HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Health released test results taken from soil near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, where 1,100 gallons of aqueous film forming foam were spilled on Nov. 29, 2022, according to a release.

Immediately after the spill, the Department of Health took samples from excavated soil that show per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) in the ground near the spill in excess of the Department of Health’s Environmental Action Levels.

DOH described these results as “expected” in its release. 

The test results may be viewed on the DOH’s Red Hill Water Information website.

Along with the soil samples, the DOH has been collecting samples and observing the Navy’s collection of samples from 11 groundwater-monitoring locations near the AFFF spill, including the Red Hill Shaft. The Navy published results from these tests on Friday, which did not show PFAS in excess of DOH’s Environmental Action Levels. 

These test results may be viewed on the Navy’s Safe Waters website. 

The Navy’s test results were submitted to the Hawaii DOH. The soil was tested after the DOH directed the Navy to conduct PFAS sampling following the AFFF spill. The data is being used to determine the extent of contamination and whether more remediation is required.  

The DOH took its own tests from the groundwater-monitoring sites, which will be posted on its website once results become available.

AFFF is a fire suppressant that contains PFAS, which are known as forever chemicals because they are very slow to degrade. PFAs increase the risk of certain cancers, high blood pressure in pregnant women and other health problems.  

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her ideas and feedback at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.