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Certified Mail # 7017 2620 0000 9759 1420
Return Receipt Requested
June 14, 2019
Frederic H Leonard
McDowell County Adult Care LLC
PO Box 1257
Marion, NC 28752-1257
SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY
Tracking Number: NOV-2019-LV-0407
Permit No. NC0035157
Cedarbrook Residential Center
McDowell County
Dear Permittee:
A review of the March 2019 Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) for the subject facility revealed the violation(s)
indicated below:
Limit Exceedance Violation(s):
Sample Limit Reported
Location Parameter Date Value Value Type of Violation _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
001 Effluent BOD, 5-Day (20 Deg. C) - 3/19/2019 45 52.5 Daily Maximum Exceeded
Concentration (CO310) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
001 Effluent BOD, 5-Day (20 Deg. C) - 3/31/2019 30 47.35 Monthly Average Exceeded
Concentration (CO310) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Notice of Violation/Intent to Issue Civil Penalty is being issued for the noted violation of North Carolina General
Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and the facility’s NPDES WW Permit. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of
not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or
fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S.
143-215.1.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 84113943-6249-4028-AB6E-49192C207FFE
If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violation, request technical assistance, or
discuss overall compliance please respond in writing within ten (10) business days after receipt of this Notice. A
review of your response will be considered along with any information provided on the submitted Monitoring
Report(s). You will then be notified of any civil penalties that may be assessed regarding the violations. If no
response is received in this Office within the 10-day period, a civil penalty assessment may be
prepared.
Remedial actions should have already been taken to correct this problem and prevent further occurrences in the
future. The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of
State law. If the violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems,
and you anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order by
Consent.
Reminder: Pursuant to Permit Condition 6 in Section E, the Permittee is required to verbally notify the Regional
Office as soon as possible, not to exceed 24 hours, from first knowledge of any non-compliance at
the facility including limit violations, bypasses of, or failure of a treatment unit. A written report may
be required within 5 days if directed by Division staff. Prior notice should be given for anticipated or
potential problems due to planned maintenance activities, taking units off-line, etc.
If you have any questions concerning this matter or to apply for an SOC, please contact Timothy Heim of the
Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500.
Sincerely,
G. Landon Davidson, P.G., Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Ec:
WQS-ARO Server
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G:\WR\WQ\Mcdowell\Wastewater\Minors\Cedarbrook Residential Center 35157\Novs\20190614_NC0035157_NOVNOI.Docx
DocuSign Envelope ID: 84113943-6249-4028-AB6E-49192C207FFE
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Programs
Pat McCrory Thomas A. Reeder John E. Skvarla, III
Governor Director Secretary
Water Quality Regional Operations – Asheville Regional Office
2090 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778
Phone: 828-296-4500 FAX: 828-299-7043
Internet: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ws
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer
G:\WQ\SWP\McDowell\Wastewater\Minors\Cedarbrook Residential Center 35157\CSI. Nov2013.Ltr.doc
December 11, 2013
Eliot Godfrey
McDowell County Adult Care
PO Box 1267
Marion, NC 28752
SUBJECT: Compliance Sampling Inspection
Cedarbrook Residential Center WWTP
Permit No: NC0035157
McDowell County
Dear Mr. Godfrey:
On November 1, 2013, I conducted a Compliance Sampling Inspection of the Cedarbrook wastewater system.
Present during the inspection was Charlie Gross with Kace Environmental. I also revisited the site with Mr.
Gross on December 2, 2013. On December 6, 2013, I received photo documentation of repairs from your
Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) Ken Deaver (Kace Environmental). The facility currently appears to be
in compliance with permit NC0035157.
Your responsiveness to the matters brought to your attention by your ORC is appr eciated, as are the efforts of
your maintenance staff at Cedarbrook and Kace Environmental staff. In order to keep this wastewater system in
its current compliant state of operation, diligent maintenance will be required. Your operator and maintenance
staff are dealing with a very compact and unforgiving wastewater system which requires above average
management; please keep this in mind.
Please refer to the enclosed inspection report for important information. If you or your staff have any questions,
please call me at 828-296-4500.
