Bellows landfill may be cleared

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

WAIMANALO — The Air Force is considering removing debris at a Bellows Air Force Station landfill — an option the community called for two years ago, when the military's preferred plan was to cover the dumpsite with dirt.

Station Environmental Restoration Program will be explained at a meeting tonight.

The one-acre site known as Landfill 01 was once a quarry, and one of 22 environmental cleanup sites identified at Bellows under the Environmental Restoration Program, which handles cleanup of hazardous waste sites created before 1984.

Planning and cleanup of Bellows began in 1996. The Air Force has cleared 21 sites, including eight underground storage tanks and a Nike missile facility.

Project manager Mark Petersen said the Air Force was looking for a cleanup solution at Landfill 01 that would benefit everyone.

"It's going to cost more to excavate things, but the Air Force is very interested in saving money over the long haul," Petersen said. "So if we can conclude that having that stuff all gone forever results in no future maintenance cost, that helps us justify additional expenses."

Steel, concrete, asphalt and an old Jeep in the landfill could be recycled, he said. Petersen said he was working out recycling figures to reduce the cost.

A decision is expected on the preferred option once the cost is calculated and public input is collected at the meeting, he said, adding that the community would have an opportunity to review the decision first.

Dennis "Bumpy" Kanahele, a Restoration Advisory Board member, said several board members want the landfill site cleaned because they believe toxic materials could leach into the soil and pollute the groundwater and ocean.

"Covering it up will not keep the danger of pollutants from going in the water," Kanahele said. "And it would cost more if they had to do it all over again in the future."

Kanahele said he joined the board because of numerous bones, or 'iwi, dug up at Bellows, which he wanted to see handled properly. Then he learned about the pollutants.

Officials also will discuss their plans for the Pier Dump site, which is closer to the ocean.

The Air Force is seeking more members for the advisory board of military and civilians who live or work around Bellows. The board works with cleanup officials and offers input to the restoration program. Applications will be taken at the meeting.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com. or 234-5266.