Press Release: remote ocean munitions recovery AND NUCLEAR WASTE
Press Release: April 9, 2011
I would hope this technology can be used to also remove the more than 2000 fifty-five gallons drums of radioactive solid waste dumped on the ocean floor off Hawaii’s shores. The waste was generated — tools, clothing, etc. from nuclear submarine nuclear fuel rod replacement done at Pearl Harbor. See news article by Nadine Scott, “Nuclear Waste,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 4 April 1979
Jim Albertini
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O.Box AB
Kurtistown, Hawai’i 96760
phone: 808-966-7622
email: JA@interpac.net
Visit us on the web at: www.malu-aina.org
The Environmental Notice Office of Environmental Quality Control April 8, 2011
U.S. Army Technology Demonstrations of Remotely Operated Underwater Munitions Recovery System & Energetic Hazards Demilitarization System, Offshore Waianae, Oahu
Federal Action: Federal Agency Activity
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Army
Contact: Ms. Patricia Billington, (808) 438-8365
Location: Ordnance Reef offshore Pokai Bay, Waianae, Oahu
CZM Contact: John Nakagawa, 587-2878, jnakagaw@dbedt.hawaii.gov
Proposed Action: The Department of the Army is proposing to conduct technology demonstrations of the Remotely Operated Underwater Munitions Recovery System (ROUMRS) & Energetic Hazards Demilitarization System (EHDS) in nearshore waters off Waianae, Oahu, during a 21 day period in the summer of 2011. The proposed demonstration consists of two commercially available technologies that have been adapted for the remote recovery of munitions from the ocean floor, and the demilitarization of recovered munitions on an offshore barge. During the demonstration period a safety zone of 3,727 feet would be enforced around the Demilitarization Support Vessel (DSV), and a safety zone of 254 feet during towing of salvage baskets used to remove recovered munitions to the DSV. Additionally, safety procedures require a general safety zone of 500 feet around the remotely operated vehicle and support vessel. The safety zones around the DSV may be reduced to about 100 feet on weekends. The safety zones may temporarily interfere with some boating, fishing, and other in-water activities during work hours. The purpose of this research is to safely demonstrate technology to recover and destroy underwater military munitions.
Comments Due: April 25, 2011
Notice of Availability, Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact Technology Demonstration of Remotely Operated Underwater Munitions Recovery System and Energetic Hazard Demilitarization System at Ordnance Reef (Site HI-06), Waianae, Oahu
Pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Army NEPA regulation (32 CFR Part 651), the Department of the Army prepared an environmental assessment (EA) of the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects associated with the proposed technology demonstrations at Site Hawaii 06 (HI-06), Ordnance Reef, Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii. These technology demonstrations will assess the Remotely Operated Underwater Munitions Recovery System (ROUMRS) and Energetic Hazard Demilitarization System (EHDS). This EA considers the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative.
The Proposed Action consists of technology demonstrations involving the limited recovery of underwater military munitions (UWMM) and the destruction (demilitarization) of any recovered UWMM using commercially available technologies that have been adapted, including development of new components and procedures, for the recovery and destruction of UWMM. The Proposed Action is a limited (roughly 21-day) demonstration of technologies (ROUMRS and EHDS) designed to evaluate the limited remote recovery of UWMM and the at-sea destruction of any recovered UWMM. These demonstrations will provide the Department of Defense technologies that may be required to address UWMM that are determined to pose an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment, while addressing concerns raised by the state of Hawaii and local communities about the munitions present.
Based on information compiled and analyzed during preparation of the EA, the US Army finds that the Proposed Action to demonstrate and assess ROUMRS and EHDS would not result in significant adverse impacts on either the man-made or natural environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement will not be required.
A notice of availability of the EA and Draft FNSI will be published in the State Department of Health, Office of Environmental Quality Control publication, The Environmental Notice on April 8, 2011, followed by a 30-day comment period. The EA is available for download at http://ordnancereefhawaii.org/. Copies of the EA and draft FNSI can also be obtained by contacting Lori Wong, 808-438-0665, or Dawn Lleces, 808-438-0474 at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, Attn: CEPOH-PP-E/L. Wong, Ft. Shafter, HI 96858-5440; or by email at OrdnanceReef-EA@usace.army.mil. Copies of the EA and draft FNSI are available for review at the following libraries: Waianae Public Library and Kapolei Public Library. Comments on the EA and the draft FNSI should be submitted to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District at the mailing address or email address above by May 7, 2011. Comments will be considered, addressed, and incorporated where applicable into the FNSI.
