HomeMy WebLinkAboutWQ0003090_Response to Notice_20230814P GnEAT PLACE To (IVY
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To whom it may concern,
This letter is regarding the Notice of Violation and Intent to Enforce (NOV-2023-PC-
0406). As requested by DEQ this letter is to inform you of corrective actions and measures taken
to resolve any violations stated in the above violation letter that was received.
Violations
1. Effluent from the Towns irrigation spray system was found in a stream bed located
between fields 7 and 8b. Estimated discharge was 9,000 gallons.
a. Corrective actions were to analyze all spray heads in that area and check for any
damaged mains that feed that area. None were found at that time.
i. The Public Works Director (Joseph Walsh) and I will review the SOP's
that are currently in place and update and or change the procedures: This
may entail more visits during spray operations along with more stream bed
inspections.
2. Broken spray head causing the effluent to pond in a depression found in field 8b.
a. Corrective actions for this violation were to replace the spray head so there would
not be any more ponding in the fields.
i. The ORC of the WWTP will do an initial study on the current piping
material used to hold spray heads and determine whether the Town should
switch materials to prevent further issues and violations.
3. Freeboard marker not properly adjusted per 2022 visit as well as 2023 visit.
a. The Town of Liberty hired Joe Moore Survey last year to survey the 15 acre
lagoon and provide the Town with the proper freeboard level. Per ORC Tremaine
Fike the water levels of the lagoon never dropped below the amount needed to
adjust due to heavy rainfall conditions and working with contracted service to cut
crops.
i. The Joe Walsh, Public Works Director, will look into this issue and
contact any company needed to adjust the freeboard gauge to the proper
height and have an engineer's stamp to confirm the gauge is correctly
installed to alleviate future violations.
The Town of Liberty is realigning staff to ensure all staff know their roles and responsibilities.
We have hired new staff who have the knowledge and skills to help our ORCs ensure that all
items in our permit are met and exceeded. We are going to strive to be proactive in our
maintenance in hopes that we can eliminate all violations. In the violation letter, there was a
concern about a monitoring well (Monitoring well 7) that was repaired on site the day of the
visit. This monitoring well could have been inspected and repaired by Town staff if
communication between departments was better. Joe Walsh has started aligning staff to ensure
everyone has the resources needed to address any problems that may arise.
The Town of Liberty is having a lot of pressure for growth due to recent economic development
announcements. The Town needs an amendment to their current SOC to be able to meet that
demand. The Town of Liberty strives to put our best foot forward in planning for growth. This
past year the Town raised its water and sewer rates to allow for more funding to be able to be
more proactive in our approach to maintenance of our infrastructure.
Thank you for your time and look forward to seeing you on August 25"' at 10 AM at the WWTP
for an onsite visit.
Sincerely,
PcottKidd7---�
Town Manager — Liberty NC
239 S Fayetteville St
336-215-2339