HomeMy WebLinkAboutNCG020005_Ltr re Bypass_20181012Martin
Morietto
October 12.2018
By Email (Toby.Vinson@ngdpnr._qov)
Steve Whitt
Director Environmental Services
Mr. William E.`Tobv"Vinson, Jr.
Interim Director
N.C. Department ofEnvironmental Quality, Division of Energy, Mineral and Land ReGanxeo
1012Mail Service Center
Ra|eigh, NC 27696-1612
Re: Martin Marietta —Anticipated Bypass
Pursuant to Part V, Section CA of General Permit No. NCG020000 (the "Permit"), this letter is to
advise the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (the "Department") of the
anticipated bvonao of Martin W1ahetbx'e wastewater treatment systems at the Belgrade Quarry
(the "Quarry") — NPDES Permit COC No. NCG020005, which is due to river flooding from
Hurricane Florence. The flooding at this location is the result of rivers upland from our facility
carrying water into the Quarry in connection with Hurricane Florence and the related storm
surge. It is currently anticipated that pumping in this manner will take up to five (5) months. To
safely and timely remove the water that has flooded the Quarry and to prevent severe property
damage, Martin Marietta is proposing to bypass its wastewater treatment works at the Quarry
and discharge directly from the Quarry tothe White Oak River.
Asaresult of flood waters from Hurricane Florence, approximately34billion gallons of water are
now held inthe Quarry. DnSeptember 17' 2018, Martin 01aheths notified the Department ofthe
flood conditions atthe Quarry. Consistent with Section {|.4.o.(1)A\-(B)ofthe Permit, bypass nf
the wastewater treatment works at the Quarry is unavoidable to prevent severe property damage
due to prolonged flooding of the Quarry and the equipment located therein. Further, there iaDo
feasible alternative to the bypass as the volume of water in question is so great (up to 3.4 billion
gallons) that there is no way to process it through the normal treatment protocol in a time frame
that will not result inyears long effort. Such anextended submersion ofthis site would force the
Quarry to close and the equipment permanently located in the Quarry pits will be severely
damaged ordestroyed. Also, the enormous volume ofwater iemore than the pumps can handle
and will result inproperty damage oFdestruction.
On Dotober5. 2018. Martin Marietta collected and analyzed a sample from the Quarry. The
results of that analysis are as follows:
271OWydUfRoad,
Raleigh, NC276O7
t/919>783'4G57 t(919)7O3-4S36 ema|ijohn.giUan@mardnmadetta.00m
www.mart|nmarietta.com
October 12.2019
Page
Parameter
Result
ornit
Total Suspended Solids
Not Detected
25 mq1I
Martin Marietta estimates that Up to approximately 3.4 billion gallons of flood water will Deed to
bebypassed ataflow rate ofuptoapproximately 30.000gaUonoperminute("opm"). The actual
flow rate will vary depending on pumping and water level conditions (i.e., down time to replenish
fuel, move the portable pump as the water levels drop, etc.). Martin Marietta will utilize the normal
treatment systems when these systems become available and will improve the discharge,
Consistent with Section CA.b(l) of the Permit, because the water in question at the Quarry will
be returned tothe White Oak River, which flooded the Quarry inthe first instance, we do not
believe the water quality in the river will be materially adversely impacted by the anticipated
bypass.
Martin K0mdatto hereby requests that the Department approve, in writing and on an
emergency and temporary basis, the staging mfmultiple pumps around the Quarry once
the river recedes and the conditions allow, and discharge ofthe flood waters directly from
the Quarry to the Northeast Cape Fear River until normal water levels are observed in the
Quarry.
Due to Martin Marietta's desire tostart pumping inorder to be responsive tocustomers' needs
for stone to help in repairs and Rabui|dinQ, including those of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation and a hoed of distressed cnunioipm|itiea. Martin yWohetto is hoping for an
expedited resolution ofthis matter. Please let nneknow ifyou have any questions nrifthere |a
any additional information vvecan provide toyou.
We appreciate your very prompt consideration of this matter.
Very truly yours,
Steve Whitt
D|rector—Emjmnmanta|Servimes
Martin Marietta W1atere|a^ |nc
cc: Bill Lane (Bill, Lane@ncdenr.gov
Annette Lucas (6nnettee.Lucas@ncdenr.gov)
1 With respect to turbidity, no Unit in the effluent discharge app|km, but turbidity in the receiving
waters shall not exceed 6ONTUaoaresult ofthe wastewater discharge.