HomeMy WebLinkAboutISO RatingI
Telephone: (407) 567-8000
April 6, 1990
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960
Robb McClary
City Manager
City of Sebastian
1225 Main Street
Sebastian, Florida
Dear Robb:
32958
Suncom Telephone: 224-1011
Pursuant to our impromptu meeting on April 5, 1990, I have attached
a memorandum from North County Fire Inspector Mike Grice which
details substandard flows and pressures that could potentially
plague fire suppression efforts if the General Development
Utilities, Inc., water system in the north county area was
utilized.
If my information is correct, the francise agreement currently in
effect with General Development Utilities, Inc., provides for the
Utility to submit a map to the City and the Sebastian Volunteer
Fire Department showing all fire hydrants and their rated fire
flow. To my knowledge, I have never seen such a map or detail of
fire flow capabilities, although such documents may exist.
I am concerned that the ISO rating for the area may be in jeopardy
if a flow of less than 500 gallons per minute at 20 PSI is not
maintained. Even more alarming is the pressure found at the site
of the North County Library when during a test only 230 GPM at 3
PSI residual was available. Another test conducted at the
Reflections Condominium resulted in 10 PSI with only one 2 1/2
discharge was open.
From our conversation, it is my understanding that you plan to
communicate with the Utility and request compliance with the
existing city ordinance. I would appreciate any information you
receive as a result of your letter.
Thanks for stopping by my office. It was a most pleasant and
productive meeting. You and your staff are always welcome. Please
advise if I can ever be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Doug Wrig t, Director
Department of Emergency
Management Services
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Doug Wright, Deputy Fire Administrator
/FROM: Michael H. GriceN orth County Fire Inspector
DATE: April 5, 1990
SUBJECT: NORTH COUNTY WATER SUPPLIES
On October 11, 1989 I did a flow test at the new North County
Library site. The flows were completely unacceptable for
firefighting purposes. As you will see by the flow chart which
accompanies this memo, only 230 GPM at 3 PSI residual was
available. Most firefighting tactics require a minimum of 20 PSI
residual so to allow for water pressure fluxuation and to prevent
pump cavitation which could ruin the pump. Another problem is a
possible negative pressure in street mains, which might cause back
siphonage of polluted water from some interconnected source. Using
residual pressures less than 20 PSI is prohibited by most state
health departments for the previous stated reason.
Mr. Gillard who is a building captain in Reflections Condominium
was contacted to see if some pre -fire planning might possibly be
done. When contacted he was agreeable and asked if a fire hydrant
flow could be accomplished. On February 27, 1990, Engine 70 and
crew conducted a flow test at Reflections with these results being
unacceptable also. With only one 2 1/2" discharge open, the
residual dropped to 10 PSI and had a flow of only 580 GPM.
The Insurance Services Offices "Fire Suppression Rating Schedule"
generally does not even accept a flow of less than 500 GPM at 20
PSI for rating purposes.
With Northern Indian River county growing at such rapid paces it
becomes more and more relevant that water supplies for fire
protection are already critical. Unless some proper engineering
and planning is accomplished we will surely loose our current
insurance rating of 7/9 which will effect every taxpayer of North
Indian River County.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
/dc