Mount Vernon utilities commission approves use of C900 plastic pipe for Liberty Crossing multifamily project

The Mount Vernon Utilities Commission voted Feb. 5 to accept a noncompliance application allowing McDaniel Excavating LLC to install C900 plastic pipe behind the meter for domestic and fire service lines at the Liberty Crossing multifamily development. The commission approved the application after a presentation from the applicant and technical discussion with staff.

Trent McDaniel, representing McDaniel Excavating, told the panel the request covers "C900 plastic pipe, similar to Delaware and Columbus code on the behind the meter areas, domestic and fire on the multifamily complex, for Liberty, MF owner, LLC." Commissioners and staff discussed material durability and the system’s pretreatment chemistry, noting the city is moving from chlorine dioxide to a sodium hypochlorite pretreatment that staff said is "less oxidizing" and "easier on lines." Staff also said the design has been approved and will require Ohio EPA permission (PTI) for installation.

Commissioners pressed on lifecycle and safety: one commissioner said prior installations of high-density polyethylene under a chlorine-dioxide system experienced rapid degradation, and commissioners estimated any degradation from the proposed configuration would be "10 to 15 years" before notable effects. Staff and the applicant emphasized operational controls on the private side — a backflow device and annual inspections — and that the city would provide ductile iron up to the meter/backflow while plastic would be installed after the backflow on the private portion.

McDaniel also argued parts availability favors C900: "that's why guys are going to the c 900 more than anything... the parts are readily available when we do have the oh crap moments," he said.

On a motion to accept the application to install a 4‑inch C900 fire line and an 8‑inch C900 water supply line, the commission voted by roll call to approve the request. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from the commissioners present and the motion carried.

The commission noted that individual infill lots may use the same noncompliance application and cautioned applicants assume some lifecycle risk for private-side materials while the city transitions its pretreatment process. The commission’s approval is a permit-level recommendation; construction will proceed only after any required regulatory approvals and standard permit processes are completed.