WQ0030088_NOV-2020-LV-0055_20200304

February 27, 2020
Morella Sanchez King, Acting Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Wilmington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
127 Cardinal Drive Extension
Wilmington, NC 28405
Old North State Water Co.
An
ryl Water
C onipam
RECEIVED/NCDENR/DWR
MAR 0 4 2020
Water Quality Regional
Oerations ion
Wilmington Regional Office
Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION & ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTY
CASE No.: NOV-2020-LV-0055
WWTP Permit No. WQ0030088
Majestic Oaks WWTP
Pender County
Dear Ms. Sanchez King:
Old North State Water Company (ONSWC) appreciates the opportunity to respond to the
Notice of Violation issued on February 3, 2020 by the Division of Environmental Quality.
Please find enclosed our response regarding the permit exceedances for Total Suspended
Solids, Total Nitrogen and Total Ammonia Nitrogen for the month of November 2019.
There was a blockage in the air header that created enough vibrations for the air valve to
partially close. This was starving the aeration basins of dissolved oxygen and not allowing
the treatment process to work efficiently.
Once located, the blockage was removed, and the air valve was returned to its correct, open
position. Dissolved oxygen was tested to ensure that plant was getting enough air. The
valve was also strapped in the open position so that it could not vibrate closed again.
To prevent this from happening again, the operator will check DO concentrations in the
aeration basins during daily visits. He will also check to see that the aforementioned valve
is still in the open position. Blower amperage will also be checked weekly to make sure the
air supply to the plant is sufficient.

We understand the reasons for the Notices of Violation and Civil Penalty Assessment but
respectfully request that the Division consider remission of the civil penalty due to the fact
that the issues were outside of ONSWC's control and every effort was made to restore
biological activity in the plant.
As demonstrated, ONSWC was responsive and took immediate remedial action to
regenerate the biological activity in the treatment plant. We believe this letter shows the
investment and commitment that the Utility continues to make, and we hope that the
Division recognizes these efforts. Please feel free to contact me with questions or additional
details.
Sincerely,
Old North State Water Company, LLC
-�� '1,4,7.
Lee Bowman
Old North Water Company, LLC