Employee found dead at Ottawa County Regional Water Treatment Plant identified – WTOL

Incident Report: Employee Found Deceased at Ottawa County Regional Water Treatment Plant

Overview of the Incident

On Monday, an employee at the Ottawa County Regional Water Treatment Plant in Ohio was found deceased inside a water tank. The individual was identified as Jeffrey Kukay, who was discovered floating face down in a tank filled with water, according to a report from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.

Details of the Incident

1. Jeffrey Kukay was working a night shift from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. alone at the facility.
2. He had completed a 7 p.m. water sample test, with no further tests conducted afterward.
3. Kukay was wearing a safety harness attached to a safety line on the ladder inside the tank.
4. The tank was subsequently drained to recover the body.
5. No signs of bleeding or foul play were observed.

Public Health and Safety Measures

Following the incident, a precautionary boil water advisory was issued across multiple areas in Ottawa County due to potential water quality concerns. The affected locations include:

• Elmore
• Oak Harbor
• Port Clinton
• Marblehead
• Catawba
• Danbury
• Portage Township
• Erie Township
• Salem Township
• Bay Township
• Harris Township

Officials emphasized that no confirmed water contamination has been reported. To ensure disinfection, chlorine levels in the water system have been temporarily increased.

Guidelines for Residents and Businesses

• All water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes must be boiled.
• Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one full minute before use.
• Bottled water distribution is scheduled for Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until supplies last, at The Chapel, 4650 E. Port Clinton Eastern Road, Port Clinton.
• Residents are limited to one case of bottled water per household and must provide identification verifying their address in the affected area (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, or official document).

Official Statements and Ongoing Actions

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a statement expressing condolences to the family and coworkers of the deceased and confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Ottawa County Regional Water District and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to ensure all drinking water standards are maintained.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The incident highlights the critical importance of ensuring safe and clean water supply systems to protect public health. The precautionary boil advisory and increased chlorine levels demonstrate proactive measures to prevent waterborne diseases and safeguard community health.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Maintaining water quality and sanitation is central to this event. The response to potential contamination and the distribution of safe drinking water align with the goal of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The circumstances surrounding the employee’s death emphasize the need for safe working environments, particularly in essential services such as water treatment. Ensuring occupational safety supports sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work conditions.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Effective management of water infrastructure and emergency response contributes to building resilient communities. The coordinated efforts between local agencies to address the incident reflect commitments to sustainable urban development and disaster risk reduction.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration among the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Regional Water District, EMA, and Ohio EPA exemplifies the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development objectives, particularly in crisis management and public safety.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses a fatal workplace incident and the subsequent public health response, highlighting concerns about water safety and health risks.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The incident involved a water treatment plant and prompted boil water advisories, focusing on ensuring safe and clean drinking water for the affected communities.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article touches on workplace safety issues, specifically the working conditions of the employee found deceased, which relates to promoting safe and secure working environments.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The response to the water safety issue involves community-level emergency management and distribution of bottled water, reflecting efforts to build resilient and sustainable communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related emergencies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 3.9:
   • Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to water contamination or unsafe water conditions.
2. For SDG 6.1 and 6.3:
   • Chlorine levels in the water system (as a measure of disinfection and water quality).
   • Number of boil water advisories issued and duration.
   • Reports of confirmed water contamination incidents.
3. For SDG 8.8:
   • Incidence rate of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries.
   • Use of safety equipment and protocols (e.g., safety harness usage).
4. For SDG 11.5:
   • Number of people affected by water-related emergencies and the effectiveness of emergency response (e.g., distribution of bottled water).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wtol.com