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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSW8130412_NOV_20190314ROY COOPER Governor MICHAEL S. REGAN Secretary S. DANIEL SMITH interim Director March 14, 2019 NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality CERTIFIED MAIL 97013 2630 0002 1133 7287 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED D.R. Horton, Inc. Attn: Mr. Michael C. Loiacono, Vice President 1121 Military Cutoff Road, Suite C-322 Wilmington, NC 28405 Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION, NOV-2019-PC-0192 Hawkswater Stormwater Permit No. SW8 130412 Brunswick County Dear Mr. Loiacono RFCE!\/E7 MAR 22 2013 DENR-LAND QUALITtr STORMWATER PERMITTING On March 14, 2019, Wilmington Regional Office staff of the Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources (DEMLR) performed a file review compliance inspection of the subject project, located on Village Road, Leland, in Brunswick County, North Carolina. A summary of events to date is included History: 1. 4/30/13: The original permit was written as SW8 060354 to Riverside Land Holding II, LLC, who later lost the project to the bank. The first SW8 130412 permit was issued to D.R. Horton, Inc. in April of 2011 after becoming the new property owner. Section Il (16) (f) required that, "The maximum built upon area per lot is 4,500 square feet for Phase I. Phases 2 and 3 shall be specified with a future stormwater permit modification..." D.R. Horton, Inc. is therefore responsible for maintaining the impervious area per lot for all lots, including lots covered by the permit that were constructed by the previous permittee. DR Horton, Inc. is also responsible for all other permitting responsibilities for this project in its entirety. 2. 8/24/17: A Notice of Non -Compliant Inspection was issued. A permit modification application had been accepted on June 15, 2017 to modify Phase 3 Ponds 5 and 6. During the review, DEMLR found that the project's plans did not match the configuration on Google Earth, and so a site inspection was conducted on August 24, 2017. There were ponds not built per the plan such as Phase 3 Pond 5 which was permitted to be constructed outside of the loop formed by Keekle Lane but was instead constructed inside the loop formed by Keekle Lane. Unpermitted construction such as several townhomes was also identified. Homes had been built that were not on the plans such as 10222 Hawkeswater Blvd. Restrictions had been recorded in B2745/1`0986, but the restrictions did not appear to cover all of the lots in the permitted configuration because the impervious area for Phases 2 and 3 was not permitted in 2013. It also appeared that the impacted ponds may not have been designed to accommodate full build -out from those lots. O&M Agreements were needed for ponds that had been modified or needed to be modified. Certifications were needed for ponds that had finished construction. There were also specific technical changes needed for specific ponds, and maintenance was needed. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources Wilmington Regional Office 1 127 Cardinal Drive Extension I Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 xanmuAoiwv. 910.796.7215 State Stormwater Permit No. SW8 130412 Page 2 of 5 3. 10/12/17: Permit modification with Second Notice of Non -Compliant Inspection. a. The modification was issued for Phase 3 Pond.4 and Phase 3 Pond 6 to be redesigned, and to add deed restrictions for Phase 3A Section C. b. The Plan of Action requested on August 24, 2017 was due on September 25, 2017, but it was not received. 4. 11/17/17: An incomplete permit modification application package was received. DEMLR sent three emails requesting specific technical information that were not addressed. For instance, no application was submitted with the modification package. It was unclear which ponds were proposed for modification. Some drainage areas were shifting per the package. However, no revised pond calculations were submitted. The narrative also discussed the deed restrictions for the lots that the permittee was "responsible for". In further discussion, DEMLR explained that D.R. Horton, Inc. is responsible for all of the lots inside the project area, including the lots involved in the foreclosure. 12/14/17, Notice of Deficiency: The letter referenced all prior correspondence summarizing the deficiencies previously identified. 6. 