Are there any concerns about the potential environmental impacts of foams and coatings the Navy is proposing to use in the pipelines and tanks for closure?

Regulators have not approved the use of any foams or coatings for closure. The Navy’s Pipeline Removal Work Plan, which the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) (pdf) and EPA conditionally approved, includes the removal of the three fuel pipelines from the main fuel storage tanks to the underground pumphouse. In Tank Closure Plan – Supplement 4 (Tank Closure Plan - Supplement 4 (pdf), the Navy later proposed to abandon the tank gallery header piping in place using a foam fill. The Navy did not provide details about the foam, and the proposal was not approved. Before approving any foams or coatings for closure, EPA and DOH will evaluate short- and long-term impacts to human health and the environment.