NC0023868_Correspondence_19850211

-� -.CA__ <.._ .E A
CITY I
February 11, 1985
Mr. R. Paul Wilms
Acting Director
N. C. Division of Environmental Management
P. 0. Box 27687 •
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687
SUBJECT: East Burlington Wastewater Treatment
NPDES Permit No. .N00023868
EMC WQ 84-15
Alamance County
Dear Mr. Wilms:
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FEB 12 1985
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Plant
'Reference is made to item 2(b) in the "Special.Order By
Consent" issued by your office for the subject plant. The
subject of this letter deals.with the compliance of final
effluent limitations.
Recent data on the final effluent is listed below:
November, 1984
December, 1984
January, 1985
NOTE: 7 greater than
BOD
10 mg/1
11 mg/1
11 mg/1
TCS
52 mg/1
73 mg/1
49 mg/1
NH -N
6.7773mg/1
2.4 mg/1
1.2 mg/1
BIOASSAY
LC50
. 90%
7- 90%
> 90%
The treatment plant -is performing well in all areas except
in the removal of "total suspended solids". This problem has
been attributed to a high'. concentration of filamentous organisms
(Nocardia) and ash from the Carbon Regenerating Unit.
Biological examinations by Research and Analytical
Laboratories, Inc. and'the University of Wisconsin (a professor
of microbiology) confil.m the fact that filamentous organisms
(Nocardia) are present and inhibit the settleability of the mixed
liquor.
A number of recommendations have been made to correct the
problem, but sufficient time is needed to implement these
recommendations. The recommendations are:
1. Increase detention time in aeration basin
2. Check for nutrient balance
3. Remove scum (Nocardia) physically from the plant. (By-pass
filters and hose -down clarifiers periodically).

Mr. R. Paul Wilms
_Page 2
February 11, 1985
4. Increase carbon levels
5. Increase solids residence time (SRT)
6. Install mechanical'skimmers on the final clarifiers
7. Install a more efficient ash separation system (Zimpro)
8. Industrial wastewater survey for possible taxies
9. On -site pilot study (Zimpro)
Since the problem is rather complex .and difficult to solve,•
a "Special Order By Consent" for a short period is not adequate
for us to seek solutions in the proper manner. We have made
considerable progress since August 1, 1984, but the problem
relating to suspended solids will require some changes in
operation and installation of additional equipment.
We are very unhappy about our situation and have spent
considerable time and money an this plant. Although we feel that
legal -action should be the last resort, some type of legal action
may be implemented if the problem is not resolved during the year
1985.
Because of the above mentioned facts:,..:me ,respectively
request an .extension. of th•e present "Special -Order By Consent"
permit until December. 31 , , 1985 .
A projected additional flow scheduled for 1985 and some
documentation concerning matters relative to the plant problems
are enclosed.
. If -you have any questions concerning this matter, please
contact me.
Sincerely,
A. Randall_Kornegay
Director
W & S Plants Department
ARK/vh
CC: J. D. Mackintosh, Jr. - City Manager
L. P. Benton - DEM, Raleigh
Regional Supervisor--- Winston-Salem .

Projected Additional Flows
1985 .
City of Burlington
ESTIMATED FLOW
GPD
Food Lion Plaza Shopping Center 3,000 GPD
Cambridge Square Subdivision 4,500 GPD
Central Piedmont Nursing Center (54 units) 11,000 GPD
Helig-Myers Furniture 1,500 GPD
Alamance County Hospital Offices. 3,000 GPD
Burlington Housing Authority - Elderly Housing 25,000 GPD
Bill Hawks' Office Building 3,000 GPD
Expansion of Kernolde Clinic 1,000 GPD
Elder Hosiery (Annedeen) Renovation 20,000 GPD
NCA (Annedeen) Reconstruction .5,000 GPD
Dogwood Rest Home (12 beds) 2,000 GPD
Burlington Industries Steam Generator Plant 5,000.GPD
Single Family Housing - 50 units - , • 15,000 GPD
.Miscellaneous Commercial Development 25,000 GPD
Miscellaneous •Industrial Development 25,000 GPD
Total 149,000 GPD
Town of Haw River
Cedar Ridge Housing
Residential - Wilkins St.
Green Level Subdivision
Miscellaneous
Total
•10,825 GPD
6,000_GPD
5,000 GPD
2,500 GPD
24,325 GPD-
Town of Gibsonville
Miscellaneous 10,000 GPD
Grand 'Total
183,325