nc0021253_NOV-2020-PC-0146 Response_20200722

PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT
104 OUTER BANKS DRIVE
PO BOX 368
HAVELOCK, NC 28532
252-444-6409
www.HavelockNC.US
Fax [phone]
July 22, 2020
Mr. Robert Tankard
Mr. David May
NCDEQ — Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
943 Washington Square Mall
Washington, NC 27889
Re: Notice of Violation &Intent to Assess Civil Penalty
Tracking Number: NOV-2020-PC-0146
Permit No. NCO021253 — Havelock WWTP — Craven County
Robert and Paul,
Thank you for your assistance with this project. The City of Havelock is responding to the
Notice of Violation and Intent to Assess Civil Penalty, dated March 23, 2020.
On the night of March 6, 2020, the City received a high alarm from the wemco well during a
rainfall event. As a result, I arrived on site with WWTP Operator James Carter, along with an
electrical contractor.
In the rain and lightning, it was not clear where the outage was but we discovered the utility side
of the power was on. However, a breaker to the large wemco well pumps was tripped. The
electrical contractor inspected the well, electrical panel, and control panel and suggested pump
one "exploded," possibly from a lightning strike. We put the second VS wemco pump back in
service. However, in the time that it took to locate the issue in the severe weather conditions, the
well capacity was exceeded and a SSO occurred. We immediately secured two 8-inch Godwin
pumps to provide by-pass volume as needed, with only one pump in the wemco well. As a result,
the entire WWTP staff and Collections (lines) staff were brought to the site to maximize cleanup
efforts. After the SSO, the controls, electrical, and vfd were re -inspected.
We have pulled the 4,000 lb, 67 hp pump from the well. Our plans are to replace the pump with
a variable speed pump and VF drive. Unfortunately, this pump failure occurred at the onset of

the COVID-19 pandemic and the lead time on the $60,000 replacement pump is five months.
The City has two by-pass pumps, which will remain on -site until the failed pump is replaced.
We feel confident that this event was an "Act of God" and beyond our control; however, we are
diligently maintaining and observing the system and are anxious to return the well to normal
operating conditions.
Thank you aga n and please let me lrnow if you have any additional concerns.
jue
gerP.E.
of Havelock
Public Services Director