NC0021733_NOV2023LV0749_RESP

TOWN OF MARSHALL
180 South Main Street • PO Box 548• Marshall, NC 28753 • Phone [phone] • Fax (828)
649-3413
October 26, 2023
Mr. Daniel Boss, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
2090 U.S. 70 Highway
Swannanoa, NC 28778-8211
Dear Mr. Boss:
Please accept this letter as reply regarding the Town of Marshall's wastewater treatment NOV
received on October 24, 2023 as a result of an effluent sample for Fecal Coliform that exceeded
the limit value on August 26, 2023.
The Town has increased the chlorine residual to get more contact time, which has resolved the
issue. The Town has passed all weekly sample tests since the failure the week of August 26.
While operational and treatment modifications have resolved the issue, the Town is actively
working on more cost-effective long-term improvements to the plant. The Town has applied for
a $2.3 million grant from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development
Administration (EDA) for an upgrade to the clarifier and construction of a new chlorine contact
facility. Additionally, Madison County has received $18 million through a legislative
appropriation for sewer improvements for all three municipalities in the county. We are
coordinating with the County regarding the use of these funds, including for upgrades to our
wastewater treatment plant. If we do not receive the EDA grant, the Town's top priority for use
of the legislative appropriation will be for the clarifier/chlorine contact project. We are moving
along a timeline that would allow us to commence construction in 2024.
As an update to correspondence we sent on July 28, the Town has contracted with Synagro for
waste and haul of sludge. They anticipate being on site within the next two weeks to perform
their work, which will enable us to proceed with repairs to the broken clarifier arm that was
identified during your May 181h, 2023 inspection.
The Town of Marshall is working diligently to effectively operate our plant and implement
necessary long-term improvements to our facility. Should you have any concerns or requests for
clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Forrest Gilliam
Town Administrator