NC0020184_NOV-2022-DV-0280 NOI_20220928

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. B1SER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS. JR.
Du -et -tor
NORTH CAROLINA
irnrrroMrt,,grtrai Quality
September 28, 2022
CERTIFIED MAIL #: 7018 3090 0001 2323 0737
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Michael Peoples
City of Gastonia
PO Box 1748
Gastonia, NC 28053-1748
Subject: Notice of Violation/Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement
Violation of G.S. 143-215.1(a)
Unpermitted Discharge of Wastewater
Tracking #: NOV-2022-DV-0280
Permit No. NC0020184
Two Rivers Utilities/Long Creek WWTP
Gaston County
Dear Mr. Peoples:
Chapter 143, Article 21 of the North Carolina General Statutes (G.S.) authorizes and directs the
Environmental Management Commission of the Department of Environmental Quality to protect and
preserve the water resources of the State. The Division of Water Resources (DWR) has the delegated
authority to enforce adopted water pollution control rules and regulations.
On September 20, 2022, Two Rivers Utilities (TRU) reported to this Office that approximately 275,000
gallons of partially treated wastewater (no disinfection) was discharged into South Fork Catawba River from
the Two Rivers Utilities (TRU)/Long Creek WWTP on September 19, 2022. TRU's follow-up written report
attributed the discharge of partially treated wastewater to the maintenance activities being performed on the reuse
water distribution system. No disinfection was provided to the wastewater during these maintenance activities for
approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. TRU had not applied for nor secured a permit to discharge the
partially treated wastewater from the Division.
CIF
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quallty I Division of Water Resources
kiaaresv I cReglooalOffice 1610East Center hvmue, Suite 301 I Moaresvdlc, NorthCarofina 281IS
704.6133.1649

Please be advised that G.S. 143-215.6A provides for a civil penalty assessment of not more than twenty-five
thousand dollars ($25,000.00), or twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per day when the violation is of
a continuing nature, against any person who is required but fails to apply for or to secure a permit required
by G.S. 143-215.1(a). Penalties may also be assessed for any damage to the surface waters of the State that
may result from the unpermitted discharge.
This letter is also to advise you that this Office is considering the initiation of an enforcement action for the
discharge of partially treated wastewater into the South Fork Catawba River. This Office received TRU's
written follow-up report on September 23, 2022 (via email) that included upstream and downstream fecal
coliform sampling results and a plan of action to prevent future occurrences, etc. However, if you wish to
provide any additional information regarding this violation, please respond in writing within ten (10)
working days of receipt of this Notice.
Should you have any questions concerning this Notice, please do not hesitate to contact Ori Tuvia at (704)
235-2190 or via e-mail at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
44 44cw H P- t t
F161 FB69A2D84A3...
Andrew H. Pitner P.G., Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Mooresville Regional Office
cc: David Shellenbarger, Stephanie Scheringer, Rene Martinez and Mourice Brotherton (via email)