MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- The Marine Corps Base Hawaii Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) reported an enterococci exceedance, February 08, 2022. An investigation into the issue has identified ongoing maintenance activity in the plant polishing pond as the cause; this work is required to ensure the WRF continues to operate effectively.
The enterococci count was 70,000 CFU per 100 mL (estimated count) which exceeds the maximum daily discharge limit of 57,850 CFU per 100 mL. The MCBH effluent water is combined with treated waters from the City and County of Honolulu’s Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, making up approximately 10 % of the total output. These combined effluent waters are discharged approximately two miles off-shore of MCBH at 110 feet below the surface of the ocean into the natural zone of mixing. Direct risk of exposure to individuals is extremely low. MCBH has initiated daily sampling to monitor the situation and the disrupting activities have been completed. MCBH’s WRF and Environmental Compliance and Protection Division will maintain this increased sampling rate until results show effluent limitations are once again being met. Marine Corps Base Hawaii is dedicated to our environmental stewardship efforts and continues to improve our installation’s facilities, like the MCBH Wastewater Reclamation Facility, to persist in our protection of the local environment.