Sincerely,
Linda Wiggs
Environmental Senior Specialist
Asheville Regional Office
Enc. Inspection Reports (2)
cc: Ken Deaver, ORC (e-copy) Central Files
Asheville Files
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Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Approval expires 8-31-98
OMB No. 2040-0057
Form Approved.Washington, D.C. 20460
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA
Water Compliance Inspection Report
10/01/01
Permit Effective Date
14/12/31
Permit Expiration Date
Cedarbrook Residential Center
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Entry Time/Date
Exit Time/Date
Other Facility Data
NCSR 1763
Nebo NC 28761
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
01:45 PM
02:30 PM
///
13/12/02
13/12/02
N
Section B: Facility Data
67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 80
NC0035157 S
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type InspectorTransaction Code
N
Fac Type
Remarks
Inspection Work Days QAB1Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating
C512311121718 19 20
21 66
---------------------------Reserved----------------------
13/12/02
Operations & Maintenance Facility Site Review
Eliot Godfrey,PO Box 1267 Marion NC 28752//828-652-4633/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Yes
Contacted
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
DateAgency/Office/Phone and Fax NumbersName(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s)
ARO WQ//828-296-4500 Ext.4653/Linda S Wiggs
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
1Page #
13/12/02NC0035157
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
C
3 11 12 17 18
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(cont.)1
Inspector met onsite with Charlie Gross, ORC representative. Mr. Gross' time and efforts spent on this
system are appreciated.
Several more improvements were made to this wastewater system since the November inspection,
including a new grease trap cover, a new distribution box and associated lines and regrading around the
sand bed and distribution box to redirect rain water. Previous improvements include a new pump and
distribution lines.
At the time of this visit the new distribution lines had solids in the discharge holes and were not evenly
dosing, allowing some ponding. Inspector told the ORC representative this had to be fixed immediately.
Friday December 6th, the inspector received photo documentation of the cleaned lines. Also, further
grading around the distribution box was requested; photo documentation was also received regarding this.
All areas regraded need to be stabilized with seed and straw.
The ORC and the owner were responsive to the repairs and maintenance required by the inspector.
However, it is crucial that both parties keep in mind that this system's proximity to the dwellings and its
compactness will require above average maintenance. Also crucial to keeping this system running
smoothly is educating the staff and the residents of Cedarbrook on the importance of what should and what
should not go down the drain or commode, i.e. no rags, no grease, harsh detergents etc.
Finally, several of the improvements made had to do with solids reaching the distribution lines. Continued
evaluation of the solids situation is needed to determine cause and succcess.
2Page #
Compliance Evaluation
Cedarbrook Residential Center
12/02/2013
NC0035157
Inspection Type:
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Yes No NA NEOperations & Maintenance
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping?
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, DO, Sludge
Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: Sand around beds has been regraded and/or removed to avoid overland
flows getting into the beds.
When sand is removed from the beds it needs to be properly disposed and not tossed
over the sides. Proper disposal is in a permitted landfill.
Yes No NA NESeptic Tank
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visual alarm operational?
Is septic tank pumped on a schedule?
Are pumps or syphons operating properly?
Are high and low water alarms operating properly?
Comment: Review comments from the previous inspection related to maintenance of
the septic tank. This is a compact system; all components are in close proximity to the
apartments/kitchen and each other, so maintenance requirements will be high. It is likely
this septic tank will have to be pumped frequently on a schedule.
Yes No NA NEGrease Removal
# Is automatic grease removal present?
Is grease removal operating properly?
Comment: A cover was put around the grease trap cover to keep debris from washing
into this system.
Yes No NA NESand Filters (Low rate)
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational?
Is the distribution box level and watertight?
Is sand filter free of ponding?
Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio?
# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation?
# Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1)
3Page #
Compliance Evaluation
Cedarbrook Residential Center
12/02/2013
NC0035157
Inspection Type:
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Yes No NA NESand Filters (Low rate)
Comment: There was still some ponding ocurring during site visit and the distribution
lines discharge holes had solids present. The ORC representative was informed that the
lines had to be cleaned and the source of the solids determined. The ponding
appeared to be from the lines being slightly clogged causing the water to only discharge
from certain holes. Two days were given to resolve this. See summary.
