Decontamination In Days: How Calgon Carbon Cleaned Pearl Harbor

A first-hand account by Ben Goecke, Senior Technical Sales Representative

On Dec. 5, 2021, Hawaii state health officials in Oahu confirmed that the water around the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickman was contaminated. Jet fuel had spilled from an access tunnel and leaked into the groundwater. Two wells had to be shut down and nearly 100,000 residents had to be relocated.

In an exclusive account, Ben Goecke details Calgon Carbon’s endeavor to cleanse Pearl Harbor’s contaminated waters. Working with military contractor Weston Solutions, Goecke and his team at Calgon spearheaded a rapid and innovative cleanup.

The predicament demanded an immediate solution; Calgon Carbon’s adept team designed a comprehensive bid, promising swift action. Amidst relentless coordination, vessels of unprecedented size were sourced, legal hurdles were surmounted, and logistical conundrums were resolved.

Goecke’s recollection showcases both technical finesse and unwavering collaboration. As equipment raced to the site, a novel loading method was devised, demonstrating adaptability and innovation. In a mere three days, the team's resolute spirit manifested a triumphant outcome: pristine waters were restored to the dismayed residents of Pearl Harbor.