Honolulu's Board of Water Supply is seeking $1.2 billion from the U.S. Navy for costs associated with the fuel leak at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility nearly two years ago.
The BWS said in a news release the claim is the first step to recovering costs incurred because of the leak. The claim was filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
"As a result of the Navy’s November 2021 fuel release at Red Hill and the ensuing drinking water contamination crisis, the BWS had no choice but to shut down its Halawa Shaft as well as certain Aiea and Halawa drinking water wells to prevent fuel contamination from entering the BWS’ own water distribution system," the board said. "In addition to shutting down these drinking water sources, the BWS has been forced to implement enhanced water quality testing and protocols, install additional groundwater monitoring wells, temporarily increase its reliance upon other water sources to replace the lost water production, develop alternate water supply wells to make up for the lost water production, and evaluate drinking water treatment technology."
The Hawaii Department of Health ordered the Navy to shutter the facility in March.
https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/navy-faces-12-billion-claim-over-red-hill-damages