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Home My WebLink AboutOtherMichael F. Easley Govemor William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary Department of Environment and•Natural Resources Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Acting Director Division of Water Quality WATER QUALITY SECTION April 3, 2002 Frank Bell 2233 Sparrow Springs Rd. Kings Mtn., NC 28086-8676 Subject: Complaint Investigation Cows Degrading Stream Gaston County, NC Dear Mr. Bell: On March 26, 2002 Mr. Alan Johnson of this office conducted a complaint investigation regarding the stream below your residence. The complaint alleged that your cows were degrading the stream. Mr. Johnson observed that cows were being fed adjacent to -the stream, which allowed any waste excreted by the animals to enter into the stream. Also, the cows' accessibility to this area appeared to be compounding the problem. As Mr. Johnson discussed with you later that afternoon over the telephone, the feeding area should be moved to the open area behind the current location (the fence line.on Sparrow Springs Rd.) and away from the stream. Also, the accumulation of mud and hay in the stream adjacent to the current feeding area should be removed. Although there are only a few -cows, their access to the stream should be minimized. It is requested that a written response be submitted to this office by April 18, 2002 indicating the - actions taken to correct the noted problem. It is also requested that you address this information to the attention of Mr. Johnson. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Johnson or me at (704) 663-1699. cc: Gaston County SWCD AJ NCDEi' t !stomer Service 60D 623-7748 Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason,.P.E.. c. Water Quality Regional Supervisor Division of Water Quality 919 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 , Phone (704) 663-1699 Fax (704) 663-6040 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION. 919 NORTH MAIN STREET MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT : Complaint investigation regarding livestock degrading a stream. DATE INVESTIGAThD: March 26, 2002 CONDUCT BY: Alan D. Johnson TIME SPENT: 3 hours LOCATION: Approximately 100 yards north of the intersection of SR 1125 (Sparrow Springs Rd.) and SR 1104 (Pinnacle Rd.) on SR 1125. RIVER BASIN: Catawba River Basin PERSON CONTACTED: Complainant REPORT: On March 22, 2002 this Office received a complaint concerning cows degrading a stream. The stream is an unnamed tributary of South Crowders Creek (Class C water). The site is located on SR 1125 (Sparrow Springs Rd.) approximately 100 yd. north from its intersection with SR 1104 (Pinnacle Rd.). Mr. Alan Johnson of this Office investigated the complaint on March 26, 2002. Mr. Johnson noted that the cows belonging to Mr. Frank Bell had access to approximately 100 ft. of stream. However, the major problem appeared to be that the cows were being fed adjacent to the stream. Thus, any waste excreted by the cows while feeding flowed directly to the stream. Also, the cows tend to linger in the feeding area thus compounding the problem. Mr. Johnson noted that there was a more suitable area for feeding the cows approximately 300 ft. behind the current location. Please see diagram enclosed. Before leaving the site, Mr. Johnson left his business card for Mr. Frank Bell. JAMES,B. HUNTJR p j. GOVERNOR I:. - 0.2 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES MOORESVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY January 13, 1998 Mr. Larry Barringer 411 Lewis Farm Road Bessemer City, NC•28016 Subject: Complaint Investigation Pond at 411 Lewis Farm Road Gaston County, NC Dear Mr. Barringer: Attached please find a copy of the Report of Investigation prepared by Mr. Todd St. John with this Office regarding the complaint filed by you on January 8, 1998. The Report should be self-explanatory; however, should there be any questions or if you should need assistance from this Office in the future, please do not hesitate to 'V, contact Mr. St. John or me. ti Attachment try Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P. E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor 919 NORTH MAIN STREET, MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 PHONE 704-663-1699 FAX 704-663-6040 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - SO% RECYCLED/1 0% POST -CONSUMER PAPER NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION 919 NORTH MAIN STREET MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Complaint Investigation DATE OF INVESTIGATION: January 9, 1998 INVESTIGATED BY: Todd St. Jot nd Alan Johnson TIME SPENT: 3.5 hours PLACE VISITED: Impoundment at 411 Lewis Farm Road/Catfish Farm off of Lewis Farm Road PHYSICAL LOCATION: Same MAILING ADDRESS: N/A TELEPHONE #: N/A RIVER BASIN: Catawba PERSON