DISASTER RECOVERY FROM HURRICANE FLOYD A CASE STUDY OF THE GOLDSBORO WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY

On September 19, 1999, four days after the passing of Hurricane Floyd, the Neuse River had risen 15 feet above flood stage and over-topped the protective dikes surrounding the Goldsboro Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). The operators abandoned the plant by boat and would not return until four days later. Most of the plant's equipment and electrical gear were flooded, causing major damage and leaving the plant inoperable. However, with strategic emergency preparation, crisis management planning, and hard work this facility was back in service within eight days of the time of abandonment and met effluent limits by the end of the ninth day. Temporary repairs around the plant maintained continuous service, however permanent facility repairs would continue for months to come.This paper presents an account of procedures and action plans that were implemented to return the WRF to service as soon as possible, and the process by which permanent repairs were accomplished in the following months. Participants in the effort consisted of City Staff, Pump Contractors, Electrical Contractors, and Consulting Engineers. All involved participants were instrumental in the Goldsboro WRF achieving a full recovery.