Last fall, Commissioner Adams’ office received an email from a concerned constituent over the City’s practice of using green dye to locate and analyze sewer leaks. The green dye was spotted in Vermont Creek which runs through Gabriel Park.
Concern over the green dye in bodies of water throughout Portland is not new; other concerned citizens have dutifully notified the Bureau of Environmental Services' (BES) [1] Spill Response number (503 823-7180) to report the green water, but this constituent had done his homework.
Normally, this green dye known as Flourescein, an EPA [2] approved industry standard, is only briefly visible because the dye dilutes quickly in water and washes away. However, on this occasion, it hadn’t rained for an extended period and the dye did not thin or wash away as expected. This constituent researched the green dye solution and found that if not properly diluted, it may negatively impact aquatic life. In particular, he noted that BES’ signage specifically states, “The dye is not harmful to plants and animals.”
BES and the City’s Maintenance Bureau immediately started to review City use standards of Flourescein dye in rivers and streams. A meeting was called including key people from BES, Portland Department of Transportation (PDOT) [3] and Bureau of Maintenance (BOM) [4] to discuss the business practice of using the green dye for leak detention.
Amin Wahab, from BES, took the lead coordinating efforts to review the City’s procedures for use of Fluorescein near rivers and streams and to make recommendations to improve these procedures. As a result of Amin’s leadership, the City purchased a meter to measure green dye concentrations in streams and is currently testing the device. Plus, the City is changing the signage at all test sites to read “Dye test in progress.” In addition, the City is exploring the possibility of receiving smaller bottled amounts from the manufacturer to minimize the amount of dye used and still achieve the objective.
One very knowledgeable, concerned citizen took the lead and reported to Commissioner Sam Adams’ office his concerns over current City maintenance practices. Using well researched information, this constituent wanted to insure products used by the City were managed in a way that would ensure their safe use in the environment. Who says you can’t change City Hall or at least shake them up a bit?