Naval base fuel revamp on track Navy officials say $195 million worth of construction to modernize operations at the fuel storage facility depot at Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) is proceeding as planned.   The project was awarded in 2008 and eight additional options were funded under the 2010 Department of Defense Authorization and Military Construction Appropriations Act.   According to Navy officials, the five-year construction effort will deliver a complete and modernized fuel facility to replace the original fuel facility built between 1917 and 1954. The depot, which is the largest defense fuel terminal on the West Coast, is expected to eliminate environmental risk caused by degradation of the existing aging facilities.    Noted as the largest construction project ever within the Defense Logistics Agency, the project will feature eight 125,000 barrel, above-ground fuel storage tanks to replace the existing one million barrels of jet fuel and diesel fuel storage capacity at the base. The project will also replace a pump house, dispensing systems, distribution piping and fuel-oil reclamation facility, forming a complete and usable facility.  A new fuel-oil recovery site and installation of a temporary stockpile and treatment area is also under way. Navy officials say there is rigorous monitoring of site air quality and noise levels to ensure compliance with the tight limits established in the project environmental assessment, and steps are being taken to ensure there is no adverse traffic impact. Navy officials said the project is recognized as the “ultimate solution” to the underground fuel plume problem at Naval Base Point Loma, and that safeguards are being built in to prevent future fuel releases into the ground. For more information, call (619) 553-7175 or visit https://www.cnic.navy.mil/pointloma/index.htm.