More information on hazard ratings.
Inspection Information:
| Facility Type: | WS3 |
| Inspection type: | Routine |
| Inspection date: | May 28, 2012 |
| Number of critical violations: | 2 |
| Number of non-critical violations: | 2 |
| Follow-up Required: | Yes |
This facility was given a high hazard rating.
More information on hazard ratings.
Violations:
A summary of the violations found during the inspection are listed below.
| Code | Description |
| 308 | Critical Contamination of finished water - Mains Observation: Sample results of May 23, 2012 postive for E.coli (3 E.coli CFU per 100mL, 17 Total coliform) Corrective Action: Boil Water Notice placed by Kira Jang on May 25, EHO Smithers, for interim until corrections made. Invesigate and correct underlying causes for unsatisfactory quality, collect two sets of bacteriological samples no less than 24 hours apart and submit for testing following correction of causes. |
| 311 | Critical Other (specify below) Observation: Adequate disinfection of viruses and bacteria through manual bulk chlorination is not taking place. CT values required to destroy viruses and bacteria do not appear to be achieved by either the concentration of chlorine or amount of residency inside bladder reservoir or both. Chlorine residual measured in finished water at time of inspection 0.07ppm (Onsite operator was intending to add more chlorine following this initial chlorine check should it have been below 0.4ppm). Bacteriological samples collected by EHO following the chlorine test were positive for total coliform at 17 and 29 CFU/100mL, confirming that CT value achieved by bulk chlorination at time was not adequate to provide safe drinking water. Corrective Action: Company to immediately review current chlorination and filtration procedures in place in all camps for adherence to treatment plan as accepted by NH, and determine if the procedures are capable of removing viruses and protozoan cysts so as to make the water potable. |
| 311 | Critical Other (specify below) Observation: Adequate removal of protozoan cysts such as Giardia may not be occuring as the absolute one micron filter originally considered and approved by Northern Health upon issuance of construction permit in 2005, which has demonstrated/validated removal capability of cysts, has been replaced without approval with a nominal filter of 0.35 microns. Based on EHO review of manufacturer product specifications of Harmsco filter HB-20-0.35W currently in use, appears to confirm this filter has not been validated for cyst removal and otherwise is not intended to be used for such purpose, unlike the manufacturers true absolute one micron filter products such as filter PP-BB-20-1. Corrective Action: Produce written procedures for all operators which address adequate chlorination, required filter products and filter maintenance, chlorine testing, bacteriological sampling, and corrective actions to be taken by operators should they become aware of conditions that indicate risks to safety of the water. It will be a requirement as condition of permit that copies of such procedures are maintained in each camp at all times for easy reference. Prior to opening each camp, ensure adequate training is given to all persons with operational duties. Conduct routine field audits to determine onsite knowledge and compliance to procedures. |
| 319 | Inadequate Chemical Analysis Data Observation: Chlorine test kit onsite is colorimeter which relies on human eye. Kit has worn/discoloured tubes which may affect accuracy. Operator at time of inspection tested free chlorine and reported a value of 0.3ppm. EHO tested same sample with operator kit and determined a value of 0ppm which was confirmed by EHO's electronic colorimeter. Inaccurate and/or infrequent chlorine testing likely resulted in insufficient amount of chlorine being added to the bladder after initial fill, causing the recent unsatisfactory results. Corrective Action: Ensure all staff with duties of monitoring chlorine residual receive training in proper use of these kits as per manual, and are otherwise able to determine accurate residuals. Replace any aged components. Recommend replacing existing kits with electronic versions which can significantly improve accuracy of results, particularly when working with low levels of chlorine in the 0-0.5ppm range. |
| 320 | Other (specify below) Observation: Inadequate training of onsite staff assigned operation and maintenance tasks of drinking water system. Corrective Action: Immediately evaluate training needs through conducting onsite audits by staff knowledgeable in Summit's treatment and maintenance procedures. |