NCG530062_BMP_20200925

Howard Brown
10/16/20
Kevin, The flow rate through Whiteoak Farm averages about 5,000 GPM. The oxygen level leaving the
grass ponds is above 85% saturation. (Well above 6 PPM).
Also a copy of our BMP plan for Whiteoak.
Howard Brown

BMP plan for the White Oak Farm in Aquone, NC
35 Baldwin Rd
Topton, N.C. 28781
Operated by: C.R. Brown Enterprises Inc.
235 Milton Mashburn Dr.
Andrews, N.C. 28901
[e-mail]
A- Facility Description:
This facility grows roughly 600,000 pounds of rainbow trout per year. The facility is a flow
through system utilizing from 5-6 million gallons/ day depending on the rain. The upper section of
the facility was constructed in the late 1980ies. This section is composed of 2 rows of raceways and
each row being fifteen raceways long. (See Diagram) Each raceway is 16'by 80'.
This farm has one discharge point.
B- Water Source:
This farm draws water from White Oak Creek which originates in the Nantahala National Forest
and then flows through the to the Nantahala River. Water from the creek is diverted over a
horizontal screen to remove larger debris before piping it to the first raceways.
C Treatment Systems: (PROTECT THE RIVER AT ALL COST)
At the lower end of each raceway there is a quiescent zone that is approximately 8 feet in
length. A common line runs the entire length of the farm with a hook up at each quiescent zone.
A flexible hose is connected and the operator then vacuums the zone. The operators are taught
how to vacuum without stirring up the waste. This system does not depend on gravity but on a
vacuum pump which operates at a far greater vacuum and speed than using only gravity.
Additionally there are two large quiescent zones at the end of the farm, each of these Q-zones are
16' by 80'.
From the vacuum the waste flows into two 40,000 gallon concrete dewatering basins. Twice
a week the basin is cleaned out with an auger and the waste is added to a compost pile or is
spread across fields as a fertilizer. Once the growout water leaves the raceways it enters an
artificial wetland. This wetland is composed of 5 ponds each covering about. These ponds are
filled with an extremely prolific grass which greatly aids in further settling.
(D) Other information:

At the lower end of the farm between the raceways and artificial wetlands is a weir where
our flow is measured. It is four permanently mounted measuring devices when added together
gives the total flow going through the farm.
The drop between the raceways vary depending on which section of the farm your looking
at. In all the drops there is a low head oxygen box which is needed during part of the year.
E Solids Control: (PROTECT THE RIVER AT ALL COST)
Once all the fish are harvested out of a raceway we use great care in size sampling the smaller
fish that are to be moved into that empty raceway. We then load these small fish on a truck
where they are exactly weighed and dropped into the empty raceway. To properly feed fish there
are three things that a farmer must have. He must have the water temperature, the total weight
of fish in each raceway, and the average size of each fish in the raceway. By knowing how much
weight and how many fish that are stocked in any given raceway we have our beginning point. All
we need is then to measure the water temperature. Every morning the water temperature is
taken and the amount of feed for that raceway is calculated for that day. At the end of each
month the fish in each raceway is sampled for size and a new raceway weight is calculated. This is
repeated at least monthly and in high growing time twice monthly so that the fish are properly
fed. We have found that our fish stay hungry but grow the most efficiently. ;
We purchase feed with the highest nutrient density we can find. We also feed a higher fat
feed (28%) to prevent wastefully breaking down protein into energy. Over the past six months
our conversions have been better than 1.1:1(lb feed/ lb gain).
It is imperative that we be able to move and handle fish quickly without the interference
of settled waste in the raceway causing problems downstream. We have found that if the
quiescent zones are vacuumed on a regular basis, that there are sufficient numbers of fish in the
raceway, and there is sufficient water flowing through the raceway to help the fish "swim" the
waste into the quiescent zones then there is no issue of fouling the water when we grade fish.
Since any waste will settle at the lower end of a raceway we push the fish down from the
incoming water end to about 1/3 down the raceway and set the grader. Then we use a simple
screen to move a reasonable amount of fish up against the grader and load them. This way all the
work is done in the upper end of the raceway where there is typically no settled material.
Dead fish are picked up every day except Sundays.
Tail screens are swept at least once a day to insure that any solid waste is not impeded from
entering the quiescent zones.
Whenever a quiescent zone is cleaned over, immediately afterwards any fish in the zone are e
removed
F Material Storage: (PROTECT THE RIVER AT ALL COST)

