Granthams Water Treatment Plant Storage Container FAQS

The SCRD is planning to store 6% sodium hypochlorite solution (liquid bleach which is less potent to what is found in many laundry rooms on the Sunshine Coast). 

Just over 2 week's worth of product (at peak production rates) is being stored onsite. This is 8 barrels or 1680L. 

The SCRD purchased a customized shipping container specifically designed with a secondary spill containment area, ventilation controls and insulation to ensure the safe storage of the sodium hypochlorite. 

The sodium hypochlorite is used to disinfect the raw water before it enters the Chapman Water system.  All SCRD water sources are disinfected with sodium hypochlorite. 

The amount required is determined by the volume of water the WTP treats when in operation.  Grathams WTP is the third largest water source on the Coast by volume and the second largest in the Chapman Water System after Chapman Creek WTP.  The SCRD is ensuring that an adequate amount of material can be stored onsite to operate the WTP safely for a reasonable amount of time should there be any delays in deliveries, emergencies or issues accessing the site. In the summer months, during peak community demand, Church Road well field and Granthams Water Treatment Plant, will provide essential drinking water to more than 5,000 residents that rely on the Chapman Water System. 

This material is stored at other sites operated by the SCRD. As such, staff are trained to store and use sodium hypochlorite safely and ensure it does not pose a risk to the community or the environment. Spill response equipment and materials are available onsite, including a specialized product referred to as de-chloritization pucks that neutralize the chemical on contact. These pucks are located within the spill containment area of the container and in the manhole located in the parking area. Access to the facility and the storage container are secure and locked. The proposed location is deemed the least risk of a vehicular incident and environmental impacts if a spill were to occur.   

The SCRD does not believe there is any measurable risk to public from the storage of Sodium Hypochlorite in this concentration and volume.  

The container is intended to remain at the site year-round.  Although the WTP is normally in operation during the summer months to meet increased demand of the Chapman Water System, should any other water source unexpectedly become unavailable, or an emergency situation arise, Church Road could need to be utilized and put online at a moment's notice. Additionally, the storage unit cannot be removed as the electrical, communication and sodium hypochlorite supply lines will be hardwired into the plant and reinstalling and decommissioning this annually will be extremely cumbersome and costly.