NC0026573_Biosolids Investigation_20141117 (2)

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 15A
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:
• 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.
• 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: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internet http:/Iportal.nodenr.org/web/wq
An Equal Opportunity l Affirmative Action Employer ..

Brad Boris
November 17, 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
[phone] or [e-mail].
Sincerely,
onal Operations
Office
cc: Bryan C. farm - S&ME