Date: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 10:01:30 AM
| spoke with Mr. Randy Byrne from the Dept. Treasury — Office of Fiscal Resp.
concerning the Flint WTP. Below is a brief summary of our discussion. | can fill
you on more details this afternoon just prior or immediately after our KWA
meeting.
Q1: The city of Flint has considered using the Flint River as a source of drinking
water to be treated at their WTP; however,
The city may be somewhat reluctant to use the river as their source, what
is your assessment of this issue?
A: The city could utilize the Flint River ranging from 100% utilization — to a
certain percent blending (either Detroit or KWA) or
zero percent utilization of the river. | agree that the city should have
concerns of fully utilizing the Flint River (100%) for the following; the need to
soften, the potential for more advanced treatment after next round of crypto
monitoring, available capacity in Flint River at 100-year low flow, residuals
management (disposal of lime sludge). As the percent utilization of the river
decreases (blending options), the need for softening, residuals disposal,
capacity issues do not pose as much of a concern.
Q2: When comparing the treatment of Lake Huron water vs. Flint River water,
are more treatment chemicals needed to effectively treat the water?
A2: Flint river water will require a larger amount of primary coagulant (Ferric)
due to poorer raw water quality than Lake Huron water. Also, a different type
of primary coagulant (Alum) may be more suitable for the treatment of Lake
Huron water. | can confirm that based on what the Detroit Lake Huron WTP
uses. Also, since softening would need to be employed, treatment
compounds including lime, soda ash, and carbon dioxide would be necessary.
Q3: If the city needed to borrow money to be able to operate full time (KWA or
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blending), does the DEQ offer funding via the DWRF?
A3: The city could apply for DWRF funding and their eligibility would be based
upon how well they score in the overall DWRF ranking process. Also, the total
amount of the loan and their ability to repay the loan would be considered.
Q4: Flint has put forth a significant capital investment over the past 10 years to
maintain their WTP, is the condition of the WTP sufficient for full time
treatment of raw water from Lake Huron ? Are the operators qualified to
operate the WTP?
A4: The Flint WTP has demonstrated its ability to treat raw water (Flint River)
and meet the drinking water standards based on quarterly test runs since 2009
and two pipeline emergencies that occurred in 2009 where water from the
WTP was distributed to the city. Successful operation of the WTP on an
intermittent basis is difficult. WTP operators face the constant challenge of
maintaining WTP components in good working order while the plant is
normally out of service over 90% of the time. The reliability of WTP and its
components are better maintained through continuous operation. The
operating experience and knowledge of the operators is also better
established with full-time operation. WTP operators have the required
operator certification and are very familiar with the operation of the Flint WTP,
meeting drinking water standards, and troubleshooting operational problems.
The Flint WTP is capable of meeting the drinking water standard if the plant
was utilized to treat raw water from Lake Huron.
Q5: Do you see any weak links in the WTP or significant improvements if the
WTP were to be fully utilized?
A5: | would not see any major treatment changes or additions needed if Lake
Huron water was utilized; however, in order for the city to fully utilize its
storage capacity, a pumping station would need to be added immediately after
the WTP such that treated water can be pumped into the city’s 20-Mgal Dort
reservoir. In the current configuration, water from Detroit flows by gravity
through this reservoir and then into the WTP’s 3 Mgal reservoir followed by
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pumping via Pump Station No. 4 into the city’s distribution system.
Improvement in stand-by power may also be necessary. Finally, if a
component of Flint River water were to be treated, then more advanced
treatment based upon higher bin classification (UV disinfection, etc.) could be
required based upon crypto. results.
Michael Prysby, P.E.
District Engineer
Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance
517 335-6122
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