2/15/18, Permit Modification Application was accepted: Even though DEMLR knew the application was not complete, it was accepted in hopes that DEMLR could work with the permittee to clarify the items that needed to be addressed. A Request for Additional Information was mailed on April 25, 2018 detailing the specific items needed to complete the review. Many emails followed, but the requested items were still not submitted. The data submitted was conflicting and incomplete. Specific examples include the fact that the package did not specify which of the ten ponds were being modified. For instance, if there were three ponds to be modified then there should be three sets of calculations. There should also be three supplements, O&M agreements, plans and other supporting documents for the same three ponds shown in the calculations. This was not the case. Supplements and calculations were submitted for some ponds, but pages were missing and different ponds were listed in the supplements and/or calculations and plans. Deed restrictions were also not submitted for all of the lots in the subdivision that were changing. Additionally, certifications for the ponds that were built -out were not all submitted. Various versions of forms were submitted on 11/17/17, 1/23/18, and 2/2/18, but it was unclear which forms/plans/calculations/deed restrictions/other supporting documents were the latest versions for the intended application and which versions you intended DEMLR to remove from your application package. Also, we had discussed specific lots that needed to be added to the plan such as those near 489 Esthwaite Drive SE which were not addressed in the package. Additionally, plans were labeled as "Phase 2" but it was not clear where Phase 2 was located or which pond(s) were intended to treat it because no drainage area map was submitted. 7. 8/9/18, Meeting: A meeting was held between Andy Mills (DR Horton), Tim Clinkscales (engineer for DR Horton), and Kelly Johnson (DEMLR) to determine what items were needed to continue the review. We determined that the pending modification (later issued on 10/16/18) would address a portion of the items needed and that a subsequent modification application would be submitted to address the remaining items. The pending modification would modify Phase 3 Pond 5 and add the configuration for Phase 2 (which was determined to be the townhomes) to the permit. We agreed that the future permit application would modify three ponds (Ph3/Pond 4, Ph3/Pond 6, and Phl/Pond 3). Revised deed restrictions would also be needed for the development. 8. 10/16/18, A permit modification issued with Notice of Continuing Deficiency because an additional modification was needed per the August 2018 meeting. The Plan of Action was due on November 19, 2018. Permit Section II (16) (f)(ii) required an upcoming modification by November 19, 2019. State Stormwater Permit No. SW8 130412 Page 3 of 5 9. 12/12/18, Application Return: An incomplete application was received on December 12, 2018 and it was returned. The application contained a considerable amount of conflicting data similar to previous applications, and did not fully address the items discussed at the August 2018 meeting. Examples of the conflicting and incomplete data include discrepancies between deed restriction BUA/lot values and numbers of lots versus the summary tables submitted. Pond revision data was included in the package that was not addressed at the prior meeting. But, the package did not specify that other ponds would be modified in addition to the three identified at the August 2018 meeting. DEMLR requested that you all determine which ponds needed modifications, and then submit modification documents for those ponds. 10. 1/29/19, Project Return: A minor modification application was accepted on January 28, 2019 following a completeness review. However, once it was forwarded to the review engineer, it was determined that, again, the application submitted did not fully address the items previously discussed. A major modification was needed per 15A NCAC 02H .1002(23) to increase impervious area for at least one of the ponds, Ph3/Pond 4. The minor modification application was therefore returned. It was again unclear which ponds you intended to modify because of the significant amount of conflicting, missing, and incomplete data in the package. The three ponds previously discussed, Ph3/Pond 4, Ph3/Pond 6, and Phl/Pond 3, were included but an additional pond, Ph3/Pond 2 was also discussed in the package. 11. 