WQ0009368_CEI_20230201

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED

February 1, 2023

Armando Swanson
Emailed to: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Compliance Inspection Report
Northwest Hardwoods - Marion CLRS
Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0009368
McDowell County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Northwest Hardwoods -
Marion CLRS on 1/31/2023. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in
compliance with the conditions and limitations specified in Non-discharge Permit No. WQ0009368. The
findings and comments noted during this inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection
report entitled "Compliance Inspection Report".

There were no significant issues or findings noted during the inspection and therefore, a response to this
inspection report is not required.

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Melanie Kemp with the Water
Quality Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 or via email at
[e-mail].

Sincerely,

Melanie Kemp, Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

ATTACHMENTS: Compliance Evaluation Inspection Report
EC: LF
CC: Rick Stoddard (Safety Coordinator), Northwest Hardwoods

Compliance Inspection Report
Permit:WQ0009368 Effective:02/01/19 Expiration:01/31/24 Owner :Northwest Hardwoods Inc
SOC:
Contact Person:
Region:
County:
Directions to Facility:
McDowell
Asheville
Armando Swanson
Effective:Expiration:Facility:Northwest Hardwoods - Marion CLRS
203 College Dr
Marion NC 28752
Title:Phone:[phone] Ext.6812
From ARO I-40 E. to Exit 86. Turn left onto Hwy. 226, turn right onto College Drive (McDowell Tech). Go approximately 100 yards.,
facility is on the left before the RR tracks.
Secondary ORC(s):
Phone:Certification:Primary ORC:
System Classifications:
On-Site Representative(s):
Related Permits:
Secondary Inspector(s):
Primary Inspector:
Inspection Date:Exit Time:Entry Time:
Phone:
01/31/2023 09:30AM 10:00AM
Melanie Kemp
Facility Status:
Permit Inspection Type:
Reason for Inspection:Inspection Type:
Not CompliantCompliant
Routine
Closed-Loop Recycle
Compliance Evaluation
Question Areas:
Miscellaneous Questions
(See attachment summary)
Page 1 of 3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0009368
01/31/2023 Compliance Evaluation
Northwest Hardwoods Inc
Routine
Inspection Summary:
Melanie Kemp, with the Asheville Regional Office, conducted a compliance evaluation inspection of Northwest Hardwood
Closed- loop recycle permit on January 31, 2023. This inspection was conducted to determine whether the facility is being
operated and maintained in compliance with Non- Discharge Permit No. WQ0009368. Rick Stoddard (Safety Coordinator),
Johnny Christopher (Maintenance Supervisor), and Armando Swanson (Facilities Manager) were present and assisted with
the inspection.
Wash water goes through 3 stages to separate water from oily waste and sludge. Since 2021, the sludge from the sump is
profiled, removed, and disposed of by Safety Kleen. They were last on-site in Summer 2022, and staff expect they will need
to return in Summer 2023 to clean the sump again. The wash area is bermed and the floor is sloped back to the pit. Spill
kits and storm drain mats are maintained onsite and immediately outside the wash area. If wastewater were to escape
containment and reach the storm drain, there are several vaults with storage capacity in series before it would reach the
creek.
Northwest historically introduced stormwater from the secondary containment as make- up water for the closed- loop
system. During my inspection it was conveyed that they now only use potable water. If the stormwater is no longer
introduced into the system, then the permittee may request rescission of the permit.
Page 2 of 3
Inspection Date:
Permit:
Inspection Type :
Owner - Facility:
Reason for Visit:
WQ0009368
01/31/2023 Compliance Evaluation
Northwest Hardwoods Inc
Routine
Type Yes No NA NE
Reuse (Quality)
Infiltration System
Lagoon Spray, LR
Single Family Spray, LR
Activated Sludge Spray, LR
Activated Sludge Spray, HR
Activated Sludge Drip, LR
Single Family Drip
Recycle/Reuse
Page 3 of 3