A new distribution box was installed along with new lines from the box to the distribution
lines. This was much improved, however, it was still requested that the grade around
and draining to and from the box be reworked to avoid heavy down pour and overland
flows having access to the box. All areas regraded will now have to be stabilized with
seed and straw to prevent erosion.
4Page #
Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Approval expires 8-31-98
OMB No. 2040-0057
Form Approved.Washington, D.C. 20460
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA
Water Compliance Inspection Report
10/01/01
Permit Effective Date
14/12/31
Permit Expiration Date
Cedarbrook Residential Center
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Entry Time/Date
Exit Time/Date
Other Facility Data
NCSR 1763
Nebo NC 28761
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
///
13/11/01
13/11/01
N
Section B: Facility Data
67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 80
NC0035157 S
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type InspectorTransaction Code
N
Fac Type
Remarks
Inspection Work Days QAB1Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating
S512311121718 19 20
21 66
---------------------------Reserved----------------------
13/11/01
Operations & Maintenance Facility Site Review Effluent/Receiving Waters
Eliot Godfrey,PO Box 1267 Marion NC 28752//828-652-4633/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Yes
Contacted
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
DateAgency/Office/Phone and Fax NumbersName(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s)
ARO WQ//828-296-4500 Ext.4653/Linda S Wiggs
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
1Page #
13/11/01NC0035157
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
S
3 11 12 17 18
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(cont.)1
The inspector was met onsite by the ORC's (Ken Deaver) representative Charlie Gross.
Effluent Sample Results:
BOD 13 mg/l
TSS 6.2 mg/l
Fecal 1 col/100ml
Although the effluent samples were compliant, there are maintenance issues that have to be addressed to
avoid effluent and permit condition violations. A new pump at the septic tank was added last month to
alleviate issues with dosing. Also installed were new distribution lines. However, there are a couple more
areas that need attention. The new distribution lines had quite a bit of residue (soilds/debris) in the
discharge holes. The distribution lines should not be carrying a solids load, therefore an evaluation of
where these solids are coming from needs to be undertaken. During the inspection it appeared a likely
culprit could be the distribution box. The distribution box is below grade and not water tight, therefore it is
possible leaves/pine needles are washing into the system. The septic tank was pumped last month when
the new pump was installed, so it should not be losing solids to the distribution lines. Regardless, keeping
track of the solids level in the septic tank and having a pumping schedule is essential for this facility to
maintain compliance.
This system is compact, offering no buffer if an upset were to occur, making this a high maintenance
facility.
2Page #
Compliance Sampling
Cedarbrook Residential Center
11/01/2013
NC0035157
Inspection Type:
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Yes No NA NEOperations & Maintenance
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping?
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, DO, Sludge
Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: Sand from bed needs to be properly disposed and moved away from the
edge of the containment wall.
On a schedule determined by the operator, a sludge judge should be brought to the site
to determine the solids level in the septic tank. Cleaning of the distributuion lines should
also follow suit.
See summary.
Yes No NA NEGrease Removal
# Is automatic grease removal present?
Is grease removal operating properly?
Comment: Cedarbrook personnel are responsible for the grease trap; regardless it is
tied to the wastewater system and improvements need to be made. The cap to the
grease trap is below grade, therefore rainwater and debris/dirt can be washed into the
grease trap compromising its capacity and ability to function properly.
Yes No NA NESeptic Tank
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visual alarm operational?
Is septic tank pumped on a schedule?
Are pumps or syphons operating properly?
Are high and low water alarms operating properly?
Comment: The ORC representative stated the septic tank was pumped last month
when the dosing bell was replaced with a new pump.
The septic tank is reported as being pumped "as needed". As noted above and in the
summary a sludge judge should be used to determine solid level and pumping needs.
An evaluation of solids levels and management needs to be undertaken.
There were two small areas where rainwater and debris could enter the tank, although
they did not appear to be of concern .
Yes No NA NESand Filters (Low rate)
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational?
Is the distribution box level and watertight?
Is sand filter free of ponding?
Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio?
