EPA Reports Or Assessments On Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Fuel Leaks Impacting Red Hill Well
Tracking # |
EPA-2022-001330, EPA-R9-2022-001330 EPA-2022-001330 |
Submitted | Dec. 6, 2021 |
Est. Completion | None |
MuckRock users can file, duplicate, track, and share public records requests like this one. Learn more.
Communications
From: Kevin Gosztola
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following—
Any completed or official assessments, findings, investigations, reports, or studies involving the United States Navy's Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and contamination of the Red Hill well in Oahu as well as threats of pollution to the Halawa Shaft. Such assessments, findings, investigation, or studies may have been completed between the time period of January 1, 2011, and November 1, 2021, and involve petroleum or fuel leaks.
The Hawaii Department of Health has cited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for violations related to operation and maintenance of the facility multiple times. Upon information and belief, the Environmental Protection Agency may have examined the Health Department's allegations and claims, including Notices of Violation and Order, or NOVOs, involving the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).
On December 5, 2021, CNN reported, "Records show a history of fuel leaks plaguing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the past decade, with the most recent leak occurring 11 days before the Navy announced it had discovered contamination in the Red Hill well on Oahu." (The media organization was referring to a leak in late November when they mentioned the "most recent leak.")
"The deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rear Adm. Blake Converse, confirmed a petroleum leak is the cause of the latest breach," according to the CNN report.
In October 2021, the Hawaii Department of Health released a copy of a NOVO from the Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch. It listed violations that stemmed from failures and mismanagement at the underground storage tank system located at Red Hill/Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu. This is also referred to as the fuel storage facility.
The Hawaii Department of Health previously responded to fuel contamination in January 2014. According to CNN, "During the refueling of a tank, the Navy identified an estimated fuel release of up to 27,000 gallons of JP-8 jet fuel."
"U.S. Navy subsequently drained the tank and collected samples from existing monitoring wells. Results taken in and around Tank 5 indicated increases of hydrocarbons in soil vapor and groundwater," the Hawaii Health Department stated.
As a professional reporter, I assert that I should be designated as a media requester for the purpose of assessing fees.
Given the amount of public interest from news media including ABC News, the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Honolulu Civil Beat, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Stars and Stripes, etc, I additionally ask that any and all fees be waived. In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of any and all charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request be filled electronically and by email attachment if available.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as required by the statute.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gosztola
From: Environmental Protection Agency
This message is to confirm your request submission to the FOIAonline application: View Request. Request information is as follows: (https://foiaonline.gov/foiaonline/action/public/submissionDetails?trackingNumber=EPA-2022-001330&type=request)
* Tracking Number: EPA-2022-001330
* Requester Name:
Kevin Gosztola
* Date Submitted: 12/06/2021
* Request Status: Submitted
* Description:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following—
Any completed or official assessments, findings, investigations, reports, or studies involving the United States Navy's Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and contamination of the Red Hill well in Oahu as well as threats of pollution to the Halawa Shaft. Such assessments, findings, investigation, or studies may have been completed between the time period of January 1, 2011, and November 1, 2021, and involve petroleum or fuel leaks.
The Hawaii Department of Health has cited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for violations related to operation and maintenance of the facility multiple times. Upon information and belief, the Environmental Protection Agency may have examined the Health Department's allegations and claims, including Notices of Violation and Order, or NOVOs, involving the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).
On December 5, 2021, CNN reported, "Records show a history of fuel leaks plaguing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the past decade, with the most recent leak occurring 11 days before the Navy announced it had discovered contamination in the Red Hill well on Oahu." (The media organization was referring to a leak in late November when they mentioned the "most recent leak.")
"The deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rear Adm. Blake Converse, confirmed a petroleum leak is the cause of the latest breach," according to the CNN report.
In October 2021, the Hawaii Department of Health released a copy of a NOVO from the Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch. It listed violations that stemmed from failures and mismanagement at the underground storage tank system located at Red Hill/Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu. This is also referred to as the fuel storage facility.
