The general manager of the state's largest water reclamation facility says a national environmental group is using scare tactics to force the facility to stop using chlorine.
Reed Fisher, who runs the Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility in South Salt Lake, defended the facility's use of chlorine, despite a report by Environmental Defense that chided its use.
Chlorine can burn the eyes, lungs and skin and is fatal in high concentrations.
Fisher said Environmental Defense only issued the report after Central Valley refused to switch to a different sewage-treatment method, a claim Environmental Defense officials deny.
"The writers of the report are basically trying to eliminate chlorine," Fisher said. "I don't think they've found a good, chemical reason to do it, a scientific reason — so now they've chosen to try to scare people."
Environmental Defense is not using scare tactics to frighten the public about the effects of chlorine, said Carol Andress, who wrote the report. The national environmental group is just trying to inform the public about what is going on in their own backyard.
"For wastewater treatment there is no excuse for using chlorine gas," Andress said. "Safer alternatives are available, affordable and practical for facilities large and small."
Central Valley is one of six U.S. plants the report labeled as "bad neighbors" because of their alleged potential risk to surrounding communities. If disaster did strike, such as a chemical leak, more than 1 million people could be in danger, the report said.
Fisher said precautions are taken to prevent disaster. Two spill teams are available 24 hours a day to deal with any potential problems, and the chlorine is stored in double-lined rail cars designed to carry hazardous materials. The facility also rotates valves and hoses every six months to prevent deterioration.
"If the tanks were destroyed by terrorist attack, there is potential danger to the public — yes," Fisher said. "We don't take it lightly. We understand our responsibility."
The report states Central Valley is ignoring other sewage-treatment alternatives such as ultraviolet light. The South Valley Water Reclamation Facility in West Jordan paid $2.3 million to switch to that method of breaking down bacteria in water a few years ago, and annual maintenance costs run at about $200,000 a year.
Fisher said ultraviolet light is not a viable option right now, noting that Central Valley's facility handles three times as much water as the South Valley plant.
"As soon as it becomes cost-effective . . . then we'll make the move," Fisher said. "By staying with liquid chlorine like we do, we essentially are doing the best thing that can be done right now."
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