At approximately 9:20 this morning, Water & Sewer staff were performing routine maintenance on chlorine line valves. These valves lead from the tank to the feed equipment. During the maintenance, one of the valves broke and began leaking chlorine. 911 was immediately notified and Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat) staff were dispatched to the Water Treatment Plant.
As a precaution, all non-essential staff moved from the Treatment Plant to the Hess Pump Station. Botanica and Cowtown were also advised of the leak, although no evacuation orders were issued.
After the Haz Mat team evaluated the situation and the broken valve, Water & Sewer and Haz Mat staff worked to install a temporary fix on the line. Once the temporary fix was completed, the faulty valve was replaced.
Non-essential staff returned to the Treatment Plant about 11:45 a.m., and the Fire Department notified Cowtown and Botanica that the situation was clear.
The valve had been checked during the past year as part of a routine risk management update. Valves are maintained routinely and replaced systematically to prevent chlorine leaks. Staff had scheduled this valve for replacement this winter as part of normal preventive maintenance. Winter is the best time to schedule preventive maintenance due to lower water demands and therefore, lower chlorine demands.
The City’s supply of water was not negatively affected, and the public was not at risk.