Jag Reddy Letter_Aug312016Aug 31, 2016
Dear Planning Commission Members,
I am a resident of Chanhassen that is concerned about the planned West Water Treatment Plant in my
neighborhood. I am writing to you to express my concerns in two particular areas – installation of a
treatment plant that uses harsh chemicals in a residential neighborhood and safety and security of the
water treatment plant.
Chlorine gas based Water Treatment plant:
There are 2724 registered chlorine gas based plant in the US. Over the past 15 years, over 600 major
accidents (12% incident rate) were reported at facilities storing chlorine. These incidents resulted in 779
injuries and two deaths, almost 22,000 people evacuated, and over $127 million in property damage.
See attached list for state-by-state data. Please see below links for news stories of some serious
chlorine gas accidents at water treatment plants.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/times/story/2015/mar/17/chlorine-scarepoints-needsafety-
review/293640/
http://www.kmbc.com/news/hazardous-materials-crews-respond-to-parkville-incident/36395890
http://www.12news.com/news/local/valley/chlorine-leak-prompts-evacuation-of-several-peoria-
homes/280316586
http://www.newswest9.com/story/30883057/tceq-investigating-deadly-explosion-in-midland-
evacuated-residents-speak-out
http://www.mrt.com/news/top_stories/article_10860226-b33d-11e5-a0a8-3b5d099171c1.html
http://www.whas11.com/news/local/crews-responding-to-active-chlorine-tank-leak-at-scottsburg-
water-treatment-plant/296243434
Anyone who Googles “Chlorine Gas Accident Water Treatment Plant” will see the long list of incidents
that are constantly taking place across the country. Given the challenges with the Chlorine treatment
process, why would the City of Chanhassen choose this treatment method and most importantly, why
would the city decide to install this treatment plant in the middle of ~400 single-family residences with
young children.
Why would we not consider a better technology – membrane technology with secondary
treatment that uses no chemicals? Minneapolis uses this technology in their plant.
Why would we not consider relocating this plant to a non-residential location, away from
residential population?
Safety and Security of the Water Treatment Plant:
The safety and security of our water sources and treatment facilities is of critical importance to all of us.
The current plans for the West Water Treatment facility do not call for many of the strict guidelines
recommended by American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Associations and Water
Environment Federation. See attached the guidelines from the Industry association. In addition, there
are additional requirements from the EPA and the Dept. of Homeland Security. In order to comply with
all these requirements and many more, the facility design will have to incorporate many physical
barriers, intrusion prevention methods, electronic sensors/alarms, locking devices, perhaps even chain-
link fences, barbed wire and padlocks.
I am concerned that the current design doesn’t protect the facility adequately from various potential
threats.
The many federal/state requirements will make this facility look like a “high-security prison”. Imagine
how this would fit into the neighborhood with 400+ beautiful homes.
What will happen to the real-estate values in the neighborhood? In turn, to the tax revenue
base for the City of Chanhassen?
Would the Planning Commission allow for the deterioration of home values in one of the most
sough-after section of the City of Chanhassen?
Why would the City not consider all future requirements and relocate the facility to a site that
would accommodate all the safety and security consideration?
I fully agree that we have to plan for the future and invest in water and wastewater infrastructure. I
sincerely hope that the Planning Commission and the City officials take into consideration all potential
issues and address all concerns before approving this project.
I look forward to our discussion on Tuesday, Sept 6 regarding these issues. Thank you for your time and
your service on the Planning Commission.
Regards,
Jag Reddy
6925 Lake Harrison Circle
Chanhassen, MN 55317
(860) 384-5337 - Cell