Press Release
MAY 5, 2006
CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN
DAVIS SECURES
COMMITMENT TO POINT LOMA CLEAN UP
Armed Services Committee agrees to Davis's Point Loma provision
Washington - Congresswoman Susan Davis successfully inserted language into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) stating the need for full resolution of the Navy fuel spill at Naval Station Point Loma. The NDAA, with the added language, was approved by the House Armed Services Committee.
"This puts the committee on record that it is the intention of the government to bring this situation to a complete and positive conclusion," said Rep. Davis, a member of the committee. "I will continue to work with my colleagues, the Navy and residents of Point Loma to ensure that a positive conclusion is reached."
The language inserted into the NDAA reads as follows:
The committee is concerned about the fuel tank leakage at the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) Fuel Storage Point (DFSP) at Naval Base Point Loma, California. Data from recent monitoring of the ground soil indicate that the leakage is more extensive than originally estimated. In addition to ongoing mitigation efforts, the committee is aware that the DESC has a military construction project in the fiscal year 2008 Future Years Defense Program that would replace all existing bulk storage infrastructure with modern, Department of Defense-standard storage tanks and support equipment. The committee notes that the DFSP is part of the strategic reserve, and its capabilities and readiness are matters of national security. The committee expects the Navy and the DESC to expedite to the furthest extent practicable their clean up actions, and to continue an ongoing dialogue about data, findings, and status with the congressional defense committees and the local community.
Since learning of the spill, Davis, a former Point Loma resident, has requested the fuel tank replacement project slated to begin in fiscal year 2008 be moved up to next year. Implementation concerns had been raised, however, and Davis renewed her push to keep the replacement project moving as quickly as possible, while keeping the community fully informed through every step of the process.
In addition to her efforts on Capitol Hill, Davis has also been working with the Navy itself and with residents to encourage the exchange of views and information throughout recovery and replacement efforts. Davis remains confident the multi-year replacement project will begin as slated in fiscal year 2008.