Navy investigating possible fuel leak at Red Hill tank

The Navy, in coordination with the state Department of Health and other agencies, is investigating a possible leak of aviation fuel — primarily consisting of kerosene — from a tank at the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility.

Samples of ground water and drinking water in the vicinity have been collected and are being tested, the Navy said this evening in a news release. 

Navy officials said fuel operators on Monday detected a fuel-level discrepancy in the tank, which holds JP-8 aviation fuel.  

The possible loss of fuel from the tank prompted the Navy to immediately begin transferring fuel to another tank at the facility, according to the release. The transfer process may take up to five days to complete, officials said.  

Following transfer of fuel and venting of the tank, an inspection will be conducted to determine the cause of the fuel-level discrepancy. 

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is monitoring the Navy’s efforts and conducting its own investigation. Wells in the vicinity have been shut down as a precaution.