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# Agency environmentalists oversee successful Hawaii mountaintop fuel removal 

By Poma DarasamayDLA Disposition Services

                PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii  –              
The Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services team at Pearl Harbor recently oversaw the daunting removal of nearly 6,100 gallons of contaminated fuel from near the summit of Haleakalā National Park in Maui. 

The achievement highlights DLA’s technical proficiency in contract management and underscores a steadfast commitment to environmental preservation and public safety.

The Pearl Harbor site team faced numerous challenges during a full year of preparation to remove the fuel for Haleakalā summit customers including the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron and the Maui Space Surveillance Complex. The local team worked with Suzanne Rohrs and the environmental branch, Daniel Schuemann, the requirements branch, and the hazardous waste disposal contract team at the major sub-command’s headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, to overcome obstacles. 

According to team members, the agency was told that the presence of contaminated fuel atop Haleakalā posed a significant threat to both the delicate ecosystem of the area and the surrounding communities. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, DLA sent its representatives to Maui to work with the customers directly and handle the logistical fuel removal challenges efficiently.

In an impressive feat of efficiency and agility, the fuel removal operation – initially forecasted to require five days for completion – was successfully executed in a mere three days. This accelerated timeline not only highlighted the rapid response capabilities of the DLA team, but also underscored its commitment to prompt action and effective problem solving while prioritizing safety and environmental preservation.

"This has been one of the most successful removal operations I've seen," said Arsenio Areola, a Contracting Officer's Representative for the agency. "The level of partnership and collaboration demonstrated was exceptional, especially considering we've never done a removal quite like this before. We meticulously anticipated what could go wrong, ensuring a smooth and successful operation."

DLA Disposition Services Pearl Harbor CORs Poma Darasamay and Areola ensured the mitigation of potential hazards, safeguarding the unique ecosystem of Haleakalā and the well-being of local communities.

"This challenging task required not only technical proficiency but also a steadfast commitment to environmental protection and public safety," said Joe Morris, a program manager at Kūpono Government Services, LLC, and the MBSS 15th Space Surveillance Squadron. "DLA and [its contractor’s] ability to handle this complex operation with precision and care has mitigated potential hazards, ensuring the preservation of the unique ecosystem and the well-being of the surrounding communities."

Morris thanked DLA Disposition Services and its contract partner for outstanding service and the successful handling of a delivery order that made a profound impact and was deeply appreciated by the customer and local community.

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DLA DSPacific DSEnvironment DSHazardous Waste Disposal DS