CONTACTED: See below REASON FOR VISIT: Investigation of turbidity complaint COPIES TO: Garland E. Still, Jr., NRCS Ralston James, DSWC Jim Cummings, NCDA Doug Miller, NDDLQ REPORT: On January 9, 1998, Mr. Todd St. John and Mr. Alan Johnson of this Office investigated a complaint that runoff from an aquaculture operation located off of Lewis Farm Road in Gaston County was causing turbidity problems in a pond located at 411 Lewis Farm Road. History: This Office began to receive complaints during the construction phase of the subject aquaculture (catfish) operation resulting in investigations conducted by this Office on March 28, 1995, and July 28, 1995. Although problems were noted, no violations of turbidity standards were ever recorded. On August 29, 1995, Mr. Todd St. John and Mr. Robert Scheller of this Office conducted a surveillance investigation because of a recent heavy rain event. No violations were discovered during that investigation. The aquaculture operation consists of at least eight It h well er ponds which are not designed to discharge. These ponds are filled it re frequent e pumped adfrom of a well at the site. According to the owner, Tom Logan, these ponds the well water in order to stay full. Current Investigation: The January 9, 1998, investigation was durin the morning hours of January after a heavy rain event that occurred during the previous night and, possibly, gte 9th. The investigators visually inspected several streamand drainage astw that did. All ofdiae area that did not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation well streams and ponds observed were somewhat turbid to very r turbid ob revealed the visual inspection. The investigators sampled four different surface waters which 1 The small stream that flows from the aquaculture operation to the subject pond at 411 Lewis Farm Road had a turbidity of 35 NTU. 2) The subject pond at 411 Lewis Farm Road had a turbidity of 42.5 NTU. 3) A pond located above the subject pond that discharges into of 29 NTUt pond but does not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation had a turbidity 4) A small drainage way that flows adjacent to the subject pond had a t does of flow y of into the subject pond and does not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation The only violation of water quality standards appears have occurred in the small operation. There was drainage way (4) that does not receive runoff from the subjectaquaculture no apparent cause of this violation other than the unusually heavy rains. n who m The investigators were met by the owner of the aquaculture operatiothe catfish ponds had no vegetarion on to observe the operation. Some of the dams that impound the sides or tops. There are vegetative buffers that currently exist betweenwdanger of ovprflowing is and streams/drainage ways. None of the catfish ponds appeared to g During the investigation the owner was pumping well water in o one rmore eoof tfishe th d . The owner indicated that he expected to harvest approximately 100,000 pounds year. The investigators did not discover any surface water quality violations at the time of this investigation that were attributable to the subject aquaculture operation despite the heavy rain event. As a result of the investigation, no further action on this matter is warranted at this time. ►E JAMES B. HUNTJRit ''°:'GOVERNOR • NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES MOORESVILLE REGIONAL. OFFICE DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY Janaury 13, 1998 Mr. Tom Logan 1105 Miles Road 4 Dallas, NC 28034 Subject: Complaint Investigation Pond at 411 Lewis Farm Road Gaston County, NC Dear Mr. Logan: Attached please find a copy of the Report of Investigation prepared by Mr. Todd St. John with this Office that you requested on January 8, 1998, during the subject investigation. The Report should be self-explanatory; however, should there be any questions or if you should need assistance from this Office in the future, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. St. John or me. Attachment Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P. E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor 919 NORTH MAIN STREET, MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA28115 PHONE 704-663-1699 FAX 704-663-6040 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 50% RECYCLED/1 O% POST -CONSUMER PAPER NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION 919 NORTH MAIN STREET MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Complaint Investigation DATE OF INVESTIGATION: January 9, 1998 INVESTIGATED BY: Todd St. Jo l hand Alan Johnson TIME SPENT: 3.5 hours PLACE VISITED: Impoundment at 411 Lewis Farm Road/Catfish Farm off of Lewis Farm Road PHYSICAL LOCATION: Same MAILING ADDRESS: N/A TELEPHONE #: N/A RIVER BASIN: Catawba PERSON CONTACTED: See