The Mount Vernon Utilities Commission approved the use of plastic pipe for the Liberty Crossing apartment complex on Newark Road, with the understanding that the pipe might not last as long because the city uses chlorine dioxide in its water treatment process.
The water source for Mount Vernon municipal water is two deep horizontal collector wells. Public Utilities Director Aaron Reinhart confirmed the explanation that Terrance E. Maloney, former chief operator of the city's water treatment plant, provided to the Mount Vernon News, that the water is pumped into the rapid-mix contact clarifier/s and treated with calcium hydroxide (slaked line solution) and a polymer flocculant, recarbonated with gaseous carbon dioxide, filtered through rapid sand filtration. It is then injected with chlorine dioxide for disinfection as it enters the on-site contact chamber/water storage clear well. EPA-mandated contact time for the chlorine dioxide disinfectant occurs in the clear well before it is pumped to the community from same.
According to a video recorded meeting on Feb. 5, McDaniel Excavating of Marion, Ohio, submitted the application to use plastic pipes instead of ductile iron or copper behind meter areas. Ductile iron will still be used for pipes bringing water service to the property.
The applicant acknowledged that using non-compliant materials means Liberty Crossing will not qualify for credits related to water loss or sanitary sewer usage. The project owner will indemnify the city against liability arising from using plastic pipes and cover any costs if regulatory bodies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prohibit their use or identify environmental hazards associated with them.
Safety Service Director Tanner Salyers said during the video recorded meeting that the city’s public utilities distribution and collection team, along with city inspectors, will ensure regular backflow checks and tests are conducted with private entities. The fire marshal will also collaborate with private entities to ensure facility compliance with safety requirements.
Correction: A previous version of this story posted online was incorrect. There is no pre-treatment using chlorine dioxide.
