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Newport new water treatment plant holds open house |
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Friday, 10 August 2007 |
By CHRISTOPHER ROY
Express Staff Writer
After years of drinking very tiny quantities of arsenic, Newport residents can finally be assured their tap water is arsenic free. The new water treatment plant, which went online in February, had its official open house this week.
The total $3.3 million pricetag for the plant came from money borrowed from the state, funneled through the federal government, which will be repaid over 20 years at 3 percent interest.
The need for a treatment plant began in 2004 when the state lowered the acceptable level of arsenic in the water, and Newport's water tested at 15-20 parts per billion, well over the state's new allowable 10 parts per billion. Generally arsenic is found in ground water sources.
The date for compliance with the new level was January 2007.
"That forced Newport to look into some sort of treatment facility," explained Forcier, Aldrich and Associates Senior Engineer Joseph Duncan. Newport had not needed a plant before that.
Initially, the treatment facility planned to go online in mid January, however, some startup issues prevented them from starting on time, said Duncan.
City Manager John Ward said even though they were late, the state did not impose fines on the city. He remarked the city has been working hard to meet the regularly dates and feels the state is satisfied. Now, the city's arsenic level is non detectable.
"It always makes us pleased to abide by state and federal regulations," he said. "This plant means our residents will have good, clean quality water to drink."
The primary reason the city was required to construct the plant is because there is a small risk of arsenic causing health problems over an entire life time, said Ward.
"I think the government said there will be three extra cases of cancer over a 70 year period," he explained. "Arsenic became a problem because the state could measure things better; the federal and state government wanted to ensure our water supply is absolutely safe."
The system has limits, says Ward. It currently uses water that comes from two wells that only pumps 1,000 gallons per minute each. He said they currently use 800,000 gallons a day and they are capable pumping 1.4 million gallons a day.
Newport is the largest municipality treating for arsenic in the state, however, there are some school districts treating for it on a smaller level. .
Duncan added the system is designed not to go off-line and includes an emergency generator that is capability of running the entire facility. There is a couple days of storage of treated water in case the facility does need to go off-line.
Another change for the city is that the chlorine and fluoride that formerly was put in the water at the well house is now put in at the treatment facility.
Aldermen John Wilson called the plant a well organized system, adding it is well worth the money spent.
"We are putting safe water for people to drink and it does not violate any federal standards," he said.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 13 August 2007 )
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