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County officials identify biofilm in pipeline; agree to 'pig' and chlorinate 2.3-mile line to golf course
Summary
Tests on the Cell 3 pipeline to the Baker Golf Course showed elevated total coliforms in the outflow relative to the source; staff and contractors plan to mechanically pig the 2.3-mile PVC pipeline and perform shock chlorination, add a gate valve, and institute annual maintenance to lower coliform counts.
County water staff presented test results and a remediation plan after samples drawn from Cell 3 and the pipeline to the Baker Golf Course indicated a biofilm and elevated total coliforms at the outflow.
Speaker 8 summarized the tests: "you're looking at somewhere between a 25 and 50 times less total coliforms than is coming out of the outflow," and staff concluded that air getting into the pipeline had allowed a biofilm to form in the 2.3-mile, 6-inch PVC pipe. The group agreed the next steps should include a mechanical "pigging" of the line, followed by shock chlorination, installation of an isolation valve or gate, and controlled disposal or retention of treated water rather than returning it to Cell 3 (to avoid harming lagoon bacteria).
County staff will request KLJ plans and contractor input to confirm line geometry and fittings, prepare a request for quotes (F&D and other local contractors were discussed), compute chlorine quantities and procurement, and monitor test results post-treatment. Commissioners and staff also discussed logistical constraints: where treated water would go, potential impacts to migratory birds and pond organisms, and whether to use tablet chlorination vs. gas injection depending on contractor preference.
No formal funding appropriation was made at the meeting; staff will return with cost estimates and contractor quotes, and will continue sampling to document the effect of the intervention.
