What to know
On November 20, 2021, jet fuel leaked from the Red Hill underground fuel storage facility into the aquifer that supplies water to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Water Distribution System on Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii Department of Health and the Department of Defense requested ATSDR to conduct 3 ACE investigations.
Background
On November 20, 2021, approximately 14,000 gallons of JP-5 jet fuel and water leaked from a fire suppression line in a tunnel above the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH) on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The system serves about 93K people including, roughly 40k residents, workers, and students.
The Hawaii Department of Health (HDH) received hundreds of complaints from residents in the Pearl Harbor area. People complained about a fuel-like odor coming from their tap water. Subsequent water sampling found high levels of contamination with petroleum hydrocarbon. This finding required action.
Approach
In response, the Hawaii Department of Health and ATSDR collaborated on 2 ACE investigations to understand the event's effect on human and animal health.
The ACE team conducted an Epi-Aid working with the State Health Department in Hawaii to:
- Conduct extensive literature review of the acute and long-term effects of exposure to JP-5.
- Design a survey using the ACE toolkit for data collection. The survey was further modified so that it could also be self-administered by participants online.
- Develop a data management plan.
- Collect data through in-person interviews and electronic self-administered surveys
- Perform an analysis of survey results.
- Provide recommendations on next steps, to monitor mid- to long-term effects of exposures related to the water contamination.
ATSDR conducted a follow-up ACE investigation 6 months after the contamination was resolved to:
- Collect data through interviews and electronic self-administered surveys on people's continued health and needs.
- Perform an analysis of the survey results.
- Provide recommendations on next steps, to monitor long-term effects of exposures related to the water contamination.
Recommendations
Consider additional health investigations:
- Consider longer term activities (e.g., a study or registry)
Resources
Journal of Water and Health: Community health impacts after a jet fuel leak contaminated a drinking water system: Oahu, Hawaii, November 2021
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Notes from the Field: Self-Reported Health Symptoms Following Petroleum Contamination of a Drinking Water System — Oahu, Hawaii, November 2021–February 2022
Follow up medical records review
Approach
In response to the 2 ACE investigations, the Department of Defense- Defense Health Agency (DHA) and ATSDR collaborated to investigate the event's effect on human and health in February-March 2023. Together, they:
- Reviewed the electronic TRICARE medical charts of 653 persons that were identified in the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health readiness System Incident report for Red Hill.
- Looked specifically for worsening preexisting conditions or new persistent conditions, and pregnancy and child outcomes.
- Presented the preliminary findings to the DHA.
Results
This is a recent ACE investigation; published results will be available soon.