NC0020800_NOVNOI2023PC0190_20230508

Certified Mail # 7022 0410 0002 1249 8910
Return Receipt Requested
May 08, 2023

Bill Green
Town of Andrews
PO Box 1210
Andrews, NC 28901-1210

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF VIOLATION & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY
Tracking Number: NOV-2023-PC-0190
Permit No. NC0020800
Andrews WWTP
Cherokee County

Dear Permittee:

The North Carolina Division of Water Resources conducted an inspection of the Andrews WWTP on April 25,
2023. This inspection was conducted to verify that the facility is operating in compliance with the conditions and
limitations specified in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0020800. A summary of the findings and comments noted
during the inspection are provided in the enclosed copy of the inspection report.

The Compliance Evaluation inspection was conducted by Division of Water Resources staff from the Asheville
Regional Office. The following violation(s) were noted during the inspection:

Inspection Area Description of Violation _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Disinfection-Gas The chlorine contact chamber has had overflows (bypasses) that were not reported. Permit Condition II.C.4.(b)(2) Unanticipated bypass. The Permittee shall submit noti ce of an unanticipated bypass as required in Part II.E.6. (24-hour notice).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Trickling Filter The distribution arms for both trickling filters don't rotate, causing uneven distribution.
There were a lot of filter flies on the trickling filters.

Permit Condition II.C.2. The Permittee shall at all times properly operate and main tain all facilities and systems of
treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the
Permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pump Station - Influent The influent PS can only run one pump at a time in manual mode. This situation presents a
risk of sewage overflows and greatly limits the amount of recirculation through the trickling
filters.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 53CC77D0-FE32-4D6C-8FB9-18D5CEF4FE81

Permit Condition II.C.2. The Permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of
treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the
Permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Disinfection-Gas There was a sludge blanket of 2-2.5' out of 4' depth in the chlorine contact chamber.
Permit Condition II.C.2. The Permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of
treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the
Permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Notice of Violation/Intent to Issue Civil Penalty is being issued for the noted violation of North Carolina General
Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1 and the facility’s NPDES WW Permit. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, a civil penalty of
not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) may be assessed against any person who violates or
fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of any permit issued pursuant to G.S.
143-215.1.

If you wish to provide additional information regarding the noted violation, request technical assistance, or discuss
overall compliance please respond in writing within ten (10) business days after receipt of this Notice. A review of
your response will be considered along with any additional information provided. You will then be notified of any
civil penalties that may be assessed regarding the violations. If no response is received in this Office
within the 10-day period, a civil penalty assessment may be prepared.

Remedial actions should have already been taken to correct this problem and prevent further occurrences in the
future. The Division of Water Resources may pursue enforcement action for this and any additional violations of
State law. If the violations are of a continuing nature, not related to operation and/or maintenance problems, and
you anticipate remedial construction activities, then you may wish to consider applying for a Special Order by
Consent.

Reminder: Pursuant to Permit Condition 6 in Section E, the Permittee is required to verbally notify the Regional
Office as soon as possible, not to exceed 24 hours, from first knowledge of any non-compliance at
the facility including limit violations, bypasses of, or failure of a treatment unit. A written report may
be required within 5 days if directed by Division staff. Prior notice should be given for anticipated or
potential problems due to planned maintenance activities, taking units off-line, etc.

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me with the Water Quality
Regional Operations Section in the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500.

Sincerely,

Daniel Boss, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Asheville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Ec: Laserfiche
DocuSign Envelope ID: 53CC77D0-FE32-4D6C-8FB9-18D5CEF4FE81