RH), and DoD responses to 

EPA’s requests for information (RFIs) dated August 

11, 2022. Supplement 2 detailed execution of

gravity-based defueling of the 20 underground 

storage tanks and associated pipelines, as well as the 

removal of fuel from the four surge tanks. 

Supplement 2 also disclosed that DoD expects that 

some residual fuel will remain in the facility 

following the completion of gravity-based defueling 

and confirmed that DoD would provide a separate 

supplement to address the safe and expeditious 

removal of that residual fuel. JTF-RH received 

regulatory conditional approval for the Defueling 

Plan and all Supplements 1A, 1B, and 2 on June 1, 

2023. 

DoD now submits Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3, which provides the way ahead and key milestones for removing the residual fuel

remaining in RHBFSF after gravity-based defueling is complete. It also defines the transition

timeline and responsibilities as JTF-RH stands down and Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill 

(NCTF-RH) stands up. Finally, this supplement addresses the communication plan to ensure the 

community remains informed as the Red Hill mission transitions to NCTF-RH for closure 

operations. 

Figure 1- DoD Red Hill Defueling Plan
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 2

A. Establishment and Mission of JTF-RH

On September 30, 2022, after submitting Supplement 1.B., DoD established JTF-RH with the 

mission to safely and expeditiously defuel the RHBFSF and rebuild trust with the state of 

Hawaii. 

Prior to December 6, 2022, all activities at Red Hill not specifically related to defueling 

preparations, such as facility preventive and corrective maintenance, repair, and environmental 

remediation, were managed by multiple Navy commands. On December 6, 2022, following a 

November 29, 2022 Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) spill at RHBFSF, United States IndoPacific Command (USINDOPACOM) directed JTF-RH to expand its mission and centralize

management and safety controls at RHBFSF to reduce risk of future mishaps. To adequately 

execute these expanded responsibilities, DoD added over 100 personnel to the JTF-RH team, and 

JTF-RH took the following actions: 

− JTF-RH established physical control of the RHBFSF. JTF-RH personnel now manage 

the two RHBFSF access control points (ACPs) and verify that all personnel are on an 

approved access roster with a clear purpose for accessing the facility.

− JTF-RH now oversees all security screening and badging of any personnel requesting 

access to RHBFSF.

− JTF-RH now oversees all maintenance, repair, and environmental remediation 

contractors who enter RHBFSF and require a military escort to remain with these 

contractors while at RHBFSF. The military escorts have the requisite training and 

knowledge to provide appropriate oversight of contractor actions. 

− JTF-RH has implemented a robust risk management process. In addition to repairs, 

enhancements, and modifications to set conditions for defueling, all other activities at 

RHBFSF must be coordinated, de-conflicted, and synchronized. This process occurs 

during the Red Hill Defueling Coordination and De-Confliction Working Group 

(RHDCDWG). This body consolidates all activities into a single integrated weekly 

schedule which is then approved by the JTF-RH Commander. Any activity characterized 

as “high risk” must be approved by the JTF-RH Commander after he receives a detailed 

brief covering the procedures, hazards, and mitigations that will be taken to reduce risk. 

Further, any activity characterized as “significant risk” requires a similar brief to and 

approval by Commander, USINDOPACOM. Access to RHBFSF is limited to activities 

listed on the approved schedule. 

− JTF-RH has established procedures to maintain real-time visibility of all approved 

activities in order to have awareness of what organization is taking what action in which 

location in RHBFSF. 

− A single Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) Program has been established under the purview of 

JTF-RH. It has been implemented to ensure a safe, methodical, and auditable approach 

to disabling and energizing systems or equipment necessary for maintenance or repairs. 

− JTF-RH has implemented enhanced procedures to protect the health and welfare of first 

responders and personnel involved in clean-up of hazardous material (HAZMAT) and 

remediation efforts. These measures include an instruction providing information on the 

safe handling of AFFF and ensuring that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 3

(PPE) is worn prior to entering or doing work at RHBFSF. In addition, JTF-RH has 

expanded its training program to incorporate additional procedures to ensure all 

personnel are trained and ready to respond in the event of a HAZMAT spill. 

