Somerset Water Pollution Control - Executive Summary |
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The Town of Somerset Water Pollution Control is located at 116 Walker Street in Somerset, Massachusetts. At this Facility sewage is processed at an average rate of approximately three and one-half million gallons per day. Liquid chlorine is received in one-ton containers for use in its process for disinfecting which is later dechlorinated with Sodium Bisulfite before discharge into the Taunton River. Containers are shipped in four one ton containers per shipment for the facility and the maximum amount stored in the facility would be approximately 10,000 pounds. We order chlorine containers when four containers are empty, and one full container is on line. All records of chlorine deliveries and empty containers shipped back are kept in file via bill of lading invoices. (Sample Enclosed) Chlorine is fed at a rate of approximately forty-five pounds per day in our treatment process, and is always withdrawn as a gas. The containers are received and the unloading of containers and the ir connection to the feed system is performed by two (2) individuals who have been trained in chlorine handling, chlorine safety, and follow devloped policies and procedures for these tasks. Chlorinating is accomplished through a gas chlorination system using ejectors to draw the chlorine gas from the pressurized containers through a control valve and a rotometer to regulate the chlorine dosage. The chlorine is mixed into a flow of plant water to produce the required chlorine solution. The chlorine solution will have the same pressure as the plant water. The amount of chlorine applied is automatically proportioned by the rate of flow through the Parshall flumes, adjusted for flow equalization. In the Chlorination Chamber, the secondary effluent is injected with chlorine solution to disinfect treated wastewater. After mixing, the secondary effluent flows through the Chlorine Contact/Detention Tanks and to the outfall sewer which discharges into the Taunton River about 500 yards offs hore. In addition to the final effluent, the chlorine solution can be applied to other points in the treatment plant. Start-up training on all components of the chlorine feed equipment was conducted during 1990 when the treatment facility was renovated and new equipment was installed. At that time all employees were trained on this feed equipment along with system operation, chlorine safety, and troubleshooting. The department also has an annual service contract to provide for the repair and preventative maintenance of all components of the chlorine feed system including chlorine detection equipment. The department inventories repair parts and preventative maintenance kits to service the crucial components of the Chlorination system. Periodic safety audits are performed by the Town of Somerset Fire Department along with safety reviews by the Town Insurance Carrier, also, equipment and process inspections by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection inspectors. The S omerset Water Pollution Control Department is committed to provide a safe and environmentally sound operation. We provide safety training on the use of chlorine, and its risks, also, develop and implement department policies in an effort to eliminate any risk of accidental release at this facility. |