Urging Marine Corps Base Hawaii To Upgrade The Capacity Of Its Sewage Treatment Plant And Redundancy Of The Components To Ensure That Final Effluent Quality Is In Compliance With State Permitting Requirements.
The passage of HR 63 could lead to significant changes in how sewage treatment is managed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. It emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure, which was originally built in 1947 and lacks modern redundancy features for maintenance and emergency situations. The resolution not only calls for upgrades to the existing sewage treatment plant but also encourages the reestablishment of a water reuse system for irrigation at the base, which could conserve potable water and reduce ocean discharge, aligning with wider state goals for wastewater reuse outlined in the Department of Health's Water Quality Plan.
House Resolution 63 urges Marine Corps Base Hawaii to upgrade its sewage treatment plant capacity and improve system redundancy in order to meet compliance with state permitting requirements for water quality. The resolution highlights the significance of the Marine Corps Base's sewage discharge into Kailua Bay, which is frequented by recreational users such as swimmers and surfers. Currently, the base discharges around 1.5 million gallons of treated wastewater daily, contributing to 10% of total ocean outfall. The base has repeatedly exceeded final effluent bacteria limitations set by the Department of Health, prompting concerns about both environmental impact and public health.
The sentiment surrounding HR 63 appears to be positive, with strong support for environmental compliance and public health improvements. Advocates emphasize the need for modernized wastewater management to protect Kailua Bay and maintain aquatic life, especially given the heavy recreational use of the area. The resolution is framed as a commendable step towards ensuring that military activities conform to environmental standards, aligning military operations with local environmental stewardship expectations.
While the resolution reflects a proactive approach to environmental compliance, potential points of contention may arise regarding funding and prioritization versus other military infrastructure needs. Ensuring that Marine Corps Base Hawaii adequately implements upgrades in an efficient and cost-effective manner will likely be debated. Moreover, as stimulating efforts to migrate to advanced treatment standards and allocate resources for these initiatives could face logistical challenges, the success of these measures will depend on the coordination between military and state authorities in Hawaii.