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A leak on two chlorine bottles placed in a 5m2 room, in the pumping station of the Bresse Dombes Saône Drinking Water Union, in Guéreins, required a major rescue operation this Monday, November 18 in the early evening.
Suspicion of pollution
The suspicion of pollution ultimately proved to be without risk, but the intervention located at the entrance to the Belleville bridge, along the D17, seriously disrupted road traffic at this busy time, especially in the directions returns to Ain.
The two leaking chlorine cans were placed on the water treatment network. They had to be extracted, put in a safe place and ventilated the room. Reconnaissance was also carried out in and around the premises to confirm the neutralization of the leak.
Remote monitoring
The Suez agents present confirmed that the water sent into the network had not been impacted by this leak. The alarm was triggered using technical means placed in the premises which allow remote monitoring.
Two NRBC (Nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical) vehicles were dispatched by the Miribel and Ambérieu-en-Bugey barracks. Around twenty firefighters from Montmerle-sur-Saône, Jassans and Trévoux were mobilized.
The municipalities of Baneins, Chaneins, Francheleins, Genouilleux, Guéreins, Lurcy, Messimy-sur-Saône, Montceaux, Montmerle-sur-Saône Valeins and Peyzieux-sur-Saône depend on this pumping station for their drinking water resources.
Questions for Guests:
1. Can you explain the process of how the leak was detected and what prompted the alarm to be raised?
2. How do you ensure the safety of workers and the public during such an incident where hazardous materials like chlorine are involved?
3. In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by water treatment facilities when it comes to dealing with potential hazards like this?
4. Can you tell us about the importance of remote monitoring systems in detecting such leaks, and how they can help prevent larger scale disasters?
5. How do you communicate with the local authorities and communities in situations like these to manage public concerns and ensure their safety?
6. Can you describe the role of the military in responding to emergencies like this, and how do you collaborate with them?
7. What is the overall impact on the drinking water supply for the affected municipalities, and how did you manage to minimize any potential risks?
8. What precautionary measures have been put in place after this incident to prevent future occurrences?
