Accident was caused by “catastrophic pump failure,” Virginia Department of Health says.
The “catastrophic failure” of a raw water pump at the Rapidan Service Authority’s intake from the Rapidan River led to the “objectionable odor” that resulted in parts of Orange County being warned not to use the water for about a week last month.
“When the pump failed [on August 20], about two to three gallons of food grade mineral oil were released,” the Virginia Department of Health wrote in a press release detailing the results of a multi-agency investigation into the event. “The mineral oil was likely thermally altered, burned, or scorched from the catastrophic pump failure causing the ‘WD-40-like’ objectionable odor. The food grade mineral oil did not pose a threat to public health based on toxicology reviews, epidemiological monitoring, and sampling results.”
The report includes recommendations for RSA to prevent future such occurrences, including routine monitoring of raw water, adding additional treatment processes, implementing stronger communication protocols, improving oversight of contractors, and developing a comprehensive emergency response plan.
RSA general manager Tim Clemmons said in the press release that the Authority “intends to thoroughly evaluate and implement the necessary protocols to prevent anything like this from occurring again in the future.”
“RSA is committed to operating the Wilderness water system in the best manner possible and meeting the needs of our customers. It is our goal to provide both the best water that we can, as well as providing excellent customer service to those we serve,” he continued. “We want to thank the many customers that have interacted with our staff, both on the phone and in person, during the recent odor event.”
The full report, which can be found on the incident webpage, outlines how the investigation was conducted as well as the results.
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