There will be a controlled flare burning at the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant in order to help repair the ammonia leak that was identified earlier this week, Mississippi State Health Department officials announced Saturday morning.
“During the transfer of product and while emptying the leaking tank for repair, there may be a controlled burn-off of the gas that may cause a visible flare into the sky,” according to the MSDH press release. “There is no need for concern, and there is no threat to the public. The burn-off will take place intermittently throughout the day today.”
Anhydrous ammonia is colorless and non-flammable as a liquefied gas, according to MSDH. Its vapor form is less dense than air and smells the same as household ammonia. A propane flare will burn at the plant in order to burn off any gas that may escape the transfer of product, allowing workers to repair the leaking ammonia tank.
“Again, there is no danger to the public through this controlled burn,” said Jim Craig, MSDH Senior Deputy and Director of Health Protection. “This will put us one step closer to bringing safe and sustainable water to the citizens of Jackson.”
Gov. Tate Reeves took to Twitter to reassure Mississippians that the controlled flare is a good sign, not something to worry about.
“If you see flames today near the Reservoir, it is a sign of progress—not a setback!” Reeves wrote.
Meanwhile, the city also released their daily update Saturday morning, which included an update on the water pressure at the Curtis plant. Pounds per square inch, or PSI, figures are inching closer to the goal of at least 87. The current pressure sits at 86 PSI, according to a news release.
“All tanks made gains overnight. Water has now reached the Suncrest Tank. Most of Jackson should now have pressure. A few remaining pockets in South Jackson may still be experiencing low or no pressure,” city spokesperson Justin Vicory said in the release.
The release also mentioned information about the controlled flare and out-of-state crews that have come to Jackson to augment staff at the plant. Vicory said teams from Georgia and Florida are currently on-site at the plant. At a Friday evening news conference, Craig said a team from Louisiana is also in Jackson, currently undergoing orientation and training to become familiar with the specifics of the Curtis plant. Craig said they are looking at crews from other states as well. For years, one of the main issues the Curtis plant has faced has been a staffing shortage.
