King Tide Leads To New Release Of Partially Treated Wastewater Near Pearl Harbor

The Discharge of Partially Treated Wastewater at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

On Tuesday, the wastewater treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam discharged thousands of gallons of partially treated wastewater into the ocean for the second consecutive day. This incident raises concerns about the base’s ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean water and sanitation.

Discharge of Wastewater

At approximately 6 p.m. on Monday, around 5,000 gallons of wastewater that had only undergone three out of four steps of the treatment process were released into the ocean, about 1.5 miles from shore. The discharge was caused by a king tide, which resulted in more water than usual flowing through the facility and exceeding its capacity.

The wastewater was discharged through the plant’s outfall, which extends 1.5 miles from shore and into a 150-foot deep diffuser where it mixed with ocean currents.

On Sunday night, approximately 9,500 gallons of partially treated wastewater were released into Mamala Bay due to a pump failure at the plant. In both instances, the wastewater bypassed the sand filtration stage of the treatment process.

Impact on Water Quality

The military has assured that the water surrounding the base remains safe for recreational use. However, these incidents highlight the need for improvements in the plant’s capacity to handle higher-than-average flows and prevent future discharges of partially treated wastewater.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

These incidents at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam raise concerns about the base’s ability to meet the SDGs related to clean water and sanitation. The discharge of partially treated wastewater into the ocean is a violation of these goals, which aim to ensure access to clean water and proper sanitation for all.

Government Action and Criticism

In September, the health department fined the Navy $8.7 million for numerous violations at the wastewater treatment plant. The Navy was ordered to take corrective actions, including repairing its ultraviolet disinfection system and conducting a root cause analysis for pump failures.

The City and County of Honolulu also has two wastewater treatment facilities that discharge into Mamala Bay and are under a federal consent decree to meet federal minimum standards. The military, as a leader in environmental stewardship, should set an example by improving its wastewater treatment plant.

Environmental advocate Steve Holmes criticized the recurring issues at the military plant and emphasized the importance of responsible stewardship by the military.

Conclusion

The discharge of partially treated wastewater at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam raises concerns about the base’s ability to meet the SDGs related to clean water and sanitation. It is crucial for the military to take immediate action to improve its wastewater treatment plant and prevent future discharges that violate these goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.

2. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.

Analysis

The article discusses the discharge of partially treated wastewater into the ocean from the wastewater treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. This issue is connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The discharge of wastewater into the ocean can lead to water pollution, affecting water quality and marine life.

Based on the article’s content, the specific target under SDG 6 that can be identified is Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials. The discharge of partially treated wastewater into the ocean can be seen as a violation of this target.

The article mentions the capacity issue of the wastewater treatment plant and the bypassing of the sand filtration stage of the treatment process. These can be considered indicators that measure progress towards the identified target. The capacity issue indicates a deficiency in the treatment process, while the bypassing of the sand filtration stage implies a failure to eliminate dumping and minimize the release of hazardous materials.

The article also indirectly addresses SDG 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The discharge of wastewater into the ocean can contribute to marine pollution, which is a form of land-based activity affecting marine life. This aligns with Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

The specific indicator mentioned in the article is not directly related to SDG 14. However, the discharge of partially treated wastewater into the ocean can be seen as an indicator of marine pollution, which can be measured using Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: civilbeat.org

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.