The Hawaii Department of Health previously responded to fuel contamination in January 2014. According to CNN, "During the refueling of a tank, the Navy identified an estimated fuel release of up to 27,000 gallons of JP-8 jet fuel."
"U.S. Navy subsequently drained the tank and collected samples from existing monitoring wells. Results taken in and around Tank 5 indicated increases of hydrocarbons in soil vapor and groundwater," the Hawaii Health Department stated.
As a professional reporter, I assert that I should be designated as a media requester for the purpose of assessing fees.
Given the amount of public interest from news media including ABC News, the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Honolulu Civil Beat, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Stars and Stripes, etc, I additionally ask that any and all fees be waived. In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of any and all charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request be filled electronically and by email attachment if available.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as required by the statute.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gosztola
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
From: Environmental Protection Agency
Hello,
Please see the attachment below.
Thank you,
The National FOIA Office
From: Environmental Protection Agency
Your request for Fee Waiver for the FOIA request EPA-2022-001330 has been
denied.
* Fee Waiver Original Justification:
As a professional reporter, I assert that I should be designated as a media requester for the purpose of assessing fees.
Given the amount of public interest from news media including ABC News, the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Honolulu Civil Beat, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Stars and Stripes, etc, I additionally ask that any and all fees be waived. In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of any and all charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request be filled electronically and by email attachment if available.
* Fee Waiver Disposition Reason:
See letter submitted to the Requester.
From: Environmental Protection Agency
12/14/2021
Kevin Gosztola
MuckRock News DEPT MR 121939
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA, 02144-2516
requests@muckrock.com
RE: Freedom of Information Act Request - EPA-2022-001330
Hello:
Please see the attached letter.
Sincerely,
National FOIA Office
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
From: Environmental Protection Agency
The FOIA request EPA-2022-001330 has had its Tracking Number changed to EPA-R9-2022-001330. This is normally due to the request being transferred to another agency (for example, EPA to Dept. of Commerce) or to a sub-agency to process it. Additional details for this request are as follows:
* Old Tracking Number:
EPA-2022-001330
* New Tracking Number:
EPA-R9-2022-001330
* Requester Name:
Kevin Gosztola
* Date Submitted:
12/06/2021
* Long Description:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following—
Any completed or official assessments, findings, investigations, reports, or studies involving the United States Navy's Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and contamination of the Red Hill well in Oahu as well as threats of pollution to the Halawa Shaft. Such assessments, findings, investigation, or studies may have been completed between the time period of January 1, 2011, and November 1, 2021, and involve petroleum or fuel leaks.
The Hawaii Department of Health has cited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for violations related to operation and maintenance of the facility multiple times. Upon information and belief, the Environmental Protection Agency may have examined the Health Department's allegations and claims, including Notices of Violation and Order, or NOVOs, involving the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).
On December 5, 2021, CNN reported, "Records show a history of fuel leaks plaguing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the past decade, with the most recent leak occurring 11 days before the Navy announced it had discovered contamination in the Red Hill well on Oahu." (The media organization was referring to a leak in late November when they mentioned the "most recent leak.")
"The deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rear Adm. Blake Converse, confirmed a petroleum leak is the cause of the latest breach," according to the CNN report.
In October 2021, the Hawaii Department of Health released a copy of a NOVO from the Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch. It listed violations that stemmed from failures and mismanagement at the underground storage tank system located at Red Hill/Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu. This is also referred to as the fuel storage facility.
The Hawaii Department of Health previously responded to fuel contamination in January 2014. According to CNN, "During the refueling of a tank, the Navy identified an estimated fuel release of up to 27,000 gallons of JP-8 jet fuel."
"U.S. Navy subsequently drained the tank and collected samples from existing monitoring wells. Results taken in and around Tank 5 indicated increases of hydrocarbons in soil vapor and groundwater," the Hawaii Health Department stated.
