Barnes, Ferland and Associates, Inc. (BFA) completed an evaluation of the City of Altamonte Springs’ three water treatment plants to identify the cause of periodic chlorine gas leaks and to assess the safety of the existing chlorination system, each of which utilize 150-lb. chlorine gas cylinders. The study recommendations made were to convert from 150-lb. to 1-ton cylinder feed systems and install emergency chlorine gas scrubbers at City Water Plants #2 and #5.

BFA subsequently contracted with the City to provide design, permitting and construction administration services. The chlorine storage facilities were sized to accommodate four ton cylinder units; two in service and two spares. The chlorine feed facilities consisted of cylinder-mounted vacuum regulators, automatic change-over assembly, gas flow rotometers, ejectors and electrically operated valves on each ejector water supply line. Each plant supply well had a dedicated rotometer/ ejector assembly and the chlorine solution feed is controlled by well operation through a connecting relay with each ejector’s supply water electric valve.

Because the plants are located in densely populated areas, the chlorine buildings are designed to be totally enclosed with ventilation control to contain any chlorine leaks. In the event of chlorine gas detection, the ventilation control system activates a wet caustic chlorine scrubber and sends an alarm signal to the City hazardous materials response team.

Permitting activities included obtaining a FDEP construction permit, City of Altamonte Springs Plan Board approval, including several variances required due to site constraints and City building and hazardous material facility.

Project Cost: $532,000
Completion Date: December, 1997

Reference:
Mr. Larry Dolamore
Department of Public Works
City of Altamonte Springs
225 Newburyport Avenue
Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701
(407) 571-8712