NC0026573_NOV-2023-LV-0194-0195-0196-1097_Resp_20230329

City of Morganton
Water Resources Department
March 291h, 2023
Daniel Boss, Asst. Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
NCDEQ-Division of Water Resources
Asheville Regional Office
2090 US Highway 70
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Subject: NOV Response to NOV-2023-LV-0194
NOV-2023-LV-0195
NOV-2023-LV-0196
NOV-2023-LV-0197
Dear Mr. Boss,
We have reviewed the permit violations referenced above for the Permit #NC0026573
and determined that two issues resulted in the violations. The primary issue is the infiltration
during the heavy rainfall over the past several months resulted in hydraulic overloading at the
POTW. The secondary issue is the several Significant Industrial Users (SIU) violations causing
challenges at the POTW. Due to the frequency of the rain events, and the challenges from SIUs,
the peak storage at the POTW was unable to be utilized effectively during rain events. Please
reference each violating month's eDMR comments for more details.
Concerning the infiltration, staff of the POTW and Distribution & Collection have
increased the frequency of inspecting manholes, lift stations, creek crossings and clearing right-
of-ways in an attempt to locate infiltration areas. In the coming weeks, estimated $50,000 will be
spent rehabilitating manholes. The City of Morganton continues to invest in its improvement of
the wastewater collection system and wastewater plant.
Concerning the SIU violations, several challenges resulted in an increased BOD & TSS
effluent results at the POTW. Over the past several months, staff has met with SIUs to rectify the
issues causing their industry violations. The primary causes of their issues stem from staffing
shortages/turnover training, and supply chain challenges with chemicals/repair supply.
Violations and surcharges/penalties were accessed to the SIUs during the violating months.
If there is any questions or if more information is needed, please reach me at
828-438-5375 or at [e-mail]
Sincerely,
661C AA+
Eli Self
Wastewater Plant Superintendent & ORC
City of Morganton
Telephone [phone] East Union St. Post Office Box 3448
www.morgantonNC.gov Morganton, NC 28655 Morganton, NC 28680-3448