NC0034860_NOV-2022-PC-0692 NOI_20221115

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. B1SER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS. JR.
Du -et -tor
NORTH CAROLINA
irnrrroMrt,,grtrai Quality
November 15, 2022
CERTIFIED MAIL #: 7018 3090 0001 2322 9021
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. Chip Swinnie, Plant Manager
Schneider Mills, Inc.
P.O. Box 519
Taylorsville, NC 28681
Subject: Notice of Violation/Notice of Recommendation for Enforcement
Violation of G.S. 143-215.1(a)
Unpermitted Discharge of Wastewater
Tracking #: NOV-2022-PC-0692
Permit No. NC0034860
Schneider Mills WWTP
Alexander County
Dear Mr. Swinnie:
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 November 1, 2022, the facility ORC, Darren Webb, reported to this Office that due a valve being left
open overnight approximately 37,000 gallons of thickened wastewater was discharged from the digester. It
is estimated that 500-1000 gallons of which were discharged into Muddy Fork Creek from the Schneider
Mills WWTP on November 1, 2022. ORC's follow-up written report attributed the discharge was due to a
valve being left open overnight. Schneider Mills had not applied for nor secured a permit to discharge the
thickened 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 thickened wastewater into the Muddy Fork Creek. This Office received the facility follow-up
report on November 4, 2022 (via fax) that included 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 (15) 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:
14.014.tiv H Nue4
F161 FB69A2D84A3...
Andrew H. Pitner P.G., Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Mooresville Regional Office
cc: Darren Webb (via email)
NPDES, MRO Files (Laserfiche)