Story perspectives

Over 5 Million Gallons of Wastewater Discharged at Pearl Harbor

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

A wastewater discharge occurred at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after heavy rainfall, releasing over five million gallons into Mamala Bay from March 13–16.
The discharge bypassed sand filtration but was disinfected with UV treatment before release 1.5 miles offshore.
The U.S. Navy states UV-treated discharges kept bacteria within permitted limits, indicating no significant environmental impact, and it has informed Hawaii State Department of Health per the plant's operating permit.

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Story summary

A wastewater discharge occurred at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after heavy rainfall, releasing over five million gallons into Mamala Bay from March 13–16.
The discharge bypassed sand filtration but was disinfected with UV treatment before release 1.5 miles offshore.
The U.S. Navy states UV-treated discharges kept bacteria within permitted limits, indicating no significant environmental impact, and it has informed Hawaii State Department of Health per the plant's operating permit.