B. JTF-RH Organizational Structure

 The initial JTF-RH organizational structure, as provided in Supplement 1.B, defined the six 

functional focus areas: (1) Planning Directorate, which oversees access control to Red Hill, 

conducts continuous planning to safely and expeditiously defuel Red Hill, and engages with all 

stakeholders for discussions prior to executing milestones; (2) Training Directorate, which works 

to ensure all personnel responsible for defueling operations are both individually and collectively 

trained and certified; (3) Quality Assurance Directorate, which monitors and evaluates various 

aspects of a project, service, or facility to ensure the standards of quality are met and enforced; 

(4) Repair and Maintenance Directorate, which is responsible for coordinating and executing fuel 

systems and facility repair projects; (5) Operations Directorate, which coordinates with the 

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to plan for the safe removal and transportation of fuel, 

conducts dry runs of the defueling operations, tank tightness testing and dewatering; and (6) 

Response Directorate, which coordinates with an Interagency Spill Response Team (ISRT) to 

develop response plans, conduct drills and rehearsals, and review lessons learned. Supplement 2 

provided the revised JTF-RH organizational structure (see Figure 2 below) that identified the 

additional capabilities established to support the expanded mission set to include the Defueling 

Information Sharing Forum (DISF), which brings together local community leaders, elected 

representatives, and other stakeholders with different areas of relevant subject matter expertise 

for discussions and key updates pertaining to RHBFSF defueling line of effort; and the Red Hill 

Deconfliction and Coordination Working Group (RHDCDWG), which serves as the centralized 

clearinghouse for any potential conflicts across all activities. 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 4

Figure 2 – JTF-RH Organizational Structure

C. JTF-RH Progress

JTF-RH has made significant progress since releasing Supplement 2 on May 15, 2023. Table 

1 provides a comprehensive list of major deliverables and events that JTF-RH has completed

since May 16, 2023. As shown in Table 1, JTF-RH submitted all deliverables and events 

required to commence gravity defueling on October 16, 2023. Those events include completing 

the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment/ Overseas 

Environmental Assessment (EA/OEA), successfully draining surge tanks,1 repacking pipelines, 

early completion of all required and supplemental infrastructure repairs, and executing numerous 

safety and spill response drills in preparation for safe and expeditious defueling. 

Table 1- Comprehensive List of Submitted Deliverables and Completed Events

DATE JTF-RH DELIVERABLES AND EVENTS

16 May 23 House Special Committee on Red Hill Information Hearing

17 May 23 Defueling Information Sharing Forum Update

 

1 After the release of Supplement 2, JTF-RH determined that the surge tanks were not needed for JTF-RH 

operations because they functioned as service tanks, which is separate from bulk fuel storage. Accordingly, JTF-RH 

safely removed approximately 480,000 gallons of fuel from the four surge tanks on July 28, 2023 prior to the start of 

Phase 5, as it was originally defined. 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 5

