WQ0000267_NOV-2022-PC-0275 NOI_20220516

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
Certified Mail # 7019 2970 0001 3139 8947
Return Receipt Requested
May 16, 2022
Tim Wilson, County Manager
Gates County
PO Box 148
Gatesville, NC 27938
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY
Tracking Number: NOV-2022-PC-0275
Permit No. WQ0000267
Gates County WWTFs
Gates County
Dear Mr. Wilson:
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Gates County WWTFs on April
19, 2022. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions
and limitations specified in Non -discharge Permit No. WQ0000267. A summary of the findings and comments
noted during the inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report.
The Compliance Evaluation inspection was conducted by Division of Water Resources staff from the Washington
Regional Office. The following violation(s) were noted during the inspection:
Inspection Area Description of Violation
Miscellaneous Questions The fence around the front of the existing lagoon has fallen.
Treatment Disinfection The gas disinfection system has not been working for some time. They now have applied
for a modification to convert the disinfection from gas to a liquid.
Treatment Influent Pump
Station
The influent pump station is regulated under Permit No. WQ0000267. During the
inspection, the operator turned on the pumps by hand. Nothing else was checked and the
operator could not explain what was checked during her inspections. The pump station
has telemetry but could not make it call the operator in a failed state. The pump station
should be checked weekly.
North Carolina Department of ErvIronmental Quality I Dlvlslon of Waler Resources
Washington Regional Office 1 943 Washington Square Mall I Washington, North Carolina 27889
252.946.6481

Inspection Area Description of Violation
End Use -Irrigation The operator has been mowing the fields. We addressed the need to have the clippings
removed from the fields so that the proper drainage can occur.
Treatment Flow
Measurement -Effluent
The operator stated that there are two flow meters but one is currently being calibrated.
The second meter will be sent off for calibration once the first one is back from being
calibrated. Calibration of the flow meters should be completed annually.
Treatment Flow Tiffany said that the influent flow meter has not been working for a while and that they are
Measurement -Influent estimating flow. She stated that Cook electrical is supposed to be repairing the meter soon.
A Notice of Violation/Intent to Issue Civil Penalty is being issued for the noted violation of North Carolina General
Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and the facility's Non -discharge Permit. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of
not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or
fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S.
143-215.1.
If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violation, request technical assistance, or discuss
overall compliance please respond in writing within ten (10) business days after receipt of this Notice. A review of
your response will be considered along with any additional information provided. You will then be notified of any
civil penalties that may be assessed regarding the violations. If no response is received in this Office
within the 10-day period, a civil penalty assessment may be prepared.
Remedial actions should have already been taken to correct this problem and prevent further occurrences in the
future. The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of
State law. If the violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and
you anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order by
Consent.
LD_E
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Di.lsion of Water Resources
Washington RegInnal Office 1943 Washington Square Mall I Washington, North Carolina 27869
252.946.6481

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Toppen with the Water Quality
Regional Operations Section in the Washington Regional Office at 252-946-6481.
Sincerely,
gn6e41 T44•144.141
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: Laserfiche
Robert Tankard, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Washington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Dlvlslon of Waler Resources
Washington Regional Office 1 943 Washington Square Mall I Washington, North Carolina 27889
252.946.6481