3/14/19, Notice of Violation: DEMLR has spent countless hours attempting to communicate what is needed, and has made every effort to work with you to ensure that you understand the requirements. As documented in this letter, at the August 2018 meeting, and in the numerous emails and letters on file you have submitted six incomplete modification applications. Specifically, submissions on 11/17/17, 1/23/18 and 2/2/18 were revised a fourth time on 2/15/18 and accepted before the package was returned. Then, two more applications on 12/12/18 and 1/28/19 were eventually returned. Meanwhile, the project has been out of compliance for over a year and a half. This is not acceptable. Notice of Violation: The project has been found in violation of Stormwater Permit Number SW8 130412, issued pursuant to the requirements of the stormwater rules, 15A NCAC 2H.1000. The violations found are: 1. Failure to construct accordingto o the approved plan. Per Section II (15) of the Permit the permittee shall construct, operate and maintain the approved stormwater system in accordance with the permit requirements and the supporting documents. In addition, per Section II (6), the permittee shall submit to the Director and shall have received approval for revised plans, specifications, and calculations prior to construction, for any modification to the approved plans. There are several ponds that are not constructed per the plan. Additionally, Permit Section II (16) (f)(ii) required a modification to the October 2018 permit to be submitted by November 19, 2018. All parties had agreed to this process as documented in the August 2018 meeting minutes, but a complete application has not been submitted as of this date. 2. Failure to certify the stormwater system. Per Section II (10) of the Permit, upon completion of construction, prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, and prior to operation of this permitted facility, a certification must be received from an appropriate designer for the system installed certifying that the permitted facility has been installed in accordance with this permit, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting documentation. Any deviations from the approved plans and specifications must be noted on the Certification. An administrative review of the file revealed that this Office has not received the Designer's Certification for all ponds. Two partial certifications are on file; Ph3/Pond 5 (partial), Ph2/Pond 3 (partial). However, full certifications for all completed ponds is required. 3. Failure to provide recorded deed i-estrictions. Per Section II (16) of the Permit, a copy of the recorded deed restrictions was required to be submitted within 30 days. Revised deed restrictions are needed. Specifically, recorded deed restrictions are needed for all sections where lots have been sold. The deed restrictions form is needed where lots are permitted or are proposed to be permitted but are not yet not sold. State Stormwater Permit No. SW8 130412 Page 4 of 5 Failure to Operate and Maintain the Stormwater System. Per Section II (15) of the permit, the Permittee shall provide the operation and maintenance necessary to assure the permitted stormwater system functions at optimum efficiency. As discussed in the August 24, 2017 inspection, ongoing maintenance is required. Operation and Maintenance agreements are also required for all ponds. These need to be updated for ponds that need modifications. At least three ponds are currently operating in an unpermitted configuration and therefore without an approved O&M for the pond's design; Phi/Pond 4, Ph3/Pond 6, and Ph 1 /Pond 3. A fourth pond, Ph3/Pond 2, may also be included in this list. A complete list is pending the upcoming modification. As also stated in the permit, the approved Operation and Maintenance Plan must be followed in its entirety and maintenance must occur at the scheduled intervals, including, but not limited to: o Routine monthly inspections; o Sediment Removal; o Mowing and re -vegetation of side slopes: o Immediate repair of eroded areas; © Maintenance of side slopes in accordance with the approved plans and specifications; o Debris removal and unclogging of the outlet structure, orifice device and catch basins and piping; o Access to the outlet / bypass structure must be available at all times. To correct these violations, you must: 1. Modification: a. As discussed over the enclosed emails for the January 2019 return, please determine which ponds need to be modified, and submit an application to modify those ponds. I believe that Ph3/Pond 4, Ph3/Pond 6, and Phl/Pond 3 need to be modified. But, as previously discussed you also submitted data for an additional pond (Ph3/Pond 2) in relation to the January 2019 return. It is therefore unclear how many or which ponds need to be modified. Please have your engineer compare the permitted data to the proposed and/or constructed data and submit an organized and complete modification package for all ponds that need to be modified. If any pond increases its