3Page #
Compliance Sampling
Cedarbrook Residential Center
11/01/2013
NC0035157
Inspection Type:
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Yes No NA NESand Filters (Low rate)
# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation?
# Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1)
Comment: New distribution lines were added last month. There are already solids
being released from the distribution line discharge holes. As reported the septic tank
was pumped last month for pump repair, so unless the septic tank is filling with solids at
a rapid rate, it is likely the solids getting to the discharge holes may be from natural
debris/leaves due to the distribution box elevation. The distribution box top is below
grade and not water tight, therefore allowing rainwater, debris and dirt to enter the box
and possibly the distribution lines. The distribution lines will need to be cleaned and the
operator will need to determine cleaning frequence to keep the lines operating properly.
Yes No NA NEDisinfection-Tablet
Are tablet chlorinators operational?
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Number of tubes in use?2
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de-chlorination?
Comment:
Yes No NA NEDe-chlorination
Type of system ?Tablet
Is the feed ratio proportional to chlorine amount (1 to 1)?
Is storage appropriate for cylinders?
# Is de-chlorination substance stored away from chlorine containers?
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Comment: Chemicals are not stored onsite but kept by ORC.
Are tablet de-chlorinators operational?
Number of tubes in use?2
Comment:
Yes No NA NEStandby Power
Is automatically activated standby power available?
Is the generator tested by interrupting primary power source?
Is the generator tested under load?
4Page #
Compliance Sampling
Cedarbrook Residential Center
11/01/2013
NC0035157
Inspection Type:
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Yes No NA NEStandby Power
Was generator tested & operational during the inspection?
Do the generator(s) have adequate capacity to operate the entire wastewater site?
Is there an emergency agreement with a fuel vendor for extended run on back-up power?
Is the generator fuel level monitored?
Comment: The standby power is Cedarbrooks' responsibility. They have an
emergency generator for the entire complex should there be a power loss.
5Page #
Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Approval expires 8-31-98
OMB No. 2040-0057
Form Approved.Washington, D.C. 20460
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPA
Water Compliance Inspection Report
10/01/01
Permit Effective Date
14/12/31
Permit Expiration Date
Cedarbrook Residential Center
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
Entry Time/Date
Exit Time/Date
Other Facility Data
NCSR 1763
Nebo NC 28761
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)/Titles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
10:00 AM
11:30 AM
///
12/01/18
12/01/18
N
Section B: Facility Data
2676970 71 72 73 74 75 80
NC0035157 S
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type InspectorTransaction Code
N
Fac Type
Remarks
Inspection Work Days QAB1Facility Self-Monitoring Evaluation Rating
C512311121718 19 20
21 66
---------------------------Reserved----------------------
12/01/18
Operations & Maintenance Facility Site Review
Anthony Stevens,PO Box 1267 Marion NC 28752//828-652-4633/
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
No
Contacted
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
DateAgency/Office/Phone and Fax NumbersName(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s)
ARO WQ//828-296-4500 Ext.4667/Janet Cantwell
ARO WQ//828-296-4500/Don Price
EPA Form 3560-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Signature of Management Q A Reviewer Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
1Page #
12/01/18NC0035157
NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection Type
C
3 11 12 17 18
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(cont.)1
This facility was last inspected in April of 2011. At that time similar conditions were noted at this facility.
Please take corrective action 'immediately' and inform the Asheville Regional Office as requested.
An Compliance Evaluation Inspection of the NPDES system that serves the McDowell County Adult Care
WWTP was conducted on January 18, 2012 by Mr. Don Price and Ms. Janet Cantwell with the Surface
Water Protection Unit of the Asheville Regional Office. Based upon on-site observations of the system and
Sand Filter conditions observed, the Cedarbrook Residential Care WWTP NPDES system was determined
to be ‘non-compliant’ with permit NC0035157.
Site/System Review
The WWTP system consist of a Septic Tank-Sand Filter WWTP. On-site observations indicate the
sand filter is ponding and there is an accumulation of ‘excess sand and debris’ around the sand
filter retaining wall. Both of these conditions contribute to the cause of the non-compliance.
