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From:

Sent: Friday, July 03, 2015 8:19 PM

To: RedHill

Subject: Red Hill AOC Comments

Follow Up Flag: Follow up

Flag Status: Flagged

To Whom it May Concern, 

As a nearby Red Hill resident and a mother, I had some comments on the proposed AOC regarding the Red Hill 

Bulk Storage Facility. Based on the Statement of Work, I understand the main components of the project that 

will be undertaken by the Navy to be: 

1) Improvement of tank inspection and repair process 

2) Conduct a study to investigate tank upgrade alternatives. Within 22 years, all tanks shall be upgraded using 

BAPT or be taken out of service. 

3) In the interim, Navy will increase frequency of tank tightness testing 

4) A better groundwater flow model will be developed to understand the flow path of the contaminants. 

5) Assessment of impact of contaminants on the ground water supply 

While I feel like this plan is generally a good idea, I think actual implementation of tank upgrades and 

mediation/clean up efforts needs to start today. The January 2014 fuel leak wasn't the first to occur, although it 

was the first time I had heard of it. Apparently fuel leaks have occurred multiple times in the past. My concern 

is that by the time upgrades are constructed, the ground water will already be contaminated. I worry that in the 

future, my daughter will not have clean water to drink. 

According to the SOW, in 1998 and 2008 upgrade feasibility studies were conducted by the Navy. What was 

the outcome of these studies? Was anything constructed? Since these tanks are over 70 years old, they can't be 

in great condition. At the end of the 22 years for completion of BAPT, these tanks will be almost 100 years old. 

Considering that these upgrades are proposed to be done in phases, the last batch will be done when the tanks 

are 90+ years old. While I do understand the need for a planning process and wanting to find the best, most cost 

effective alternative, at some point we need to be proactive and do something before a fuel leak occurs that 

renders are ground water undrinkable. Is it possible to start by lining the tank that's in the worst condition? It 

could be done as a pilot project, ongoing while the upgrade investigation study is being performed. It might not 

be the best solution, but it does make the tank more leak proof than repairing and patching. It's also probably a 

lot cheaper than installing secondary containment or taking the tank out of service and building an above 

ground storage tank. Or if there's different lining technologies, perhaps they could be installed on several tanks 

and the performance and constructability of each could be evaluated as part of the upgrade study. 

Is it possible to start the clean up of contaminants now, while the study of groundwater flow and impact of 

contaminants is being conducted? Again, there's always going to be better means and methods coming out, 

however I feel we should use whatever best resources we have today to clean up the contaminants as best we 

can. It just can't be good for the environment to have fuel leaking into the ground, especially near a drinking 

water source. Additionally, I'm sure no one wants to be the guinea pig as to what level of contaminant our 

bodies can handle. 

I do appreciate the efforts and long term studies proposed to be done under the AOC, however I would suggest 

proactive measures be implemented while these studies are being conducted. 
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Sincerely,