As a professional reporter, I assert that I should be designated as a media requester for the purpose of assessing fees.
Given the amount of public interest from news media including ABC News, the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Honolulu Civil Beat, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Stars and Stripes, etc, I additionally ask that any and all fees be waived. In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of any and all charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request be filled electronically and by email attachment if available.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as required by the statute.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gosztola
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
From: Environmental Protection Agency
12/15/2021
Kevin Gosztola
MuckRock News DEPT MR 121939
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA, 02144-2516
requests@muckrock.com
RE: Freedom of Information Act Request - EPA-R9-2022-001330
Hello:
This letter concerns the above-mentioned Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National FOIA Office (NFO) on 12/06/2021. You are seeking the following records: To Whom It May Concern: Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following— Any completed or official assessments, findings, investigations, reports, or studies involving the United States Navy's Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and contamination of the Red Hill well in Oahu as well as threats of pollution to the Halawa Shaft. Such assessments, findings, investigation, or studies may have been completed between the time period of January 1, 2011, and November 1, 2021, and involve petroleum or fuel leaks. The Hawaii Department of Health has cited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for violations related to operation and maintenance of the facility multiple times. Upon information and belief, the Environmental Protection Agency may have examined the Health Department's allegations and claims, including Notices of Violation and Order, or NOVOs, involving the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF). On December 5, 2021, CNN reported, "Records show a history of fuel leaks plaguing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the past decade, with the most recent leak occurring 11 days before the Navy announced it had discovered contamination in the Red Hill well on Oahu." (The media organization was referring to a leak in late November when they mentioned the "most recent leak.") "The deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rear Adm. Blake Converse, confirmed a petroleum leak is the cause of the latest breach," according to the CNN report. In October 2021, the Hawaii Department of Health released a copy of a NOVO from the Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch. It listed violations that stemmed from failures and mismanagement at the underground storage tank system located at Red Hill/Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu. This is also referred to as the fuel storage facility. The Hawaii Department of Health previously responded to fuel contamination in January 2014. According to CNN, "During the refueling of a tank, the Navy identified an estimated fuel release of up to 27,000 gallons of JP-8 jet fuel." "U.S. Navy subsequently drained the tank and collected samples from existing monitoring wells. Results taken in and around Tank 5 indicated increases of hydrocarbons in soil vapor and groundwater," the Hawaii Health Department stated. As a professional reporter, I assert that I should be designated as a media requester for the purpose of assessing fees. Given the amount of public interest from news media including ABC News, the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Honolulu Civil Beat, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Stars and Stripes, etc, I additionally ask that any and all fees be waived. In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of any and all charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request be filled electronically and by email attachment if available. Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as required by the statute. Sincerely, Kevin Gosztola Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
Your FOIA request was assigned for processing. If you have any questions about your request, please contact the office mentioned below and reference your FOIA request tracking number EPA-R9-2022-001330.
Region 9 FOIA Program: You may contact Region 9’s Sandra Lesch at (415) 972-3454 or Lesch.Sandra@epa.gov.
If you need any further assistance or would like to discuss any aspect of your request, you may seek assistance from EPA’s FOIA Public Liaison at hq.foia@epa.gov or call (202) 566-1667. You may also seek assistance from the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS). You may contact OGIS in any of the following ways: by mail, Office of Government Information Services, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001; email: ogis@nara.gov; telephone: (202) 741-5770 or (877) 684-6448; or fax: (202) 741-5769. For all media inquiries, please contact press@epa.gov.
