WQ0036327_CLOSUREREQ_20200102

January 2, 2020

Laurence Harwood, Jr, General Partner
P.O. Box 1327
Hixson, TN 37343

SUBJECT: High-Rate Infiltration Basin Closure Requirements
Permit No. WQ0036327
Mystic Meadows WWTP
Swain County

Dear Mr. Harwood,

On November 11, 2019, the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR) received a
closure plan for the Mystic Meadows high-rate infiltration system (infiltration basin). Your
closure plan proposes to breach the embankment and use the excavated material to cap the
infiltration basin. This material will be covered with a foot of soil to aid in the establishment of
vegetation.

It is important to note that the infiltration basin serves as a direct conduit to groundwater and
the Natahala River and is located approximately 50-ft. from U.S. Highway 19/74, which is a
major commercial transportation route serving Cherokee, Macon, and Swain Counties. This
groundwater connection must be permanently eliminated before your permit can be rescinded.

You will be required to remove the embankment surrounding the infiltration basin. However,
the embankment material is too coarse to be used as a capping material (see attached photo).
Therefore, your request to incorporate the embankment material into the final soil cap is
denied.

You will be required to cap the infiltration basin with at least 3-ft. of clay. The clay cap should
be appropriately compacted and shaped to limit infiltration and promote positive drainage.
Grass should be established to protect the cap from erosion. Trees and woody vegetation are
inappropriate for a performance soil cap and should not be incorporated into the vegetative
cover.

Before your permit can be rescinded, DWR is requiring a final inspection of the soil cap and
infiltration basin. Mystic Meadows Partners will be responsible for scheduling the final

Larry Harwood
January 2, 2020
Page 2 of 3

inspection. Please be aware that failure to adhere to the closure requirements outlined above
may result in additional site work.

You will be required to provide a response to this letter detailing your basin closure plan and
construction schedule. I’m available to discuss the closure requirements if you have any
questions of concerns. I can be reached at [phone] or at [e-mail].

Sincerely,

Brett Laverty
Regional Water Quality Operations
Asheville Regional Office

cc: ARO files
ec: Hugh Shannon – Mountain Soils Inc.