NC0036196_NOV-2022-LV-0037 Response_20220201

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P.O. Box 550* Newton, N.C. 28658*[phone]
RECEIVED/NCDEQ/DWR
FEB ® 2 2022
WQROS
MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION
Tracking Number: NOV-2022-LV-0037
Permit No. NC0036196
Clark Creek WWTP
Catawba County
Dear Mr. Basinger:
On the morning of November 1st, 2021, operators discovered that the SO2 tank was empty. The
indicator gauge was still showing that the tank had some SO2 remaining, but several CL2 test later that
morning indicated an issue. The operators checked the SO2 tank per operating procedures and it
appeared to within parameters. A replacement cylinder that was scheduled to arrive on 10/30/2021, but
the cylinder was delayed because of a backlog at the chemical company due to a nationwide Cl2
demand. Again, the SO2 tank in service was still showing gas in the line. As such, operators had no
indication the tank was empty. The lab analyst got the samples and ran them as per normal operating
procedure. At that time, we found the gas to be absent. When the gas came in the next morning, it was
changed and we had no further issues. The plant now has an extra SO2 and CL2 tank on site to prevent
this incident from reoccurring. We are also developing a Capital Improvement Project to install
automatic switch over manifolds to make sure that this doesn't happen again.
We also observed the discharge to observe any negative effects on the stream. We feel that the
short amount of time the Cl2 was not operating per procedure, as well as the quick action of the lab and
operators prevented any negative effects on the stream. As such, we ask that no monetary fine be
assessed at this time.
Eric.)'o es
WW Superintendent