HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0021181_Response to Notice_20230420April 19, 2023 Certified Mail Receipt: 70201290000149494976
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301
Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
Attn: Andrew Pitner — Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Ref: Notice of Violation
Tracking No. NOV-2023-LV-0253
City of Belmont — NCO021181
Dear Mr. Pitner,
The City of Belmont is in receipt of the above NOV and as required by your letter, our response to the violation
is as follows:
This violation is like the one which occurred earlier in the year and our response is similar.
This fecal coliform violation was the result of a sludge and solids build up that has been an ongoing challenge
for the Belmont Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Upon return of results for the fecal coliform levels, the Wastewater Treatment Plant ORC contacted Wes Bell of
NCDEQ for guidance and advice. In coordination with Wes Bell, the operators increased levels of chlorine in the
contact chamber and used a pump truck to reduce sludge build up. These actions brought fecal coliform levels
back below limits. These actions were taken as quickly as possible.
In addition to the immediate response, the City of Belmont is working towards a large-scale project to reduce the
risk of further violations. Staff have retained HDR Civil Engineers to assist with coordinating plant projects. The
engineers are offering professional guidance on how best to limit violations in the future. Staff have also contacted
several vendors who specialize in pumping and cleaning tanks and basins. One such vendor, Bionomics, has been
onsite to quote a large basin pumping project that will greatly reduce the risk of violations in the future. The City
of Belmont is dedicated to protecting the environment and complying with all sections of the NPDES permit and
is taking specific actions to ensure full compliance. We respectfully request NCDEQ recognize these efforts and
continue to support Belmont in its plant investments.
William Carroll
Public Works Director