WQ0006946_Compliance Evaluation Inspection and NOD2020PC0496_20201117

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
November 17, 2020
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR)
Division of State Historic Sites
Reed Gold Mine
9621 Reed Mine Road
Midland, North Carolina 28107
Attention: Larry K. Neal, Jr. (Manager) via Email
Subject: Notice of Deficiency
NOD-2020-PC-0496
Surface Irrigation Permit Inspection Report
Permit #WQ0006946
Reed Gold Mine Facility
Cabarrus County
Dear Mr. Neal:
Staff of the Mooresville Regional Office (MRO) conducted a compliance inspection on
October 30, 2020. The MRO would like to thank Mr. Lee Garner (ORC) for his time during
the site inspection.
In general, the facility appeared well maintained and the treatment system was deemed to be
operating sufficiently; however, the current Water Level Indicator does not meet requirements
under permit condition 111.13 and this item was noted for correction in the previous two
inspection reports.
Specifically, this Notice of Deficiency is for delay in installation of a Water Level Gauge
with required increments. Item 111.13. of your current permit states: "...This gauge shall
have readily visible, permanent markings at inch or tenth of a foot markings..."
The existing water level marker had a painted area to note the 2-feet of freeboard, but the
paint is wearing off. Mr. Garner discussed an option to install a floating dock as a safe way to
attach a graduated marker to the existing one, and to provide access for long-term
maintenance. In addition, a floating dock is unlikely to damage the lagoon's clay bottom liner.
The MRO is aware there are safety concerns with installation, but recommends this be
addressed before the next permit renewal application is due, July 31, 2021.
The following additional maintenance items are noted so Reed Gold Mine may plan for and
budget accordingly:
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North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Mooresville Regional Office 1610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 I Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
704.663.1699

• The ORC discovered polyester fibers that caused blockage in the pumping system
leading to a pump burnout in one instance and a relay switch failure in another. The
polyester fibers are from the lagoon berm design. Given the age of the facility (approx.
30 yrs.) it is recommended the lagoon integrity be assessed by a Professional
Engineer in preparation for the next permit renewal, as MRO staff will request this item
be added as a permit condition.
• The septic tank and lagoon should be assessed for bottom residuals and pumped as
necessary. Per on -site discussion, the septic tank was only partially pumped when the
backflow prevention was installed in 2015.
• The ORC noted some of the sprinkler head uprights are in need of repair/replacement
for corrosion of the post at ground level.
Please take the corrective actions for the above deficiency and maintenance items as
necessary to bring the facility into compliance. A plan and time -line for implementing
corrective actions must be submitted in writing to the Mooresville Regional Office by
December 17, 2020.
Should you have any questions, please contact Maria Schutte by phone at [phone] or
email at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
—DocuSigned by:
`— A14CC681 AF27425...
for Andrew H. Pitner, P.G., Assistant Regional Supervisor
Mooresville Regional Office
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Attachment: WQ0006946 Inspection Report
CC: Lee Garner, ORC, Reed Gold Mine (email)