Arlington Fire Department Rescues Contractor at Pierce-Burch Treatment Plant Construction Site

By Office of Communication

Posted on March 20, 2023, March 20, 2023

Shortly before 9 a.m. this morning, Arlington Water Utilities was notified by its contractor, Archer Western LLC, about an employee safety situation involving a contractor working in an underground 54-inch water transmission line at the Pierce-Burch Water Treatment Plant, 1901 Lakewood Drive.

The Arlington Fire Department’s Special Operations Teams responded and performed the rescue of a worker whose arm had become trapped when a safety device known as a plug moved unexpectedly. The line, which is buried about six feet deep, had been drained of water for a pipe section replacement project. The worker was freed just after 10 a.m. and transported to a local hospital to be treated for injuries that were serious but not life-threatening. Rescue crews were able to talk with the employee throughout the rescue process.

“We are thankful for the quick action from Archer Western and the City of Arlington Fire Department in preventing further injury. Our thoughts are with the employee involved in this accident and his family,” said Arlington Water Utilities Director Craig M. Cummings. “The safety of employees at Arlington Water Utilities facilities, whether they are City employees or those working for a private company, is our highest priority. We will support Archer Western as the company completes post-accident safety reviews.”

The Pierce-Burch Water Treatment Plant, one of the City’s two water treatment plants, is currently undergoing a renovation, including the replacement of several 20-foot sections of a 54-inch main used to send water from the plant to Arlington’s water distribution system. The Pierce-Burch plant is offline during winter months and is not currently treating water.