Suggestions/Recommendations
The current accumulation of sludge in the septic tank should be evaluated for removal. The level of sludge
accumulation should be measured with a ‘sludge judge’ and removal of the sludge should occur when the
level reaches 1/3 of the total septic tank capacity. Please review the level of Sludge accumulation and
inform the Asheville Regional Office when results are compiled, and the final removal/disposal option the
facility takes regarding this issue. The sand filter revealed signs of ‘ponding’ on the filter surface, reducing
the filters ability to properly function in the manner in which it should. The filter surface needs to be manually
raked and any accumulation of solids and debris removed, and not placed along the ourside of the filter bed.
using a garden tiller to "rake" the sand is not an approved method,as it ‘cuts’ any solids and debris into the
filter media causing filter ponding and poor performance. Please notify the Asheville Regional Office within
10 days receipt of this letter, regarding corrections made for filter ponding and septic tank sludge
accumulation and removal. Also, septic tank sand filter systems are designed to be operated at a hydraulic
loading of 2 – 5 gallons per day per sq.ft. of surface area. This is essentially the flow over the filter.
Monitoring reports reviewed indicate ‘overloading’ of the flow to the system and the filter. Please review
your water usage and the loading capabilities.
2Page #
Compliance Evaluation
Cedarbrook Residential Center
01/18/2012
NC0035157
Inspection Type:
Owner - Facility:
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Yes No NA NEOperations & Maintenance
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping?
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable Solids, pH, DO, Sludge
Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment: WWTP consists of a Septic Tank/Sand Filter system with Tablet
disinfection and de-chlorination. There was no indication that operators conduct process
control such as sludge accumulation measurement of the septic tank. Sand and debris
removed from the Sand Filter is disposed of along the outside wall of the sand filter,
which is not in accordance with proper sand filter operation.
Yes No NA NESeptic Tank
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visual alarm operational?
Is septic tank pumped on a schedule?
Are pumps or syphons operating properly?
Are high and low water alarms operating properly?
Comment: The septic tank effluent is fed through two dosing syphons. The tank and
dosing system is 'locked' to prevent access from residents of the facility. One of the
three distributor arms extending from the dosing tank has been separated allowing for
'un-even' distribution and overdosing of the sand filter.
Yes No NA NESand Filters (Low rate)
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visible alarm Present and operational?
Is the distribution box level and watertight?
Is sand filter free of ponding?
Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio?
# Is the sand filter surface free of algae or excessive vegetation?
# Is the sand filter effluent re-circulated at a valid ratio? (Approximately 3 to 1)
Comment: At the time of the inspection the sand filter was showing signs of 'ponding',
over the entire surface area. which is considered as failure to meet the 'Proper
Operation and Maintenance' requirement in NPDES permit NC0035157.
3Page #
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Charles Wakild, P.E. Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
SURFACE WATER PROTECTION – ASHEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
Location: 2090 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778
Phone: (828) 296-4500\FAX: 828 299-7043
Internet: www.ncwaterquality.org
February 8, 2012
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETRUN RECEIPT REQUESTED 7010 1870 0003 0874 7748
Eliot Godfrey
McDowell County Adult Care LLC
PO Box 1149
Nebo, North Carolina 28761
Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION
NOV-2012-PC-0045
Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Cedarbrook Residential Center
Permit No. NC0035157
McDowell County
Dear Mr. Godfrey:
Enclosed please find a copy of the Inspection Report from the inspection conducted January 18, 2012. The Compliance
Evaluation Inspection was conducted by Don Price and Janet Cantwell of the Asheville Regional Office. The treatment
facility was found to be in violation of Permit NC0035157 for the following:
Inspection Area Compliance Issue
Sand Filters (Low rate) At the time of the inspection the sand filter was showing signs of "ponding"
over the entire surface area, which is a violation of the "Proper Operation
and Maintenance" requirement of NPDES Permit NC0035157.
Please refer to the enclosed Inspection Report for any additional observation and comments.
To prevent further action, carefully review these violations and deficiencies and respond in writing to this office within ten
(10) working days of receipt of this letter. You should address the causes of noncompliance and all actions taken to
prevent the recurrence of similar situations. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
Janet Cantwell at 828/296-4500.
