OHA Drinking Water Services
Contact Report Details |
|||
PWS ID: | OR41 00624 | ||
PWS Name: | PHILOMATH PUBLIC WORKS | ||
Who Was Contacted and Phone: | Gary Black/Kevin Fear (541) 929-3579 | ||
Contact Date: | 04/21/2017 | ||
Contacted By: | KAZMIERCZAK, RUSSELL (DWP) | ||
Contact Method/Location: | Office | ||
Assistance Type: | WATER QUALITY COMPLAINT | ||
Reasons: | SWTR Operations |
||
Details: | SUMMARY: Report of a chemical release associated with drinking water treatment DETAILS: Drinking Water Services was contacted on April 21, 2017, by a concerned citizen regarding a possible treatment chemical (Alum - Aluminum Potassium Sulfate) chemical release to a neighborhood park pond. The City of Philomath was contacted regarding the release and City employee, Gary Black, indicated that a check valve had failed and released alum to their treatment process. The excess alum was contained in their filters and the excess alum was discharged to their backwash basin, which eventually flow to a pond in a nearby park. The backwash water caused a visual change to the water quality in the park pond. Mr. Black indicated that the water quality from the discharge basins was tested and the results were in compliance with their Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), 200-J Filter Backwash permit. On April 24, 2017, Drinking Water Services called Kevin Fear, Public Works Director, with the City of Philomath regarding the release of alum to their backwash basin. Mr. Fear explained that a spill did not occur since all the alum that was released past the check valve and into the filters was contained within the treatment plant and no alum was discharge to the distribution system. The alum that was discharged to the backwash basin was neutralized with soda ash before the backwash water was discharged under their 200-J Permit. ACTION NEEDED: No action needed at this time. |