19 May 23 Main Tank Defuel CONOP to DOH/EPA

19 May 23 Tank Bottom CONOP to DOH/EPA

22 May 23 Surge Tank Draining CONOP to DOH/EPA 

31 May 23 Required Repairs Repair Work Complete 

31 May 23 Major Program Audit Complete

01 Jun 23 Monthly QV Submission to DOH/EPA

06 Jun 23 Fuel Tank Advisory Committee Update

15 Jun 23 Defueling Risk Assessment IPR

15 Jun 23 Monthly Progress Report to EPA

18 Jun 23 Defueling Supplement Conditional Approval from DOH/EPA

20 Jun 23 Defueling Update to Native Hawaiian Organizations

01 Jul 23 Tanker Decision Point

01 Jul 23 QV Submission to DOH/EPA

01 Jul 23 Third Party QV Reports for Repairs Complete

06 Jul 23 Repacking CONOP to DOH/EPA 

14 Jul 23 JTF-RH Response to EPA Comments re Supplement 2

15 Jul 23 Monthly Progress Report to EPA

15 Jul 23 Defueling Risk Assessment IPR

28 Jul 23 Surge Tank Draining Complete

21 Jul 23 JTF-RH Response to DOH Comment re Supplement 2 

01 Aug 23 EPA Endorsement for Source Water Protection Plan

15 Aug 23 Defueling Risk Assessment IPR

15 Aug 23 Monthly Progress Report to EPA

15 Aug 23 Defuel Preparedness Report to EPA

16 Aug 23 Roving Security Fire Watch Drill Day 1

17 Aug 23 Roving Security Fire Watch Drill Day 2

22 Aug 23 Defueling Information Sharing Forum Update

24 Aug 23 House Special Committee on Red Hill Information Hearing

27 Aug 23 DOH/EPA Unconditional Approval for Repacking 

28 Aug 23 NEPA Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) Complete 

05 Sep 23 Repacking Complete

15 Sep 23 Monthly Progress Report to EPA

19 Sep 23 Honolulu Department of Emergency Management / Local Emergency Planning 

Committee Information Brief

28 Sep 23 Main Tank Training Certification 

28 Sep 23 Main Tank QA Safety Validation

27 Sep 23 Defueling Preparedness Report to EPA 

29 Sep 23 Pre-Defueling Material Assessment (PDMA)

03 Oct 23 EPA Unconditional Approval for Defueling Preparedness Report 

03 Oct 23 Defueling Open House

04 Oct 23 EPA Community Representation Initiative Update

09 Oct 23 Defueling Tank Mains Start Notification to EPA

09 Oct 23 Defueling Tank Mains Press Release

10 Oct 23 Defueling Confirmation Brief

10 Oct 23 Defuel Final Walkthrough

11 Oct 23 DOH Final Approval to Commence Defueling Tank Mains 

13 Oct 23 Defueling Press Conference

14 Oct 23 Blessing
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 6

15 Oct 23 Monthly Progress Report to EPA

16 Oct 23 Defueling Start - Begin Defueling Main Tanks

23 Oct 23 Board of Water Supply, Board of Directors Update

24 Oct 23 Defueling Information Sharing Update

27 Oct 23 House Special Committee on Red Hill Information Hearing

02 Nov 23 Hawaii State Senate Health Committee Update Brief

15 Nov 23 Fuel Tank Advisory Committee Update

II. November 14, 2023 Red Hill Defueling Plan Updates

This Supplement provides key updates on the defueling plan and timelines for JTF-RH and 

NCTF-RH’s remaining work to defuel the RHBFSF and to set the conditions for facility closure 

by NCTF-RH. It provides Phase 5 defueling progress updates on gravity-based defueling, 

explains JTF-RH’s plan for the removal of residual fuel remaining in RHBFSF, and defines how 

JTF-RH, upon completing Phase 5, will transition Red Hill operations to NCTF-RH. Defueling 

Supplement 3 will be the final JTF-RH Defueling Supplement; it provides a transition timeline, 

explains the conditions for transitioning operations to the Navy for closure, and outlines the 

communication plan to ensure continued transparency with the public on NCTF-RH efforts. 

JTF-RH is meticulously working to safely and expeditiously complete defueling and support a 

deliberate and methodical conditions-based transition. JTF-RH projects that, subject to any 

unforeseen circumstances, it will begin removing residual fuel immediately after gravity 

defueling. 

A. Phase 5 Update – Defueling RHBFSF

JTF-RH is currently operating in Phase 5 of the defueling plan. DoD has bifurcated Phase 5 

of the defueling process into two sub-phases: Phase 5.A. and Phase 5.B. See Figure 1. Phase 

5.A. defueling consists of gravity-based defueling, which will result in the removal and 

relocation of approximately 104 million gallons of bulk fuel at RHBFSF. As forecasted in 

Supplement 2, DoD estimates there will be residual fuel remaining in the facility after Phase 5.A. 

defueling is complete. Phase 5 B will remove all of the residual fuel that can be removed without 

demolition of the facility infrastructure. 

Following detailed surveys and mission analysis, JTF-RH estimates that the quantity of 

residual fuel remaining in the facility after gravity-based defueling will be approximately 64,000 

gallons. Residual fuel is the fuel that cannot be removed via gravity and requires active 

measures to remove. Some residual fuel collects in expected locations that the removal 

contractors can access and defuel without having to conduct destructive work. 2 This work would 

include pumping fuel to transport it to drains, where it can be removed. Disposal of residual fuel 

removed from the facility will be conducted by the contractor in accordance with the contract 

scope of work and in accordance with environmental regulations.

