WQ0000185_NOD-2021-LV-0021 NOV-2021-LV-0092 and LV-0093 Response_20210226

Currituck County
Wastewater Department
Rod Holley, Wastewater Superintendent
February 26, 2021
Subject: Notice of Violation Response
Tracking No. NOD-2021-LV-0021
Tracking No. NOV-2021-LV-0092
Tracking No. NOV-2021-LV-0093
Permit No. WQ0000185 Ocean Sands WWTP
Mr. Tankart:
444 Maple Rd.
Maple NC 27956
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
In response to NOD-2021-LV-0021, NOV-2021-LV-0092 and NOV-2021-LV-0093, the Monitoring
Well constituents have been non -compliant for unknown and unexplainable reasons. We have tracked
and monitored levels in comparison with effluent data and does not coincide with effluent quality in most
instances. We have monitored seasonal changes, plant effluent quality, compared previous year
constituents, cleaned the Wells by bailing letting recharge, in-house testing (non -certified), consulted
Engineers for the County, Lab Specialists on possible contamination during the sampling process, but
nothing has been conclusive as the why these levels have been increasing or remaining high. In past
years we had noticed an increase in TDS, Chloride and on occasion Ammonia and Nitrate but was
consistent with late Fall and early Winter seasonal change. Once temperatures and climate had regulated
the numbers would fall back in line with normal compliant results. Since COVID-19 became rampant,
increased water usage for longer periods, dramatic increase in cleaning/disinfecting in residential and
commercial for health and safety. We have seen changes throughout the treatment process and
adjustments have been made to counteract these adverse changes. These adjustments were not long
and drawn out and should not have affected the constituents of the Monitoring Wells the way they have.
With the inconclusive testing, consulting and data monitoring we notified and reached out for other ideas
and assistance in figuring out what could be the root cause of this. In our process of working through
some of these ideas I contacted Environmental Chemists owner Jay Baker and in conversation made a
remark that a few other Wastewater Treatment Plants in the area were having the same issue, which
gives the impression maybe the issue is not from the plant but other sources such as the rise in water
levels of the Ocean, rainfall, etc. in addition to increase water consumption and usage. This is just an
assumption on my part but with the present state no one can answer with confidence as to what would
cause these prolonged increases. We have put into our July 2021 Budget to replace the Monitoring Wells
but before doing so we have opted to install Test Wells before going that route. Before doing any work we
will consult DEQ to ensure we follow State Regulatory Guidelines as directed.
Thank You,
Rod Holley
Wastewater Superintendent Trainee
Rod. Hol ley©currituckcountync.gov
Rev'd 2/16/21