When a 1,000-pound bomb was detonated on a windless day in Makua Valley, it took about 15 to 30 minutes for the cloud to dissipate and metal shrapnel was found on the beach, said resident Coochie Cayan. Army pressed over live-fire
training at MakuaBy Leila Fujimori
lfujimori@starbulletin.comSeveral community members asked the Army to sample the air and water farther out in the ocean, not just the air and soil on the beach and in the valley, to evaluate the environmental effects of live-fire training at Makua.
"You have to seriously consider getting a sampling over the ocean," Cayan said.
At an informational meeting last week at the Waianae Recreation Center, many questioned the Army's proposals for a study of the air, soil, and ground and surface water for pollutants including particulate metals, nitrogen-based gases and radiation.
Makua Valley, home to 52 endangered plants and animals and 53 cultural sites, has been used by the U.S. military since the 1920s.
The Army "will incorporate some of the things we heard tonight, but some of the things may be beyond the scope of the project," said Jeanne Ockerman, a civilian attorney for the Army. The suggestions will be included in a final work plan, available to the public for review, and will be incorporated into a draft environmental impact statement, she said.
Under a court-approved settlement reached in October with Malama Makua and Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund, the Army agreed to do the environmental study within three years.
Gary Floyd, project manager of Tetra Tech Inc., said his company would survey the air quality effects during a typical live-fire exercise, and would estimate effects the military training has on human health and the environment.
The company proposed five locations to monitor for air samples -- three at firing and detonation sites, one on the beach and another at the Silva Ranch, the nearest residence, just south of the reservation. Community members called for more sites.
Sparky Rodrigues, who belongs to Malama Makua, said, "If the wind is blowing in opposite direction, they won't be taking any sampling in" since the devices are stationary.
"We're going after a representative sampling, rather than chasing a plume," Floyd replied.
The Army also plans to bore two 20-foot holes in the open burning/detonation area and test 102 shallow soil samples from 18 locations. It will also drill six wells, in addition to an existing one, to take water samples. It will also test surface water and sediment, which may contain contaminants and discharge into the ocean.
The public may view draft sampling plans, one for water and soil, the other for air, posted at www.makuaeis.com and is also available at Hawaii State Library and the Waianae, Wahiawa and Pearl City public libraries. Deadline for comment is Aug. 6.
Comments may be sent to Ken Mashita, U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu, Programs & Projects Branch, Bldg. 252, Attn: CEPOH-PP-E, Fort Shafter, HI 96858-5440. Comments may also be faxed to 438-7801 or e-mailed to CalvinK.Mashita@poh01.usace.army.mil.
A draft environmental impact statement is due April 2003 and will be available for public review for 45 days.