 2 Other residual fuel requires demolition or other destructive work, which requires associated 

environmental safety measures. The Navy will remove this work as part of permanent closure of 

the facility. 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 7

Accordingly, Phase 5.B. defueling will consist of removing approximately 60,000 gallons of 

residual fuel located in the Surge Lines and portions of the Tank Gallery through non-destructive 

means via the existing RMMR contract. JTF-RH will complete its defueling mission upon 

completing Phase 5.B. defueling, which JTF-RH projects to end no later than March 31, 2024. 

The remaining residual fuel, which will be approximately 4,000 gallons, can be removed only

via demolition contracts and will occur as part of NCTF-RH’s closure mission. 

This section provides an update on Phase 5.A. defueling and outlines the plan for Phase 5.B. 

defueling for removal of residual fuel. 

1. Phase 5.A. Defueling: Gravity-Based Defueling 

Phase 5.A. consists of the gravity-based defueling of RHBFSF (20 underground fuel storage 

tanks, four surge tanks, and associated pipelines. Phase 5.A. includes three steps: (1) Defuel Tank 

Mains; (2) Defuel Flowable Tank Bottoms; and (3) Unpack Pipelines. 

On September 5, 2023, JTF-RH successfully repacked the pipelines with approximately 

380,000 gallons of fuel in preparation to defuel the tank mains. Upon receiving regulatory 

approval, JTF-RH commenced defueling tank mains on October 16, 2023. JTF-RH anticipates 

completion of Tank Main defueling on November 18, 2023, completion of Flowable Tank Bottoms 

defueling on December 15, 2023, and Unpacking the Pipelines on January 19, 2024. Refer to 

updated Integrated Master Schedule for details (Encl (1)). 

2. Phase 5.B. Defueling: Non-destructive Residual Fuel Removal 

Phase 5.B. defueling consists of removing all residual fuel that can be removed using nondestructive means, which is estimated at 60,000 gallons. See Figure 3. 

Enclosure 2 is the residual fuel Concept of Operations (CONOP) for Phase 5.B. defueling prior 

to the end of Phase 5.A. gravity-based defueling. The sections below provide an overview of the 

Red Hill Residual Fuel CONOP for Surge Lines and the Tank Gallery. 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 8

Figure 3 – JTF-RH Phase 5.B. Defueling: Residual Fuel Locations and Quantities

a. Defueling Surge Lines 

Upon concurrence and receipt of DOH/EPA approval, JTF-RH will utilize the existing

routine maintenance and minor repair (RMMR) contract to commence removal of approximately 

35,000 gallons of residual fuel remaining in the surge lines. First, the residual fuel will be pumped 

using a diaphragm pump from each line through low point drains (LPDs). A flex hose and rigid 

pipe will run through an access hatch and into a vacuum truck that will be staged above Adit 1. 

The contractor will be responsible for disposal of the residual fuel in accordance with contract 

specifications and applicable environmental regulations. See Encl (2) for further details and 

graphical depictions. 

b. Defueling Tank Gallery 

Upon concurrence and receipt of DOH/EPA approval, JTF-RH will commence removing 

the approximately 25,000 gallons of residual fuel from the Tank Gallery. JTF-RH will implement 

a graduated two-part approach to removing residual fuel located in Tank Gallery. Part 1 will be

draining the blinded laterals, which are the pipe sections between the Tank and the main line that 

have a mechanical isolation in place. Part 2 will be draining the stand pipes.
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 9

Part 1 entails installing a threaded tee, pressure gauge, and ball valve on the bottom of each 

lateral low point drain and using a flex hose that runs from the ball valves into the service trees. 

The fuel will flow though the FOR line where the flow rate can be controlled with the ball valve 

and/or the low point drain gate valve. The fuel will flow from the FOR line into the main sump 

and then pumped into Tank 311, which is an above ground tank located near Adit 3. 

After the blinded lateral draining is complete, JTF-RH will drain sample stations, LPDs, 

and remove all the blinds before commencing Part 2, which entails draining the stand pipes. The 

laterals will be checked and verified as drained and then the skin valve at each tank will be opened, 

which allows residual fuel in the stand pipes to flow into the laterals. The stand pipes will be 

drained from the low point drain through the FOR line and into Tank 311. See Encl (2) for further 

details and graphical depictions. 

