Staff at CFPUA are readying preparations for potential effects from Hurricane Dorian. Steps completed or underway include:
Preparing to stand up our Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Work has begun to open CFPUA’s EOC, starting on Tuesday. Located at Sweeney Water Treatment Plant, the EOC provides a central location to oversee our emergency response in coordination with New Hanover County and the State.
Readying fuel supplies if needed for backup generators: This year, CFPUA purchased its own 2,800-gallon fuel truck, added saddle tanks to trucks, and increased onsite storage capacity at a number of strategic locations. Just at treatment plants, CFPUA has expanded its fuel storage capability by 20 percent to 60,000 gallons. Other storage is in place for pump stations and well sites.
In addition, the contract with our emergency fuel supplier now stipulates that the contractor must have an onsite backup generator to provide power if commercial power is lost.
Replacing generators at the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant (SSWTP): During Florence, the failure of generators at the SSWTP resulted in the bypass of partially treated wastewater to the plant’s outfall. Those generators were replaced earlier this summer.
Encouraging customers to sign up for emergency alerts: CFPUA’s new emergeny alert service – CivicReady, powered by Regroup – allows customers to sign up for customizable alerts in the event of an emergency that may affect their water or wastewater services. Alerts can be delivered by email, text message, and/or voice telephone call. They also can be delivered in one of several languages.
The service is free and can be modified or canceled at any time. Sign up today at: CFPUA.org/CivicReady.
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