NCS000041_Ltr Self Reporting_20100719

2c�ldo 2-133
Z't� Clariant
625 E Catawba Ave
Mt Holly, NC 28120
July 19, 2010
Mr. Lon Snider
Environmental Specialist
North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality - Surface Water Protection Section
610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301
Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
Dear Mr. Snider:
JUL 2 0 2olo
This letter is a written follow up to our recent email notification of sewer overflow.
Approximately 1:30 pm July 12, 2010, Clariant Mount Holly, NC experienced a large
quantity of rainfall in a short period (1.75 inches in approximately 30 minutes). During
this event, a sewer system containing mixed stormwater and wastewater overflowed.
The overflow was initially retained by our stormwater dikes, however, these were also
overwhelmed, and an amount of water was released to the Catawba River. A very small
proportion of this water was process wastewater.
The sewer carries an average of 10 gpm of surfactant waste water. During the estimated
30 minute overflow, approximately 300 gallons of waste water would have mixed with a
large quantity of rainwater. Using the area drained, over 290,000 gallons of stormwater
would have mixed with this water.
The waste concerned is wash water from manufacturing of detergents and surfactants.
No RQ compounds and no oils were involved in this overflow. There was no observable
impact (no foam or oily sheen) and analysis is consistent with normal stormwater values
(pH of 6.4 and COD of 0 mg/L).
Pumps were used to move the water remaining in the stormwater dikes to the on site
waste water pretreatment plant; approximately 100,000 gallons of the stormwater were
recovered.
If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (704) 822
2113.
Sincerely,
Andre Pollard
Regional Head of ESHA
Industrial and Consumer Specialties