III. Red Hill (RH) Transition 

DoD will transition responsibilities at the RHBFSF from defueling operations performed by 

JTF-RH to closure activities performed by the Department of the Navy (DON). JTF-RH will 

continue conducting frequent community, local and state, and media engagements to provide 

status updates on the RH Transition as DON begins initial steps of transition of responsibility

with JTF-RH to better understand all JTF-RH processes and procedures. JTF-RH will continue 

to update its website and mobile application with updates on the RH Transition. 

The phasing constructs for JTF-RH’s defueling operations and DON’s establishment of 

NCTF-RH are separate and distinct. However, to ensure a fully synchronized and coordinated 

transition, Figure 4 illustrates how we will align the two phasing constructs to facilitate the RH 

Transition. This alignment is critically important to ensure unambiguous understanding of 

milestones, objectives, responsibilities, manning and resourcing requirements, strategic 

engagements, and conditions to transition between phases. 

Figure 4 – RH Transition
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 10

As depicted above, the movement from Phase 5.A. Defueling (Gravity Based 

Defueling/NCTF-RH Establishment Phase 0 (Establishment)) to Phase 5.B. Defueling (Residual 

Fuel Removal)/NCTF-RH Establishment Phase 1 (Initial Operational Capability) initiates the 

transition period between JTF-RH and NCTF-RH. The RH Transition period will be conditionsbased, driven by JTF-RH’s defueling timeline. This means that if JTF-RH completes Phase 5.A.

Defueling prior to January 19, 2024, the transition to Phase 5.B. Defueling (Residual Fuel 

Removal)/NCTF-RH Establishment Phase 1 (IOC) will occur simultaneously. 

A. Establishment and Mission of NCTF-RH

The mission of the NCTF-RH will be to safely and expeditiously execute the permanent 

closure of the RHBFSF and continue long-term environmental remediation and aquifer 

restoration efforts in coordination with state and federal stakeholders in order to protect public 

health and the environment, while continuing to rebuild trust with the State of Hawaii and the 

local community of Oahu.

NCTF-RH is responsible for removing approximately 4,000 gallons of inaccessible residual 

fuel and approximately 28,000 gallons of sludge. See Figure 5. This sludge is separate from the 

residual fuel in the pipelines, and NCTF-RH is responsible for removing all the sludge in the 

facility in accordance with the DON Tank Closure Plan Supplement 2 dated May 31, 2023, 

which provides the plan for removing the three fuel pipelines from Tank 20 down to the 

Underground Pump House (UGPH). 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 11

 Figure 5 – NCTF-RH: Closure Residual Fuel and Sludge Locations and Quantities

B. NCTF-RH Organizational Structure 

The Secretary of Defense approved the NCTF-RH organizational construct, which 

requires Commander, Pacific Fleet (CPF) to establish NCTF-RH with Commander, Navy Region 

Hawaii (CNRH) (Navy O-8/2-Star Rear Admiral) dual-hatted as the NRH and NCTF-RH 

Commander. CNRH will have two Deputy Commanders – a Deputy Commander for Closure 

and Demolition (Navy O-7/1-Star Rear Admiral) and a Deputy Commander for Remediation and 

Environment (Navy O-6/Captain).

The dual-hatted CNRH/NCTF-RH Commander will serve as the single DoD entity to 

synchronize all actions required to execute the closure of RHBFSF and to continue ongoing 

remediation efforts. Dual-hatting the Commander presents an operational and reputational 

synergy for the execution of closure and remediation actions, while also leveraging their position 

in the community to continue the efforts to rebuild trust with the State of Hawaii and the local 

community of Oahu. The task organization for NCTF-RH is depicted in Figure 6 below. 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 12

Figure 6 – NCTF-RH Task Organization

C. RH Transition Projected Objectives and Milestones

1. Phase 5.A. defueling (Gravity Based Defueling) / NCTF-RH Phase 0 (Establishment)

 JTF-RH Phase 5.A. defueling (Gravity Based Defueling): This phase began when JTFRH commenced gravity-based defueling of Tank Mains on October 16, 2023. During this 

phase, JTF-RH will gravity defuel Tank Mains, Flowable Tank Bottoms, and Unpack 

Pipelines. JTF-RH will retain command and control over the RHBFSF JOA and continue to 

function as the single DoD entity to synchronize all actions to rebuild DoD trust with 

Federal, State, and local stakeholders. 

