NC0006033_Plastic Material Notification_20211123

Strickland, Bev
From: Shellenbarger, David <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2021 3:25 PM
To: Tuvia, Ori A
Cc: Barker, Doug; Alexander, Mike
Subject: [External] Plastic Material at Eagle Road WWTP
Attachments: 21-11-22 at 1 47 pm - Belmont Metering Station Sample.jpg; IMG_7025.heic
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Ori:
As discussed with you via phone, staff at the Eagle Road WWTP (NPDES NC0006033) observed finely ground plastic
pieces at the facility around noon yesterday. The particles were particularly observed collecting in the clarifier's scum
trough and at the baffles at the front of the chlorine contact basin. Sampling indicates they were coming through the
metering point with the City of Belmont. The source was Syncot Plastics located in the portion of Belmont's collection
system that discharges to Eagle Road WWTP.
City of Gastonia staff contacted Belmont's staff who visited Eagle Road WWTP and Syncot Plastics. Belmont required
Syncot review their screens to correct the problem and is requiring them to install additional downstream screening to
prevent future occurrences. Today's sampling at the Belmont metering station indicates the discharge of plastic
particles have ceased, but staff will continue to monitor.
Gastonia staff will continue to work to capture and remove the plastic particles at the Eagle Road WWTP. The scrapings
from the scum trough will be hauled off for disposal until they are observed to be plastic free. Particles accumulating by
the chlorine contact basin baffles are being skimmed off with a pool skimmer and will also be disposed of. Staff will
observe samples of the effluent and digester influent to ensure they are free of plastics. If there are any issues, we will
let you know.
Thanks,
David Shellenbarger
Assistant Division Manager Compliance
Wastewater Treatment Division
Two Rivers Utilities / City of Gastonia
704-842-5106
OUR MISSION: To provide fair, competent, responsive, cost-effective services at the highest level.
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