The Hawaii Department of Health on Wednesday issued a Notice of Violation and Order to Marine Corps Base Hawaii for failing the Whole Effluent Toxicity test and failing to disclose the addition of sodium hypochlorite into the treatment process at the facility.

Commonly referred to as bleach, sodium hypochlorite is used to disinfect effluent, however, it is toxic to aquatic life in excess amounts. The Environmental Working Group also lists skin irritation, allergies or damage and respiratory reactions as some other effects of exposure to sodium hypochlorite.

Therefore, before being discharged into the ocean, effluent must be properly dechlorinated and monitored.

The WET test is a critical NPDES permit requirement that specifically measures the toxic effects of wastewater on aquatic life and is used to evaluate the quality of treated effluent.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii reported a failed WET test in May 2024 that ultimately led to the discovery of the facility regularly using sodium hypochlorite in the treatment process, but had failed to disclose its use.

According to DOH, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit limits are obtained from information provided by the permittee, in this case, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Failing to provide accurate information restricts DOH’s ability to ensure that proper requirements are in place to protect water quality.

The NOVO now requires MCBH to pay a $95,000 penalty and orders actions be taken to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future.

DOH reminds all individuals, including business owners, government agencies and visitors, that they must comply with environmental laws designed to protect Hawaii. Failing to comply with water pollution laws could subject violators to penalties up to $60,000 per day, per violation.