 NCTF-RH Phase 0 (Establishment): This phase begins when NCTF-RH advanced 

echelon of personnel (ADVON) arrives. During this phase, NCTF-RH ADVON assumes 

responsibility for on-boarding staff and building the capability to meet IOC conditions. All 

Red Hill Closure activities will remain under the command and control of the single-hatted 

CNRH Commander. 

This phase ends when JTF-RH completes Phase 5.A. defueling.
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 13

2. Phase 5.B. Defueling (Residual Fuel Removal) / NCTF-RH Phase 1 (IOC)

 During Phase 5.B. Defueling (Residual Fuel Removal)/NCTF-RH Establishment Phase 1 

(IOC), JTF-RH and NCTF-RH will execute a transition across all relevant Directorates and 

staff. The transition will be focused on NCTF-RH learning JTF-RH’s processes and 

procedures for safety, security, and engagement to ensure continuity of operations during the 

next phase. As such, the phase breakdown below highlights this overlap, primarily driven by 

residual fuel removal in RHBFSF.

 Phase 5.B. Defueling (Residual Fuel Removal): This phase begins when JTF-RH 

commences residual fuel removal at RHBFSF. For approximately the first half of the RH 

Transition, NCTF-RH will observe JTF-RH’s processes for CONOP development and 

approval, pre-evolution inspections and rehearsals, safety checks, access control, uniformed 

military escorts, Regulator communication and collaboration, and communications strategy 

with Federal, State, and local stakeholders. For the second half of the RH Transition, JTFRH will retain approval authority and command and control of the RHBFSF JOA, but 

NCTF-RH will assume responsibility for residual fuel CONOP development, obtaining 

regulatory approval, obtaining JTF-RH Commander approval, and executing the CONOP 

under JTF-RH oversight. JTF-RH expects that the RH transition phase will end by March 

31, 2024, by which time the following conditions will be met: 

a. JTF-RH completes removal of approximately 60,000 gallons of residual fuel 

from RHBFSF 

b. JTF-RH has completed all Exit Criteria for JTF-RH to relinquish 

responsibility as the Main Effort (Defueling) for Red Hill activities

c. NCTF-RH concurs with the Entrance Criteria for NCTF-RH to assume 

responsibility as the Main Effort (Closure) for Red Hill activities

d. JTF-RH has transferred authority for the RHBFSF JOA to NCTF-RH

D. JTF- RH Defueling Phase Exit Criteria

1. All mandatory repairs identified through the independent assessments have been 

completed and verified through the 3rd party quality validation process.

2. JTF-RH will perform tank mains defueling from each of the 14 in-service Red Hill 

tanks (JP-5: 7 tanks, F-76: 2 tanks, F-24: 5 tanks). Tank Mains defueling will defuel 

the Red Hill tanks down to a level of approximately 10 feet. Tank Mains defueling 

will be performed by gravity drain method, and tankers at Hotel Pier will serve as the 

primary initial transfer destination. 

3. JTF-RH will conduct Flowable Tank Bottom defueling from each of the 14 in-service 

Red Hill tanks (JP-5: 7 tanks, F-76: 2 tanks, F-24: 5 tanks). Following Tank Main 

defueling, approximately 120,000 gallons of fuel will remain in each tank bottom. 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 14

This fuel is flowable (below the low suction point on the tank issue/receipt line) when 

aligned and transferred through the tank’s FOR line. The Flowable Tank Bottoms 

will be drained using each tank's FOR line that goes to the main FOR line and then 

will be redirected into the JP-5 line to allow for gravity flow down to UGPH/Hotel 

Pier. 

4. JTF-RH will Unpack the two pipelines (F-24 and JP-5 from Red Hill to the UGPH) 

utilized for defueling the Red Hill tanks. JTF-RH will generally follow the same 

unpacking procedures that it used in its successful unpacking of the pipelines in 

October 2022. JTF-RH will remove from the pipelines an estimated 203,000 gallons 

from the JP-5 pipeline, and an estimated 144,000 gallons from the F-24 pipeline.

5. JTF-RH has drained the four surge tanks with an approximate total of 480,000 gallons 

of fuel.