below REASON FOR VISIT: Investigation of turbidity complaint COPIES TO: Garland E. Still, Jr., NRCS Ralston James, DSWC Jim Cummings, NCDA Doug Miller, NDDLQ REPORT: On January 9, 1998, Mr. Todd St. John and Mr. Alan Johnson of this Office investigated a complaint that runoff from an aquaculture operation located off of Lewis Farm Road in Gaston County was causing turbidity problems in a pond located at 411 Lewis Farm Road. History: This Office began to receive complaints during the construction phase of the subject aquaculture (catfish) operation resulting in investigations conducted by this Office on March 28, 1995, and July 28, 1995. Although problems were noted, no violations of turbidity standards were ever recorded. On August 29, 1995, Mr. Todd St. John and Mr. Robert Scheller of this Office conducted a surveillance investigation because of a recent heavy rain event. No violations were discovered during that investigation. The aquaculture operation consists of at least eight ponds which are not designed to discharge. These ponds are filled with well water pumped from a well at the site. According to the owner, Tom Logan, these ponds require frequent additions of the well water in order to stay full. Current Investigation: The January 9, 1998, investigation was conducted after a heavy rain event that occurred during the previous night and, possibly, during the morning hours of January 9th. The investigators visually inspected several stream and drainage ways in the immediate area that did not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation as well as two that did. All of the streams and ponds observed were somewhat turbid to very turbid by visual inspection. The investigators sampled four different surface waters which revealed the following results: 1) The small stream that flows from the aquaculture operation to the subject pond at 411 Lewis Farm Road had a turbidity of 35 NTU. 2) The subject pond at 411 Lewis Farm Road had a turbidity of 42.5 NTU. 3) A pond located above the subject pond that discharges into the subject pond but does not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation had a turbidity of 29 NTU. 4) A small drainage way that flows adjacent to the subject pond but does not flow into the subject pond and does not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation had a turbidity of 130 NTU. The only violation of water quality standards appears to have occurred in the small drainage way (4) that does not receive runoff from the subject aquaculture operation. There was no apparent cause of this violation other than the unusually heavy rains. The investigators were met by the owner of the aquaculture operation who allowed them to observe the operation. Some of the dams that impound the catfish ponds had no vegetation on the sides or tops. There are vegetative buffers that currently exist between the impoundments and streams/drainage ways. None of the catfish ponds appeared to be in danger of overflowing. During the investigation the owner was pumping well water into one or more of the ponds. The owner indicated that he expected to harvest approximately 100,000 pounds of catfish this year. The investigators did not discover any surface water quality violations at the time of this investigation that were attributable to the subject aquaculture operation despite the heavy rain event. As a result of the investigation, no further action on this matter is warranted at this time. ncident/Complaint Report oe* /1)‘ Investigator ;• 9 Investigation Date Response Date Contact�.Date (pos -inves iga ion) Investigated? Violation NOV Sent? Responsible Party O yes Ono O yes Ono O yes Ono Responsible Party Address Phone Location New Record I Sort Received By Date Received Time Received County Complaint Type Response Time Complainant Linda Vernon 5/22/98 3:44:13 PM Gaston Fish Kill -729 days Complainant Address Phone 230Lewis Bessimer 185 to 29/74 towards shelby. Go two miles to sign to Bessimer City, exit there. (Hwy 161) At stop sign turn to right. Go two miles and Lewis Farm road turns to left. Turn there. Go across rr tracks to bottom of hill. His lake is on right hand side. A large sign that says gardner lake. 1r Circumstances Over one hundred fish are dead. He has had algea really really bad before and has never had this happen. He is veryconcerned about neighbor across the road with "fish pond" - he sells catfish. Mr. Gardner is afraid his neighbor has used a cemical and it has gotton into his pond. Mr. Gardner's pond is approximately 2 acres. Fish started dying yesterday. Already talked with county extention agent and he was referred to us. This goes into Long Creek. Stream fed and constant discharge from spillway. Goes into Bessimer City's wtp. ct4 G,- 1/1-0 a�— I NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY WATER QUALITY SECTION 919 NORTH MAIN