NC0036196_NOV2018LV0478 Response Letter_20180717

RECEIVED/NCDENR/DWR
JUL 2 5 2018
WQROS
MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
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July 17, 2018
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality regional Operations Section
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Subject: NOTICE OF VILATiON & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY
Tracking Number: NOV-2018-LV-0478
Permit No. NCO036196
Clark Creek W WTP
Catawba County
Dear Mr. Basinger:
During the week of February 5`", we experienced heavy rain on several days. On the night of February 7"
we had a secondary blow out. It was caught by our night operators and corrected, however it caused us
to have an effluent solid reading of 860 mg/I for the day. This caused us to be out for the week and the
month on the effluent suspended solids. During this time it was discovered that the tertiary filters
weren't working properly to help filter the solids before they reached the Chorine contact basin and the
effluent cut -fall. We are in the process of having the filters cleaned, rotary agitators rebuilt and all sand,
gravel and anthracite replaced so that this will not happen again.

We have also worked with the operators on what to do in the event of a heavy rainfall as far as keeping
the secondaries from blowing out, how to better use our un -used aeration basins to help with the flow.
In the future I don't think that this will happen again. We were going through a transition from some of
our more seasoned employees retiring and the hiring and training of new operators. We are currently at
full staff and all of our operators are certified and trained on these things.
We haven't had this kind of NOV before and I ask the State for leniency with this occurrence. If you
need to talk to me about this NOV, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Eric Jones
City of Newton
WWTP Superintendent
828-695-4370 - office
828-217-4457 - cell
[e-mail]