6. JTF-RH, working with the NCTF-RH, will drain approximately 60,000 gallons of 

remaining residual fuel located in the tank gallery via RMRR contract as part of a 

left-seat/right-seat transition construct. This work is expected to include sample 

stands, the blind laterals and blind standpipes above the aquifer, and the surge lines.

7. JTF-RH will conduct a pipeline integrity test of the FOR line between main sump and 

tank 311 prior to transition to closure.

8. JTF-RH will blind-flange the FOR line between surge tanks and UGPH sump prior to 

transition to closure. 

9. JTF-RH will not drain any pipelines within the underground UGPH; the UGPH is a 

dual use facility for both the RHBFSF and Upper Tank Farm (UTF) and cannot be 

isolated and drained without impacting daily fuel operations at Joint Base Pearl 

Harbor Hickam (JBPHH). Segments of the UGPH are required to distribute fuel to 

other sections of the fuel storage and distribution system and therefore cannot be 

disestablished until such time as those capabilities are replicated elsewhere. There is 

a “fire valve” in each product line that connects the Red Hill to the UGPH. Between 

the fire valve and the UGPH, each product line has a flanged spool piece. JTF-RH 

will close the fire valves, remove the spool pieces, and blind-flange the pipe ends.

This will completely separate the UGPH from the Red Hill pipelines. A 10’-long to 

20’-long stub from the UGPH will still project into the Harbor Tunnel, but these lines 

will be physically “air gapped” from the Red Hill pipelines.

10. JTF-RH will not undertake any environmental or remediation efforts.

11. JTF-RH will not execute any closure related tasks.

E. NCTF-RH Closure Phase Entrance Criteria

1. JTF-RH documentation and records are appropriately archived.

2. JTF-RH has completed defueling Tank Mains, defueling Flowable Tank Bottoms, and 

Unpacking the pipelines. 

3. Residual fuel removed via the Recurring Maintenance, and Minor Repair (RMMR) 
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 15

contract is complete, and all materials are disposed of properly.

4. Approximately 4,000 gallons of known residual fuel will remain in the system for 

draining commensurate with pipeline removal.

5. Approximately 900 gallons of AFFF concentrate will remain in the system for 

draining commensurate with closure.

6. Approximately 28,000 gallons of sludge will remain in the tanks for draining 

commensurate with closure and tank cleaning.

7. NCTF-RH spill response and contingency planning is complete. 

IV. Conclusion

JTF-RH remains focused on safely and expeditiously defueling RHBFSF. Concurrently, 

JTF-RH is dedicated to the efficient and successful transition to NCTF-RH. Until the formal 

transfer of authority, JTF-RH will continue as the lead for all activities within the RHBFSF JOA, 

as well as, for all engagements and community outreach to continue to build trust and confidence 

with the leaders and communities in Hawaii. The completion of defueling Phase 5.B., currently 

expected to occur no later than March 31, 2024 will mark the end of the transition phase. On or 

about April 1, 2024, NCTF-RH will assume C2 for the Red Hill JOA and begin closure and 

remediation of RHBFSF.
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 16

Enclosure (1) to

Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Oahu, Hawaii

November 14, 2023 Supplement 3

Integrated Master Plan (IMS)
FY2024

Q1 Q2 Q3

October November December January February March April May

23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6

Deliverables Milestone IPR Exercise Date Range Major Milestone Coordination

EPA Action JTF-RH Action DOH Regulator Authority Validation Transition Navy Action Complete

Strategic Engagement &

H Pier Blackout Dates

Page 1 of 1 10/27/2023

Defuel Start October 2023

JTF-RH Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)

