WQ0000543_Complaint_19990913

September 13, 1999)
MEMO TO FILE
From: Ken Averitte, FRO
Subject: Complaint investigation
Synagro (Amsco) sludge application.
Gary Welch site, field #4
Montgomery County
On September 3, 1999, FRO received a complaint via David Ezzell of the Montgomery County Health Department. David indicated that the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office had
contacted him aboutmaterialbeing dumped on farmland later identified as the Gary Welch land
application site. Apparently, there had been a number of complaints filed with the e sheriff due to
number Of trucks and a reported foul odor:
After conferring with Mr. Frank Post of Synagro, K. Averitte visited the site on •
September 8, 1999. According to Mr. Post, sludge from the Town of Sanford had been applied to
the Welch field #4 during the previous week and work was still underway. Although it was
evident that sludge had been applied (some noted on the surface at the end of the rows), there was
nothing observed that would be in violation of the permit forr the site. The application method
involved uses a tractor pulling four chisels/injectors which are fed waste through a lengthy
"umbilical cord". Tanker trucks arrive at a staging area where they are connected to a .transfer
pump. This pump discharges through hundreds of feet of hose which is connected to the
implement on the tractor. Mr. Post indicated that there had been an incident the previous week
when the hose to the tractor had either broken or come loose, spilling sludge out. in the
application area. The pump operator has a pressure gauge on the discharge and, noting a --drop in
pressure, shut down the pump. This was contained within the application site.
Pin flags were noted on the application site indicating the required buffers. There was
nothing noted to indicate a violation of the permit conditions. The results of this visit have been
provided to Mr. Ezzell by phone.
No further action appears warranted at this time.

DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
September 13, 1999
f
Mr. Frank Post
Synagro
P.O. Box 1770
Clemmons, NC 27012
Subject: Complaint disposition
Welch farm
Dear Mr. Post:
As requested, you will find enclosed a copy of the file memo closing the complaint
investigation concerning the Gary Welch farm in Montgomery County.
If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to call at [phone], ext. 323.
Ken Averitte
Fayetteville Regional Office