Broken Waterline at Oxnard’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Repaired

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2018

NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
Carri Karuhn, Manager of Media Relations/Community Outreach

Broken Waterline at Oxnard’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Repaired

Oxnard, California – The Oxnard Public Works Department on Saturday successfully repaired a broken wastewater line, which was discovered after a sinkhole developed at the city’s aging Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Staff has been able to set up a temporary bypass pump that is allowing the plant to function safely.

“Everyone involved in the repair of this waterline did an exemplary job in creatively mitigating the issues as they arose,” said Oxnard Public Works Director Rosemarie Gaglione. “It not only demonstrates their high level of professionalism and ‘can do’ attitude, but also their commitment to the residents of Oxnard.”

The issue began late last week when a sinkhole developed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. City staff excavated and found that a 42-inch line that takes effluent into the chlorine contact tank was leaking.

It is believed that the joint was damaged by the recent 5.3-magnitude earthquake, and that it took awhile for the sinkhole to develop.

A temporary sealant was placed around the joint while plans were made for the repair, which took place Friday night, into Saturday morning.

Unfortunately, the repair was unsuccessful and more extensive repairs are needed. In order to continue to operate the plant without any unpermitted discharge to the ocean, a bypass was quickly designed and implemented. This included installation of the bypass pump, which is allowing the plant to function properly until more permanent repairs can be made. Treated effluent that cannot go to the chlorine contact tank is temporarily being sent to the city’s Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF).

The AWPF is able to treat the effluent to a high standard without the use of chlorine. City staff will meet with other industry professionals Monday morning to determine exactly why the temporary repair did not work and to design the permanent fix. The bypass pump will be monitored continuously during this time.