impervious area or increases the overall size of the stormwater control, then a major modification is needed per 15A NCAC 02H .1002(23). As of January 2019, this was the case for at least one pond, Ph3/Pond 4. b. If lots were sold without deed restrictions, please ensure that the respective pond(s) account for that impervious area at full build -out per 15A NCAC 02H .1002(23). c. Update Attachment B of the permit per Permit Section II (16) (f)(ii). d. Ensure all homes planned and/or constructed are on the plan such as 10222 Hawkeswater Blvd and the homes near 489 Esthwaite Drive SE which were not previously accounted for. e. Please ensure all data is clear and consistent. If you modify three ponds, please clarify which ponds they are, submit all supporting documents labeled as referring to those ponds. If you submit revised deed restrictions, please ensure that it is labeled in a way that can be lined up per phase and per pond. 2. Deed Restrictions: a. Submit recorded deed restrictions for all sections where lots have been sold. b. Submit the notarized deed restrictions form for sections where lots are permitted or are proposed to be permitted but not sold. 3. O&M: a. Submit an O&M for any pond that is redesigned from its permitted condition. b. Maintenance was discussed in August of 2017, which is likely out of date. Please ensure that all systems are maintained appropriately per their O&M Agreement. State Stormwater Permit No. SW8 130412 Page 5 of 5 Please provide a "Plan of Action" by April 15, 2019 to DEMLR that states how and when these violations will be corrected. If we do not receive your plan of action by this date you will be in violation of 15A NCAC 2H.1000, which will result in the recommendation of the initiation of enforcement action such as the assessment of civil penalties, pursuant to NCGS 143-215.6A. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call Kelly Johnson at (910)-796-7331. Sincerely, .o1"':Danny Smith, Interim Director Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources GDS\kpj: \\\Stormwater\Permits & Projects\2013\130412 HD\2019 03 NOV 130412 enc: August 2018 Meeting Minutes cc: Tim Clinkscales, PE, Paramounte Engineering Inspector, Brunswick County Building Inspections Annette Lucas, PE; DEMLR Wilmington Regional Office Stormwater File Johnson, Kellys _ \ , `r C..! � r, r i From: Johnson, Kelly Sent;: Thursday, August 9, 2018 2:36 PM To: 'Michael C Loiacono'; Tim Clinkscales; Anthony E Mills Cc: Ian E Flannery; Stew Daniel Gunn Subject: RE: (External) RE: SW8 130412 Hawkeswater at the River Andy & Tim, Thanks for meeting this afternoon. Here are my notes from the meeting. 1. This Modification: a. Phase3/Pond 5: i. This pond will be modified to move it from outside Keekle Loop to inside Keekle Loop. it is intended to be reviewed under the 2008 rule. ii. Please submit: 1. Sealed supplement cover 2. 211d set of Phase 3/Pond 5 plans 3. O&M For Phase 3/ Pond 5 iii. I will review the data* submitted in the near future. b. T ownhomes (Phase 2): i. Phase 2 is located inside the drainage area for Phase 3 Pond 2. ii. There is an amenity pond, but the impervious drains towards the permitted pond. iii. The configuration for the townhomes was not previously permitted, and the configuration will become permitted in this modification. 2. Future Actions: a. Upcoming Minor Modification: Three ponds (Ph3/Pond 4, Ph3/Pond 6, and Phl/Pond 3) will need to reallocate their impervious area. i. The pond was. designed to hold 4,000sffrom each lot, but the deed restrictions gave residents 4, 500sf/lot. . ii. Not all of the lots have been sold. I understand that you all will re -allocate the available impervious such that the total impervious previously permitted for these ponds will not change. b. Deed Restrictions: i. B2745/P0986 was recorded on 2/2/08, and it gives 4,500sf!lot for the entire subdivision (Phases 1, 2, and 3). ii. The Townhomes/Phase 2 have been given 4,500sf/lot for each residence (not building), But, these homes are sold without land, The owners cannot build outside of their building, and so DEMLR does not require deed restrictions in this situation. I will make a note of this in the permit. iii. Deed restrictions will need to be re -recorded for Ph3/Pond 4, Ph3/Pond 6, and Ph1/Pond 3 to reflect their new allocations once that minor modification is issued. c.. Plan of Action: Please submit a new Plan of Action to bring the project into compliance. It should provide dates that the minor modification will be submitted, maintenance will be completed, and certifications will be submitted for all of the ponds (not just the ponds that DR Horton developed). Thanks, Kelly