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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0026573_Biosolids Investigation_20141117w NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Pat McCrory Governor November 17, 2014 Brad Boris City of Morganton - Department of Water Resources P.O. 3448 Morganton, NC 28680-3448 RE: City of Morganton Biosolids Investigation Dear Mr. Boris, John E. Skvarla, III Secretary This letter is a follow up to our October 3, 2014 meeting to discuss the discovery of biosolids at the City of Morganton's wastewater treatment plant (Vinearden Road) and the results of a preliminary groundwater assessment conducted by S&ME. The groundwater assessment report (August 25, 2014) indicated the presence of nitrate and manganese in both down gradient monitoring wells at concentrations near or above the NC Groundwater Standard 1SA NCAC 2L .0202. In the course of the investigation, S&ME discovered evidence of additional biosolids outside the previously delineated disposal area. The Division of Water Resources is requiring additional assessment activities to determine the extent of biosolids disposal and groundwater contamination. You will be required to address the following action items: is Determine the full extent of biosolids disposal near the equalization basin. Provide an estimate of the horizontal and vertical extent. I would recommend a review of available vintage aerial photos to determine if other biosolids disposal areas are present on -site. • Conduct additional groundwater monitoring to determine the full extent of nitrate and manganese contamination. Samples collected from any new monitoring wells should be analyzed for the following parameters: ammonia, arsenic,barium, cadmium, chloride, chromium, fecal coliform bacteria, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nitrate, nitrite, phenols, selenium, silver, sulfate, total coliform bacteria, zinc is Identify all residential water supply wells within a 1500-foot radius around the City of Morganton's Waste Water Treatment Plant. To the north of the plant, the well receptor survey need not extend beyond the Catawba River. Water Quality Regional Operations — Asheville Regional Office 2090 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778 Phone: 028-2964500 FAX: 020-299-7043 Internet httn1froital.ncdencargAvei An Equal Opportunity I Affirmative Action Employer Brad Boris November17,2014 Page 2 of 2 Before undertaking any assessment activities, I would encourage you to submit a proposed scope of work to the Asheville Regional Office (ARO) for review. I would also request that you notify this office prior to any monitoring well installation or groundwater sampling. The ARO may elect to send personnel to observe the well installation and/or split groundwater samples. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions or concerns. I can be reached at (828) 296-4681 or brett.laverty(@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, anal Operations Office cc: Bryan C. Jana -S&ME