D
Following is a list of materials stored at the fish farm.
Potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, formalin, gasoline, diesel fuel, wasp spray,
engine oil, antifreeze, fish feed, Roundup, and salt.
We have a spill response plan in place to respond to unexpected spills. The plan covers one's
immediate response. Assessing the problem and risk as well as calling for help if needed.
Stabilizing the situation, Important phone numbers for contacts, prevention methods, and having
equipment and supplies on hand to control and clean up the spill. The plan also includes where
each one of these materials is to be stored. The spill response plan is included in the employee
training and in the document at the end. All spills that effect the farm water shall be reported to
the permitting authorities verbally within 24 hours and in writing within 7 days.
The only thing we use in our haul trucks for disinfect is hydrogen peroxide. Since it is an
oxidizing agent it quickly reacts with any organic material and dissipates. However, we do not
release the tank water into a creek but into a large sump in the ground.
G Structural Maintenance: (PROTECT THE RIVER AT ALL COST)
All of the farm's structures and equipment shall be inspect for any structural problems on a
daily or weekly basis depending on the instructions on the "Facility Maintenance Log". This log
will be kept in a separate binder.
If there is a structural failure that releases feed , chemicals, or fish waste into the water, in
24 hours this event must be verbally reported to the permitting authorities. In addition, a written
report must be filed with the permitting authorities within 7 days.
H Record keeping:
Records of End of Month inventory, Fish hauled in, Fish hauled out, and feed fed will be
used to calculate the feed conversion on a regular basis.
A "Record List" is part of this document and all needed records will be kept up to date.
I Training:
All new employees will be trained upon hiring. Other employees will be refreshed
yearly. Training will include proper feeding, operation of the cleaning system, waste removal, spill
response, spill prevention, and record keeping.

Record List
Structural Failure Oral Report (Checklist)
Structural Failure Written Report
Structural Inspection and Repair log
Major Spills Oral Report (Checklist)
Major Spills Written Report
Spill Response Plan
Spills and Leaks Log
Feed Conversion Ratio Log
Monthly Inventory
Monthly Feed total Report
Cleaning Log
Employee Training Log
Mort Removal Log
Monthly Feed Log
Drugs and Chemical Treatment Log
Monthly Lab Reports
Site Map
Material Safety Data Sheets
Annual BMP Review

Spill Response Plan
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Assess the risks? Are people at risk? Will it enter the water? Get help if needed.
Keep people safe! I Call 911 if the threat is beyond one's control.
Stop the source of the spill if possible.
Contain the spill if safe and possible.
Collect the spill in a bucket or pan.
Block the spill from getting into the water. (Backhoe, sand bags, shovel, etc)
Clean up the spill if at all possible. If not, possible call supervisor for help. Safety first.
PHONE NUMBERS
911
Howard Brown 1-828-321-3335,1-828-361-7328
Andy Helton 1-828-557-3130
Brandon Brown 1-828-557-7625, 1-828-321-3335
Danny West 1-828-321-3335
Permit Liaison (
CHEMICALS
Material Toxic Danger Where Store
Antifreeze Yes Kill Animals, ground water Cabinet in office
Diesel Fuel Yes Flammable Barn
Engine Oil Yes Cabinet in Office
Gasoline Yes " Flammable Barn
Hydraulic Fluid Yes Barn
The above 5 petroleum chemicals (on a small spill can be picked up by pouring Pearlite
(absorbent) over the spill and then disposing of the material in the dumpster. Larger spills on the

ground may have to be handled by professionals. Call supervisor in this case. Note the spill in the
spill log. Large spills will be reported to permitting authorities.
Fish Feed NO Detrimental to water quality Feed shed (Bags)
Any fish feed that is spilt on the ground is to be immediately picked up with hands, shovel, and
buckets. If it is clean it can be fed. If it has trash in it simple put into the dumpster. If the spill is in a
raceway simply let the fish eat it if it is a floating feed. It will move down through the farm until all is
eaten. The most that is likely to spill is 50 Ibs since we use bagged feed. If it is sinking feed clean it up
with the vacuum system. Note the spill in the spill log.
Formalin Yes Burn Flesh, Fumes toxic, Feed Shed(275 gal. totes)
Kills fish in excess.
If formalin spills on the ground it is best to get away from it and let the ground take care of it
unless it is more than a gallon. Throw absorbent (Amphomag) and towels on it. Put any kind of
barrier to prevent it from entering the water or contain it. If a container is leaking retrieve the bucket
and tote to catch the product and prevent spilling more. If the situation is such that the spill can be
cleaned up (concrete) . Remember, use goggles, gloves gas mask, aporn, dust pan and broom. The
remainder, absorb with amphomag and finally wash off with water. Large spills in water could be
disastrous for the live fish. Extreme care must be used to avoid this occurrence. Call supervisor and
note the spill in spill log. Any significant spill will be reported to the permitting authorities.
H. Peroxide Yes Burn flesh ,Kill Animals -fish Feed shed(55gal.)
Permanganate Yes Kill Animals -Fish Cabinet in office
Both of the above chemicals are strong oxidizing agents. As such they destroy most live tissue. If
some spills on the ground it is best to let the ground absorb it. On concrete use gloves, goggles, aporn
dust pan, and bucket to clean it up. Place towels or absorbent in a plastic bag and put in dumpster. It
only takes a relatively small amount to kill fish, so great care must be exercised around the water.
Especially using the permanganate. Call supervisor and note spill in the spill log.
Liquid Oxygen NO Burn flesh, Ignite oil products Bulk Tank
If there is a break in a oxygen line before it goes through the evaporator and is spraying liquid
immediately call supervisor. He will contact the proper people for help. Liquid oxygen can burn
flesh badly. Stay away from it! Note leakage in spill log.

