Excavation contract awarded for fuel clean up Published Feb. 23, 2023 U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific MAUI, Hawaii -- The U.S. Space Force awarded an excavation contract Feb. 14 to Tunista Services in after approximately 700 gallons of fuel were released from an on-site backup generator Jan. 29, on the Haleakalā summit. U.S. Ecology, a sub-contractor and environmental services provider with more than 70 years of experience, will perform the work.The contract includes excavation, soil sampling, and restoring the area using soil gathered near the site. The contaminated soil will be treated in a safe manner, consistent with Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Health regulations. After the initial excavation, more sampling will be accomplished to ensure all contaminated soil is removed. “We’re making sure the work meets all state and federal licensing requirements and industry standards to operate correctly and respectfully atop Haleakalā,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander. “We acknowledge the important cultural aspects of Haleakalā, and will incorporate sensitivity training for those operating there, while safely completing the work.”In addition to working with Hawaiian advocacy organizations and a cultural advisor, the Space Force has been working closely with the Hawaii Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy, Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division and the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands as the project has developed.The primary mission of the Maui Space Surveillance Complex is to track and monitor activity in the space domain, protecting the nation’s most critical assets.