Two years following a significant fuel leak at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu takes protective measures against potential water supply contamination.
Brit McCandless Farmer reports for CBS News.
In short:
- The Red Hill facility, historically used by the U.S. Navy to store large amounts of fuel, poses a lingering threat with its leaks and porous geological setup.
- Despite no current contamination, Honolulu has preemptively closed its nearest water well and seeks federal aid for a replacement.
- Environmental standards for jet fuel in drinking water remain unestablished, increasing concerns over potential health impacts.
Key quote:
"We have limited freshwater resources. We need to take care of those resources. If they're contaminated, a facility like Red Hill, we all suffer the consequence of that."
— Ernie Lau, chief engineer of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Why this matters:
As Honolulu grapples with the specter of fuel lurking in its water system, the city's residents face a tide of uncertainty. The discovery of fuel contamination raises immediate concerns over water safety and also more troubling questions about the long-term impact on health and the environment.
The Red Hill fuel leak highlights the need to ensure that all communities have equal access to clean water and a safe environment, regardless of their location or economic status.
