WQ0000185_NOV-2021-LV-0245 Response_20210422

Currituck County
Wastewater Department
Rod Holley, Wastewater Superintendent
April 22, 2021
Subject: Notice of Violation Response
Tracking No. NOV-2021-LV-0245
Permit No. WQ0000185 Ocean Sands WWTP
Mr. Tankart:
444 Maple Rd.
Maple NC 27956
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
In response to NOV-2021-LV-0245 exceedance of effluent BOD, after extensive trials and in-
house testing a possible conclusion for above limit BOD result was narrowed down to high algae content
found passing throughout the plant after falling off tank walls and also decanting sludge holding tanks
without having the ability to mix. A BOD reduction chemical was introduced named BugJuice from
Aquafix, which did have positive results in reducing BOD concentrations, but have noticed over the last
few months after prolonged use the concentrated sludge creates a grey water that needs to be removed
more often once decanting the clearwater or is necessary to have the ability to mix the sludge after
wasting to keep from going septic. This product has been discontinued after the installation of the sludge
holding tank upgrades in Phase 1 and tank cleaning. Effluent quality has improved but does have
sporadic increases from time, scheduled cleaning of tanks has begun and looking into installing Zinc
strips to aide in algae reduction at the water line in problem areas. Also monitoring Carbon feed rates to
maintain a reasonable level of Nitrates and remove Ammonia without sacrificing Total Nitrogen levels.
These issues were not discussed during plant design and have been noted to monitor for corrective
action.
Thank You,
Rod Holley
Wastewater Superintendent Trainee
Rod. Hol ley©currituckcountync.gov
Rev'd 4/9/21