MARIGOT–Water and Drainage Authority EEASM in its latest update disclosed after various consultations and mandatory steps, installation work on chlorine dioxide generators has been completed, permitting bromate removal to start this weekend with initial tests.
The equipment is designed to chemically affect water quality by removing bromates from the water supply. After studying various technical solutions, the product currently used for disinfection has been replaced by chlorine dioxide. The schedule for an end to the crisis – for water from the taps to be potable again – is still mid-December.
The current work may lead to the water having a different appearance and smell. EEASM reminds the population that the ban implemented by the regional health authority ARS on drinking water from the taps is still in force and will remain so until further notice.
Throughout the process, EEASM has planned a campaign of regular measurements to assess the evolution of the results and to adapt the provisions if necessary, the final objective being to restore water that complies not only with health and regulatory obligations, but also with the vision of public service and sustainable development that EEASM has pursued since its creation.
The investment made to halt development of bromates during distribution represents a budget of 300,000 euros and benefits from financial support from the State (50 per cent) and the Collectivité (35 per cent).
The Terres Basses wastewater treatment plant must undergo essential restoration work and will be shut down for an estimated period of 30 days. However, concern for economic development and attractiveness of the area prompted EEASM to undertake this work after the tourist season.
Nevertheless, several tests will be carried out that are perfectly harmless to the environment and have no impact on the sanitary quality of bathing water. These tests are to confirm the hypotheses of effluent trajectories in neighbouring waters and to anticipate any protective measures that may need to be put in place. EEASM will communicate on this subject as tests are carried out.
Work to deploy the Grand-Case wastewater system will begin on Monday, November 25, and will take place over an estimated period of 10 months. The process chosen for this large-scale project is not based on conventional gravity flow, but on a system for extracting effluents from specific collectors.
This work is of vital importance, as it will allow all residents to connect to a collective network which had been non-existent until now. To facilitate this future connection, a design office has been specially commissioned by EEASM to meet individuals and merchants and provide them with the best possible support in their approach.
Because EEASM is fully aware of the consequences of this work, both in terms of traffic and the impact on the local economy, its planning has been particularly studied. Interventions on Boulevard Bertin Maurice will only start once the tourist season has ended, in April 2020. Work around schools will be strictly limited to school holidays.
The first phase of the project will concern Rue des Palourdes, Cours Fridgy and the upper part of the Rue des Ecoles, and will take place from November 25 to December 20. Detailed communication will be disseminated throughout the duration of the project, in particular to allow residents and the public to be informed of occasional changes related to parking and road traffic.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/92679-eeasm-to-commence-tests-on-removing-bromates-this-weekend
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