STREET MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28115 REPORT OF: Complaint Investigation DATE OF INVESTIGATION: January 9, 1998 INVESTIGATED BY: Todd St. Jo' nd Alan Johnson TIME SPENT: 3.5 hours PLACE VISITED: Impoundment at 411 Lewis Farm Road/Catfish Farm off of Lewis Farm Road PHYSICAL LOCATION: Same MAILING ADDRESS: N/A TELEPHONE #: N/A RIVER BASIN: Catawba PERSON CONTACTED: See below REASON FOR VISIT: Investigation of turbidity complaint COPIES TO: Garland E. Still, Jr., NRCS Ralston James, DSWC Jim Cummings, NCDA Doug Miller, NDDLQ REPORT: On January 9, 1998, Mr. Todd St. John and Mr. Alan Johnson of this Office investigated a complaint that runoff from an aquaculture operation located off of Lewis Farm Road in Gaston County was causing turbidity problems in a pond located at 411 Lewis Farm Road. History: This Office began to receive complaints during the construction phase of the subject aquaculture (catfish) operation resulting in investigations conducted by this Office on March 28, 1995, and July 28, 1995. Although problems were noted, no violations of turbidity standards were ever recorded. On August 29, 1995, Mr. Todd St. John and Mr. Robert Scheller of this Office conducted a surveillance investigation because of a recent heavy rain event. No violations were discovered during that investigation. The aquaculture operation consists of at least eight h l er ponds which are not designed to discharge. These ponds are filled it w el fwat ent pumped ed from m of a well at the site. According to the owner, Tom Logan, these ponds the well water in order to stay full. Current Investigation: The January 9, 1998, investigation was conducted after a heavy rain event that occurred during the previous night and, possibly, dduring ing the ways the immediateursof January area 9th. The investigators visually inspected several stream and that did not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation as wellrbid asbviou that redid. All of The the streams and ponds observed were somewhat turbid tovery investigators sampled four different surface waters which revealed the following results: 1 The small stream that flows from the aquaculture operation to the subject pond at 411 Lewis Farm Road had a turbidity of 35 NTU. 2) The subject pond at 411 Lewis Farm Road had a turbidity of 42.5 NTU. 3) A pond located above the subject pond that discharges nto the of 29 NTUt pond but does not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation had turbidity 4) A small drainage way that flows adjacent to the subject pond but had a does not flowity of into the subject pond and does not receive runoff from the aquaculture operation The only violation of water quality standards appears h ave occurred in the small drainage way (4) that does not receive runoff from the subjectaquaculture operation. There was no apparent cause of this violation other than the unusually heavy rains. t The investigators were met by the owner of the aquaculture operation tfish onds had no vegetation on m to observe the operation. Some of buhe ffes rs thaat t currently urrently expound the ist between the impoundments and the sides or tops. There are vegetative to be in danger of overflowing. streams/drainage ways. None of the catfish ponds appeared During the investigation the owner was pumping well water into n 000 one o nds r more eof tfishe oh d . The owner indicated that he expected to harvest approximately P year. The investigators did not discover any surface water quality violations at t e the heavy time ofrat is investigation that were attributable to the subject aquaculture operation event. As a result of the investigation, no further action on this matter is warranted at this time. State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Mooresville Regional Office James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Linda Diane Long, Regional Manager Mr. Greg Fowler Fowler's Reel & Rod 112 Evan's Lake Rd. Dallas, NC 28034 Avf";!A DIEI-1IiF DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT May 22, 1995 SUI. j_ect •--Comp aint 5Avestigation-- u*-s=`lake _nd_tributary Gaston County, mNC----d- Dear Mr. Fowler: Attached please find a copy of the Report of Investigation prepared by Mr. Roberto L. Scheller with this Office regarding the complaint filed by you on May 15,1995. The Report should be self-explanatory; however, should there be any questions or if you should need assistance from this Office in the future, please do not hesitate to contact .Mr Scheller or me. Sincerely, D. - Rex Gleason," P. E. Water. Quality Regional Supervisor - Attachment Gaston County Health Department 919 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 Telephone 704-663-1699 FAX 704-663-6040 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post -consumer paper Page Two Investigation Report May 16, 1995 Examination of Evan's Lake revealed that the debris floating on the surface was an algal bloom episode. Both the subject lake and related upstream tributary were evaluated and the following data was collected: Tributary - Water clear with low turbidity - Temperature 22 degrees. Celsius - pH 7.04 s.u. - Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 7.5 mg/1 Evan's Lake High turbidity Temperature 24 degrees Celsius pH 7.88 s.u. