990031_Correspondence_20030707

Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina; rtment of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
July 7, 2003
Mr. Michael Reavis
Environmental Health Supervisor
Yadkin County Health Department
PO Box 457
Yadkinville, NC 27055
SUBJECT: Bryant Hog Farm
Facility #99-31
Yadkin County
Dear Mr. Reavis:
Thank you for the opportunity to assist you and the Yadkin County Health Department in addressing the
concerns raised by your residents regarding animal waste management at the Bryant Hog Farm located on Cass
Stevens Road. This letter is in response to the four issues outlined in your April 16, 2003 correspondence to our
office.
Spray levels. leaking. and around water threat
The current waste level in any lagoon is the result of many factors, including: 1) the type of animal
operation; 2) water usage and/or conservation practices; 3) animal stocking rates/numbers; 4) initial
lagoon pre -charge volume; 5) lagoon design; and 6) local weather conditions (wind, rain, temperature,
etc.). Due to the variables associated with lagoon waste levels, it is very difficult to predict with
certainty when and how often a lagoon's waste volume will reach a particular level.
With regard to "leaking," we have found no indication, to date, that the lagoon is leaching animal waste.
When performing a site inspection, DWQ staff will look for evidence of exterior/interior slope erosion,
excess coloration of the exterior slope vegetation, septic odors, the presence of flies or worms in a
concentrated area of the dam, as well as the presence of any hydric-type vegetation on the dam. We have
found no evidence of such indicators during any of our inspections.
Well Water Samples
Water samples were obtained by Division of Ground Water staff from the three, onsite farm wells in
April 2001. The 2001 samples were analyzed for fecal coliform, nutrients, and metals. Results indicate
that fecal coliform bacteria were not present in the wells at that time and no other water quality concerns
or violations were observed. At your request, we have attached a copy of the test results for your files.
As you will recall, Yadkin County Environmental Health also performed a bacteriological water sample
analysis from the three onsite wells in March 2001. Results indicate that total coliform and fecal/E. Coli
were absent in the samples. Regarding future sampling plans, we would direct you to contact Ms. Sherri
Knight, Winston-Salem Regional Ground Water Supervisor at 336.771.4600 ext. 322.
Monitoring Wells
Again, I would suggest that you contact Ms. Knight regarding any plans that the Ground Water Section
has to require the Bryant's to install monitoring wells. The groundwater staff would also determine
which parameters would need to be monitored.
N. C. Division of Water Quality/Water Quality Section 585 Waughtown Street Winston-Salem, NC 27107 [phone]
4r*A
NCDENR
Customer Service
1 800 623-7748

Bryant Hog Farm
July 7, 2003
Page 2
Affect of Recent Rains on Waste Levels
This area of the state has surely seen its share of the rain this year. Yes, we would expect the rains to
have raised the waste level in the lagoon, apart from the operation's effect on the waste level. On the
Bryant Farm, however, there is a diversion ditch along each of the two up -slope sides of lagoon. These
diversions are well maintained (vegetated, appropriate depth, etc.) and function to keep fresh water
(precipitation) out of the lagoon. The only "extra" liquid entering the lagoon, then, would come from the
precipitation falling directly onto the surface of the lagoon.
According to an April 24, 2003 operational review performed by the Division of Soil and Water
Conservation (DSWC), the waste level has risen 28 inches since.last year. I have attached a copy of their
review for your information. In scheduling each year's DWQ compliance inspection, we try to work
with the DSWC so that each farm's review and inspection is conducted a few months apart to ensure a
more thorough evaluation of the animal waste management handling and recordkeeping. The Yadkin
County inspections are scheduled for September/October of this year.
I hope the above information addresses your concerns adequately. Should you have further questions,
please contact Melissa Rosebrock or me at [phone].
Sincerely,
e�Steve Mauney�?��
Acting Regional Water Quality Supervisor
Attachments
cc: Yadkin County Natural Resources Conservation Service/Soil and Water Conservation District
Rocky Durham — DSWC Mooresville Regional office
Sherri Knight — WSRO Groundwater Supervisor
1
Central Files