MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) received a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) on March 14, 2025, regarding operations at the installation’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in early 2024.
The NOVO cites MCBH for failing a Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) test and for not disclosing the routine use of sodium hypochlorite at the WRF. WET testing is a critical measure to evaluate the potential effects of treated wastewater on aquatic life, while sodium hypochlorite, a common disinfectant, must be properly monitored to prevent harmful impacts on water quality.
MCBH takes this matter seriously and is committed to transparency and full compliance with environmental regulations. The base has already taken corrective actions, including updating its standard operating procedures to strengthen adherence to DOH permit requirements and wastewater monitoring processes.
To further prevent future violations and significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of the WRF, MCBH is currently executing construction projects that will result in extensive facility upgrades. Additionally, MCBH has secured Federal funding for a new redundant wastewater treatment facility and other upgrades that include new water reuse capabilities. A Draft Environmental Assessment regarding the redundancy project is scheduled for public release, review, and comment in the next few weeks.
The upcoming improvements will enable the WRF to:
• Maintain full capacity during maintenance and unscheduled repairs.
• Meet or exceed water quality and disinfection standards.
• Introduce new water reuse capabilities on base, reducing overall water consumption.
• Comply with tsunami resilience design requirements.
MCBH remains committed to safeguarding Hawaii’s natural resources and being a responsible partner to the local community. The base will continue to collaborate with the DOH and other regulatory agencies to ensure the highest environmental standards are met and maintained.