Propane Yes Highly flammable Bulk Tank
If there is a propane leak call supervisor for help. Note in spill Log.
Round Up Yes Do not ingest, use gloves Cabinet in office
A large amount of Roundup can be toxic to fish. However, spraying a small amount next to a
raceway should not be a problem. However, never spray directly into the water. Any roundup spill
would have to be a small spill, but using gloves and towels and absorbant clean up everything
possible. Note spill in spill log.
Salt No None Feed shed
Clean up any salt spill. Non Toxic
Insect sprays Yes Don't Inhale, or get on hands Cabinet in office
Be safe with spray. Try not to inhale or get on hands. Use gloves and mask if necessary.
PREVENTION AND TOOLS
Material safety Data sheets for Materials with Spill Response plan
Label Tanks and containers
Fill equipment with fuel and change oil on concrete in front of barn.
Cleanup tools located In barn (Shovel and Brooms, empty buckets and drums, Plastic and plastic bags,
Sand bags, pearlite, towels)
Personal protection items located in Office cabinet (rubber gloves, dust cover mask, gas Mask, aprons)

Crisis Management on Farms
Potential Water Loss to Farms:
Make sure that all farm personnel have OJT with experienced personnel
when it comes to emergency situations.
Water intake system take the greatest priority when it comes to
maintenance. Daily checking all systems for any needed repairs.
We are always aware of threatening weather systems (Major rain events
or freezing weather) so that proper equipment is in place ahead of the storm.
(Backhoes, trackhoes, etc for sand, rock and debris removal and ice breaking).
We make sure all farm personnel are contacted and are readily available or
on sight to handle emergencies when the event happens.
We have built and will continue to build redundancy into the
communication, monitoring systems, and power backup systems on each farm.
Have two or more independent land line phones plus Internet, and cell phones.
Have two of more independent water level monitoring devices. Have two or
more independent calling systems. Have two or more back-up generators on
farms that have high pressure oxygen systems.
Diseases:
Ensure that 100 percent of our fish are properly vaccinated. We will
maintain an ongoing disease monitoring program working with N.C. State
University and The "National Center for Cool and Cold Water
Aquaculture"(NCCCWA) to develop new vaccines, management techniques, and
selective breeding programs to control diseases.
Since most all fish disease are stress related we make sure that all fish have
adequate fresh water, plenty of oxygen, not overly crowded, and have proper
nutrition.
We will always maintain at lease 3 independent fingerling producers to
supply fish to our farms.

Feed:
We are well aware the world's limited supply of fish meal and fish oil which
are very important ingredients in our feed. We are working with a feed
manufacturer (Skretting) that is, in our opinion, the world leader in fish meal
and fish oil replacement technology. We will continue on this route knowing
that if we are going to have a viable business in the future we must address this
very serious issue.
Water Quality leaving the farm:
This is an area and will continue to be an area of ongoing monitoring,
research, and development to do everything we can to insure that our valuable
water resources are not impaired by our farms and of course that we stay in
compliance with the environmental agency guidelines.. We will continue our
work into proper feeds and feeding, clean quiescent zone cleaning equipment,
plant absorption of dissolved nutrients, solid waste handing systems and
techniques, and proper land applications.
Finance:
We will always seek to maintain enough liquidity to replace the inventory on
our largest farm in the event of a catastrophic loss. We also keep about 20%
extra young fish on hand in case of unexpected losses.
Trucks: We will maintain backup fish moving equipment.
Emergency contacts:
Cherokee
Emergency services: 837-2124
Police Department: 321-3114
Rescue Squad: 321-3707
Fire Department:
Duke Energy
911
800-777-9898
Macon
828-349-2066
828-524-2864
828-349-2066
828-321-4749
800-777-9898
Jackson
828-586-1911
828-479-7405
828-586-8719
911
800-777-9898

N.C. Dept of Ag.: 919-733-7366 Food and Drug: 404-253-1200

Howard Brown
10/16/20
Kevin, The flow rate through Whiteoak Farm averages about 5,000 GPM. The oxygen levels leaving the
grass ponds is above;85% saturation. (Well above 6 PPM).
Also a copy of our BMP plan for Whiteoak.
Howard Brown