Sincerely,
National FOIA Office
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
From: Environmental Protection Agency
The FOIA
request
- EPA-R9-2022-001330 has been supplemented with additional supporting files. Additional details for this item are as follows:
* Tracking Number: EPA-R9-2022-001330
* Requester: Kevin Gosztola
* Submitted Date: 12/06/2021
* Description:
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following—
Any completed or official assessments, findings, investigations, reports, or studies involving the United States Navy's Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and contamination of the Red Hill well in Oahu as well as threats of pollution to the Halawa Shaft. Such assessments, findings, investigation, or studies may have been completed between the time period of January 1, 2011, and November 1, 2021, and involve petroleum or fuel leaks.
The Hawaii Department of Health has cited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for violations related to operation and maintenance of the facility multiple times. Upon information and belief, the Environmental Protection Agency may have examined the Health Department's allegations and claims, including Notices of Violation and Order, or NOVOs, involving the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).
On December 5, 2021, CNN reported, "Records show a history of fuel leaks plaguing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the past decade, with the most recent leak occurring 11 days before the Navy announced it had discovered contamination in the Red Hill well on Oahu." (The media organization was referring to a leak in late November when they mentioned the "most recent leak.")
"The deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rear Adm. Blake Converse, confirmed a petroleum leak is the cause of the latest breach," according to the CNN report.
In October 2021, the Hawaii Department of Health released a copy of a NOVO from the Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch. It listed violations that stemmed from failures and mismanagement at the underground storage tank system located at Red Hill/Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu. This is also referred to as the fuel storage facility.
The Hawaii Department of Health previously responded to fuel contamination in January 2014. According to CNN, "During the refueling of a tank, the Navy identified an estimated fuel release of up to 27,000 gallons of JP-8 jet fuel."
"U.S. Navy subsequently drained the tank and collected samples from existing monitoring wells. Results taken in and around Tank 5 indicated increases of hydrocarbons in soil vapor and groundwater," the Hawaii Health Department stated.
As a professional reporter, I assert that I should be designated as a media requester for the purpose of assessing fees.
Given the amount of public interest from news media including ABC News, the Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, Honolulu Civil Beat, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Stars and Stripes, etc, I additionally ask that any and all fees be waived. In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of any and all charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request be filled electronically and by email attachment if available.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as required by the statute.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gosztola
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/
From: Environmental Protection Agency
Dear Kevin Gosztola,
Thank you for submitting a Freedom of Information Act request with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. I would like to schedule a call with you early next week if possible to make sure we understand your request (attached) so we can then search for the information you requested.
I have included several of my colleagues on this email who would join me on the call with you.
Are you available to speak during any of the times below? I can then set up a virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams, if that is amenable to you.
* Monday, January 10, after 2:30 PM PST
* Tuesday, January 11, after 3:30 PM PST
* Wednesday, January 12, after 4:00 PM PST
Thank you,
Jacob Finkle
Office of Regional Counsel
U.S. EPA, Region 9
75 Hawthorne St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 972-3857
finkle.jacob@epa.gov<mailto:finkle.jacob@epa.gov>
The contents of this e-mail and any attachments to it may be attorney-client or deliberative-process privileged.
From: Environmental Protection Agency
Dear Kevin Gosztola,
Please see attached letter requesting you contact us to clarify the scope of your request, and extending the expected completion date for EPA's response to your FOIA to April 28, 2022. Should you have any questions, please contact Jacob Finkle. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sandra Lesch
From: Environmental Protection Agency
Dear Kevin Gosztola,
I am contacting you to see if it would be possible to discuss the Freedom of Information Act you filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. I would like to schedule a call with you because I would like to ask you some questions to make sure I understand your request.
Please email me at this address or contact me by phone at the number below.
Thank you,
Jacob Finkle
Office of Regional Counsel
U.S. EPA, Region 9
75 Hawthorne St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 972-3857
finkle.jacob@epa.gov<mailto:finkle.jacob@epa.gov>
The contents of this e-mail and any attachments to it may be attorney-client or deliberative-process privileged.
From: Environmental Protection Agency
EPA-R9-2022-001330 has been processed with the following final disposition: Request Withdrawn.
Files
pages