Sincerely,
Chuck Cranford, Regional Supervisor
Surface Water Protection
Attachment
cc: ARO
Jerry Alexander, ORC
WQ Central Files w/ attachment
S:\SWP\McDowell\Wastewater\Minors\Cedarbrook Residential Center 35157\NOV2012PC0045.doc
Photo doc sent via email on 12/6/13 by Ken Deaver documenting the cleaned lines at Cedarbrook.
Photo doc sent via email 12/6/13 by Ken Deaver documenting resloping of the land around new
distribution box.
Central Files: APS___ SWP___
08/31/09
Eliot Godfrey
Primary Reviewer
Regulated Activities
Institution, other
WQCSD0360
Scheduled
Issuance
Permit Contact Affiliation
Draft Initiated
1.00
Version
Minor
Major/Minor
Permitted Flow
Owner
Facility
Dates/Events
Individual
Permit Classification
New Project
Project TypeProgram Category
Non-discharge
28761NC
ExpirationEffective
09/15/08
Owner Name
IssuePublic Notice
Permit Type
Location Address County
Coastal SW Rule
Facility Name Region
Status
Active
Asheville
09/15/08
wanda.frazier
McDowell
Deemed permitted collection system management and operation
Nebo
NCSR 1763
Cedarbrook Residential Center
Permit Number
App Received
09/12/08
Permit Tracking Slip
Orig Issue
09/15/08
Owner Type
Non-GovernmentMcDowell County Adult Care LLC
SCLittle River
PO Box 1690
Owner Affiliation
29566
Facility Contact Affiliation
NULLOutfall
Waterbody Name Stream Index Number Current Class Subbasin
From:Davidson, Landon
To:Fred Leonard
Cc:Heim, Tim
Subject:RE: [External] Update on Cedarbrook Residential Center Septic/Sand Pit
Date:Monday, May 6, 2019 4:22:46 PM
Mr. Leonard,
Thank you for the update. Your response extension has been extended until June 13th.
Regards,
Landon
G. Landon Davidson, P.G.
Regional Supervisor – Asheville Regional Office
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
NCDEQ – Division of Water Resources
828 296 4680 office
828 230 4057 mobile
Landon.Davidson@ncdenr.gov
2090 U.S. Hwy. 70
Swannanoa, N.C. 28711
Subscribe to Collection System & Sewer Permitting Updates
NC DEQ permits handbook
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
From: Fred Leonard <FHL2@aol.com>
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2019 5:16 AM
To: Davidson, Landon <landon.davidson@ncdenr.gov>
Subject: [External] Update on Cedarbrook Residential Center Septic/Sand Pit
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless you verify. Send all suspicious email as an
attachment to report.spam@nc.gov
Mr. Davidson:
As we discussed on the phone on Friday, 5/3/19, we have completed all the repairs that were
outlined in Mr. Hein’s letter as of Friday, 4/26/19. In summary, we removed all the sand. We then
found that the walls were not in as good condition as we thought so we had the walls
replaced/repaired. Then we found that the gravel was not as clean as we had wanted so we had the
contractor remove several inches of gravel. Then we noticed that the pipes underneath the gravel
had collapsed, so we did a change order with our contractor increasing his services to include
removal of all gravel to the bottom of the pipes, replacing the pipes, replacing the gravel, and then
replacing all the sand.
This seemed to work very well, and even with a brief torrential rain storm, the sand drained quite
quickly. However we noticed a small amount black coming out of the pipes. We now are concerned
that there may be an issue with the septic tanks. So we removed all the black from the sand and are
watching to see if that occurs again. If it does, we will have to have another contractor determine
what the issue may be with the tanks.
We request until Monday, 6/13/19 for our final report and response so we can assess the situation
and properly complete any additional repairs that may be needed. This repair so far has cost us over
$24,000, but I feel we have definitely extended the life of the system. I have operated the facility
and the septic/sand pit since 2002, and this was the most extensive and complete repair we have
done since that date.
If you have any questions please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
------------------------------
Fred Leonard Cell: 910-382-3811
Cedarbrook Residential Center, Nebo, NC