Board approves emergency purchase to replace failed chlorine valve controller at water plant

The Board of Control on July 15 amended and approved a purchase order request from the Lorain Water Purification Department for replacement of a failed chlorine valve actuator controller. The Controller replacement and installation will be purchased from Bissnuss, Inc.; the original amount listed was $12,465, and the purchase order was amended to an amount not to exceed $15,000 to cover installation. Funding will come from GL accounts 6020.P602.6440.6400.1900 (Water Works - Purification Operations - Maintenance of Equipment).

City minutes state the current controller has failed and will not close the gas feed valves on the one-ton chlorine cylinders in the event of an emergency. Staff emphasized that chlorine gas is extremely dangerous upon exposure, that an alarm system is installed at the facility, and that employees receive annual emergency-response training. Mayor Jack Bradley moved to approve the amended amount and Safety/Service Director Rey Carrion seconded; the motion carried unanimously.