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On Saturday, June 13, around 8:30 a.m., the walls of the water production buffer tank at the Sidem plant suddenly collapsed. Tons of water gushed out and spread across the entire area, while sections of concrete walls collapsed onto Sidem’s pipes and the pipeline that carries fuel to the storage tanks at the EDF power plant in Public. Since then, water production and distribution have been cut off across the entire island, and the EDF power plant can no longer be supplied.
Moving toward a “network restoration” phase
Since Saturday, following an initial safety operation by firefighters from the Rescue, Support, and Search Unit (USAR), teams of technicians have been working day and night to clear the sections of wall that had fallen onto the pipes. These operations concluded on Monday. “The teams are now engaged in a new phase consisting of removing the debris to the buffer zone in order to prepare for the network restoration work,” according to a statement from the Territorial Collectivity.
Two water pipes to be repaired
The reservoir, whose structure collapsed, typically holds a portion of the treated water production, which is then pumped to the Colombier reservoir. Sidem management notes that one of the challenges resulting from the tank’s rupture is that the pipes, such as the tank’s suction line, were trapped beneath the wall sections. However, the pipes have since been “freed.” Two pipes will need to be repaired in the coming days.
Water distribution points coming soon
In the hours following the accident, a coordinated effort led by the Territorial Collectivity ensured a water supply for public facilities (hospital, school complex, middle school). At the same time, in its press release, the Territorial Collectivity emphasizes that “water distribution points will be rapidly deployed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people.” This includes port users for whom access to public restrooms is essential.
The Territorial Collectivity’s press release also states that the Department of Social Cohesion “is conducting a survey to identify the most vulnerable populations.” Furthermore, at the end of the day, a meeting was held “with representatives of socio-professional organizations to provide a comprehensive update on the continuity of economic activity in the territory and on the support measures being implemented.”
The replacement fuel “pipeline” has arrived
As for EDF Archipel Guadeloupe, the director for Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy, Pierre-Yves Gillot, assures that his teams are ready to step in to repair the damaged fuel pipeline. “Our equipment has arrived,” says the director. “We’re waiting for the area to be secured. There’s still some administrative work to be done since the pipe that’s going to be replaced is located in the Rubis area.”
Before undertaking the replacement—which involves cutting the pipe, “which is damaged enough to be unusable,” notes Pierre-Yves Gillot—numerous precautions must be taken. “They’ve been planned,” says the director. “This is sensitive equipment, and there’s still some fuel left in the pipe.” "At the EDF power plant in Public, the engines continue to run and generate electricity 'without any issues,' notes Pierre-Yves Gillot. The facility has about two weeks of autonomy before the engines shut down."
Moderation and vigilance are essential
Nevertheless, the local EDF director continues to urge the island’s population to exercise the utmost restraint in their energy consumption. This is primarily because uncertainty remains regarding the duration of the repair operations. “At this stage, the goal remains to resume water production by the end of the week, provided that the ongoing technical operations proceed smoothly,” according to the Collectivité’s press release issued on Monday, June 15.
Restricted and judicious use of water reserves and electricity therefore remains essential. Caution is also advised. As the territorial authority’s press release emphasizes, “emergency services remain on alert, which places a strain on the response capabilities available in the territory. Everyone is therefore urged to be extra vigilant in order to limit the risk of accidents and preserve the operational resources mobilized to serve the public.”
In addition, please note that the local swimming pool will remain closed to the public until next Monday.