Task

JTF-RH Phase

Defueling Plan Phase

RH Transition

PLANS

IPC

COM

DCOM

Defuel Supplement 2

Defuel Supplement 3

STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT

PAO

MAINTENANCE

RESPONSE

TRAINING

QUALITY ASSURANCE

FUEL OPERATIONS

Defuel/DLA

DOH

Main Tank

Tank Bottom

Unpacking

EPA

Main Tank

Tank Bottom

Unpacking

JOINT FUEL OPERATIONS

Lift

2/1

Phase 2, FOC

Phase 3, Transition 4/1 Phase 4, Stand Down 4/30

1/19

 Phase 5A

Gravity Drain

 Ends

2/1

 Phase 5B 

Residual Fuel

 Starts

 Phase 5B 

 Residual Fuel

 Ends

3/31

2/1

NCTF-RH IOC

4/1

NCTF-RH Assumes 

 C2 with FOC

 PA Website

11/27

Flowable Bottoms

CONOP Approval 

11/30

Unpacking CONOPS 

Brief/Approval

12/1

Approval: Tank Bottom

1/12

Approval: Upacking 4/10

Submit Final Defueling

 Report to EPA

11/30

 IPR: Tank Bottom

1/11

IPR: Unpacking

11/28

 IPR: Tank Bottom

1/9

IPR: Unpacking

11/15

Progress Report

To EPA

11/27

Tank Bottoms Start

Notification to EPA

1/8

Unpacking Start

Notification to EPA

 Supplement 3 

Released by OSD 11/15

10/23 10/28 10/30 11/4 11/6 11/8 11/13 11/15 11/27

Tank Bottoms Start

Press Release

12/4 12/9

Webinar

JEC PAO SUPPORT

 12/15

12/15

12/19 1/5

Phase Transition

Open House

1/8

 Unpacking Start

 Press Release

2/16

Notice of Transition

from JTF-RH to DON

10/26

 Red Hill Special 

Committee Update 

11/3

State Senate Healthcare 

 Committee Hearing

11/30

 Tank Bottom

Final Review

1/10

Unpacking

Final Review

11/15

Fuel Advisory

Committee

11/30

 Tank Bottom

Final Review

1/8

 Unpacking

Training Certification

1/10

Unpacking

Final Review

11/27

 Tank Bottom

QA/Safety Validation

11/30

 Tank Bottom

Final Review

1/8

 Unpacking

QA/Safety Validation

1/10

Unpacking

Final Review

11/18

 Main Tank

Defuel Complete

11/30

 Tank Bottom

Final Review

12/4

Tank Bottom 

Defuel Start

12/9

Tank Bottoms

 Finished

1/10

 Unpacking

Final Review

1/15

Unpacking

Start

1/19

 Unpacking 

 Complete

1/19 1/21

Fuel Product Relocated 1/15

DOH/EPA Approval for 

 Residual Fuel CONOP

11/18

 Main Tank

Defuel Complete

12/1

Tank Bottoms

Final Approval

12/4

Tank 

Bottoms

Start

12/9

Tank Bottoms 

 Finished

10/30

 Unpacking 

 CONOPS Submission

12/12

Unpacking 

Start

12/19

 Unpacking 

 Complete

DoH/EPA Unpacking

CONOP Approval

1/10

 Unpacking

 Final Review

1/12

 Unpack Final

 Approval

11/15

EPA Monthly Report 12/15

EPA Monthly Report

1/15

EPA/DOH Approval for 

 Residual Fuel CONOP

 EPA Monthly Report

1/23

EPA Phase 5B Defueling

 Start Notification

2/15

EPA Monthly Report

3/15

EPA Monthly Report

4/1

 EPA Final Defueling

Completion Walkthrough Inspection

 Issues Certification of Completion

4/20

 EPA Approval of

11/15 Final Defueling Report

Receive Progress Report

11/18

 Main Tank Defuel Complete

11/25

Tank Bottom

Final Review

11/27

 Tank Bottoms Start Notification to EPA

12/1

Tank Bottom

Final Approval

12/4

 Tank Bottom 

 Start

12/9

 Tank Bottoms

 Finished

10/24

 Unpacking 

 CONOPS Submission

12/19

 EPA/DoH Unpacking 

 CONOP Approval 1/8

Unpacking Start 

Notification to EPA

1/10

Unpacking

Final Review

1/12

 Unpack Final Approval

1/15

Unpacking

Start

1/19

 Unpacking

 Complete

10/28 10/30 11/4 11/6 11/8 11/13 11/15 12/4 12/19

 Lift 4: EMPIRE STATE to Campbell

Lift 5: STENA IMPECCABLE to Subic Bay 

Lift 6: EMPIRE STATE to San Diego 

 Lift 7: STENA IMPERATIVE to Subic Bay Lift 9:

Phase 2, FOC
Department of Defense Red Hill Defueling Plan 

Supplement 3 (November 14, 2023) – 17

Enclosure (2) to

Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Oahu, Hawaii

November 14, 2023 Supplement 3

Residual Fuel CONOP