820013_Responce Letter_20200428

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PNone(910) 594-1701^P. 0.Box 223^Newton Grove, North Carolinm28366
Mr. Trent Allen
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section, OVVR
225Green StSuite 714
Fayetteville, NO283O1
Dear K8c Allen,
First, let me apologize that this letter was not picked up by my staff. It was a complete ovoraito on our
part. In response to your Notice of for Enforcement (NOV-2018-DV-0380 of
January 28. 2020 for Warren Swine Fennm King Farm submit the following:
Violation 1: Failure to prevent discharge of waste to surface waters or wetlands: Permit Condition
\.1
The runoff in question had not been seen by either my fenn staff or me. If any runoff had been obaenxad,
it would have been reported. This area is not easily observed during routine and weekly lagoon and
system monitoring because the lagoon marker is on the opposite end of the lagoon and from that vantage
point and by stepping to the back side, | can observe the mnUna lagoon au } infrequently look atthat side
of the house in question. | now make it point to check that area each week and as required by my
permit. We did scoop up what pooled waste that vve could and returned itto the lagoon. We have also
constructed o surface water impoundment with a pipe and shutoff valve to capture any future waste
ac d� horg a ewenha, should they occur. Any captured waste will be returned to the \agoon. Please see the
attached pictures ofthe impoundment and the closure valve.
Violation 2: Failure to properly operate and maintain the waste collection, treatment and storage
facilities: Permit Condition 11'1.
VVediscovered the reason that some ofthe pits had discharged was due hz the pull plugs stopping up
because of a omo|| pipe diameter that easily dogged with solids. At much axpmnse, we have replaced
every pull plug on our farm. Please see the attached pictures showing the old and new plugs. We have
had absolutely no problems with stopped up pits since switching the plugs. As noted obove, we are more
closely monitoring these areas aarequired.
Violation 3: Fm1Vmmm to notify 8WRiofany failure of the system that xmmu{km in a discharge within 24
hrs. following first knowledge ofthe occurrence, Permit Condition 1U\.17m.
As mentioned above, we had not aaan the discharged waste running from the pits. | am aware of the
need to notify OVVR immediately upon knowledge of discharge. My first knowledge of this runoff did not
occur until notified by Mr. Guyton during my inspection. I am much more observant of all areas of the
waste collection systern and will notify your office immediately of any runoff.
As requested, \ have explained what | know ofhow the violations occurred.
\emnow:
1 Checking all areas of the waste system and houses weekly and as required after storm events
of 1" orgnaotmr.
2 ���p|ngt�ev�|v�inthen�eu�acevvatmr|mpoundmento|oowdat all times. After rain events,
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will release any clean water to the environment. In the event nfa opU|, this water will be returned
to the waste collection system and your office will be notified within 24 hrs,

I am sorry that this incident took place and I will be much more attentive to all areas of my farm. At
Warren Swine Farms we are proud of our operations and we frequently host visitors. Being good
neighbors and being good stewards of our environment is very important to us. I hope that our actions
and expenses dealing with this issue will be considered when determining the need for fines. If you need
further information regarding this incident, please call me at 910-385-5095. Thank you for your attention
to this matter.
Sincerely,
Brandon Warren