City water treatment plant basin cracked in earthquake

A basin at Richmond, Virginia’s water treatment plant was cracked during the August 23 earthquake. Officials plan to monitor the county’s 70 school buildings for damage.

August 24, 2011, Richmond Times Dispatch -- (Virginia) City water treatment plant basin cracked in earthquake; water quality unaffected.

A basin at Richmond, Virginia’s water treatment plant was cracked during the August 23 earthquake. The plant’s north aeration basin was taken out of service while officials assessed damage to its wall and initiated repairs, the Department of Public Utilities Director said. The Henrico County manager reported the crack in a briefing to the Board of Supervisors and advised that it could lead to voluntary water-use restrictions by county customers who rely on the city’s water supply.

The manager told the board that officials found no structural damage to county municipal buildings but have documented cracks in the Human Services building in the Western Government Center and in buildings at the Eastern Government Center. Officials have found no problems after inspecting all bridges and roads. They warned that underground sewer and water pipes could be impacted in the coming months by the earthquake and the regular freeze-thaw motions of winter.

Officials plan to monitor the county’s approximately 80 government buildings and 70 school buildings for damage.

Link: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/aug/24/city-water-treatment-plant-basin-cracked-earthquak-ar-1259822/

Source: DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 29 August 2011