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 5.8 mg/1 It was suggested that Mr. Fowler contact the Gaston County Extension Offices for information on pond management and algal bloom control. No impact on the aquatic environment was evident at the time of the inspection; therefore, no further action is deemed necessary at this time. State of North Carolina Department of Environment, • Health and Natural Resources - Mooresville Regional Office James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Kirk Johnson 7157 Hull Rd. Cherryville, NC 28021 �EHNR DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY FEBRUARY 26, 1997 Subject: Land Application of Poultry Litter Gaston County, NC Dear Mr. Johnson: Conceming your conversation on February 24, 1997 with Mr. Alan Johnson of this Office, I have enclosed a copy of the required specifications for the management and land application of poultry litter. No permit'is required for the operation of a dry litter poultry system (a system which uses wood shavings or similar materials. that act as an absorbent for the waste). However, for facilities with the capacity to house more than 30,000 birds, a farm plan is required. Operators are required to maintain records, apply at the proper agronomic rate,and maintain the proper setbacks. -A 25 ft. buffer must be maintained between the land application area and perennial waters. In addition, litter cannot be stockpiled within 100 ft. of a perennial stream. My understanding is that Mr. Carpenter does not operate a poultry facility, but allows litter generated off site to be applied to his fields. The person(s) responsible in this situation would be 'the owner of the facility where the waste is generated. I hope this information addresses your concems. Should you have any evidence that animal - waste is getting into streams or surface waters please contact me or Mr. Alan Johnson at (704) 663 - 1699. Sincerely, D. Rex Gleason, P. E. Water Quality Supervisor Enc. AJ 919 North Main Street, FAX 704-663-6040 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 - An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Voice 704-663-1699 Reduce Reuse Recycle 50% recycled/10% post -consumer paper State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Mooresville Regional Office James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Ms. Susan Fain 5518 Old Farm Rd. Gastonia, NC 28056 Dear Ms.Fain: lirA p3 �EHNR DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY February 26, 1997 Subject: Animal Waste Application Complaint Gaston County, NC Concerning your complaint received Tuesday, February 12, 1997 and your phone conversation with Mr. Alan Johnson of this Office, the subsequent investigation found no violation of North Carolina rules and regulation. Mr. Johnson located the swine facility on the bank of the stream as you described. At the time of the inspection, February 18, no animals were observed at the facility. However, the facility appeared to be capable of housing 10 to 15 animals. Field readings for dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH were made above and below the area of concern. No violation of state regulations was observed. Because of the small number of animals involved, no further action will be taken. Should you have evidence of animal waste getting into the stream, please contact us. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please dd not hesitate to contact Mr. Johnson or me at (704) 663-1699. AJ 919 North Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115 Voice 704-663-1699 Sincerely, rn.(1J D. Rex Gleason, P. E. Water Quality Regional Supervisor FAX 704-663-6040 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/10% post -consumer paper COMPLAINT FORM Name of Complainant: Co Ow j / C-ez si-avuck/ /'QC- Z,ErOs Tel Directions to Site: Nature of Complaint: Ots (7_0 S6‘-70 93 G!�/2 5f5s — IU fui idore (r).4.dc 4 atc,ll 70 6r.k 4«Pe /7(14- to P &$ _Disc 9_4 V ceue- 4ZO hicr 6co.`` ,.\-�PK ova Sc re . eoV.1/43 2rto�' r� 6 ,41-ecxw. rowee_ 15G.4- S 40 kro. clri- s ow Ukvr4 4\*e _ Q- %, 3rci l31A4- Cgol."5 (...S) •1--oJQe I e- L(i4e i I\( 1 Cgsse-J 'r S.S 4 sh 14 fcl n. e"9)O, 4 vale, Ile, 'Ocnr- 2e . fce V\h4 1•3(\lam: Lan ZKck. �c1 / OaRag, �V-d r('rz, cat lszJer� .S fi � �jen , Received By: se Date: Time: 9, 30 Investigated By: 114114AO, • Correspondence Prepared BY: Date(s)of Investigation(s): Date(s).of Report(s):