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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0021881_LV20150094_20150717 NCD' R North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Pat McCrory Donald R.van der Vaart Governor Secretary Certified Mail#7010 0290 0003 0833 9540 Return Receipt Requested June 17,2015 RECEIVEDIDENRIDWR Harry W Foley Town of Lake Waccamaw JUN 2 3 2015 PO Box 145 Lake Waccamaw,NC 28450-0145 Water Quality Permitting Sectior SUBJECT: Notice of Violation and Assessment of Civil Penalty for Violations of North Carolina General Statute(G.S.) 143-215.1(a)(6) and NPDES Permit No.NC0021881 Town of Lake Waccamaw Lake Waccamaw WWTP Case No. LV-2015-0094 Columbus County Dear Permittee: This letter transmits a Notice of Violation and assessment of civil penalty in the amount of$433.50($250.00 civil penalty +$183.50 enforcement costs)against Town of Lake Waccamaw. This assessment is based upon the following facts: a review has been conducted of the discharge monitoring report (DMR) submitted by Town of Lake Waccamaw for the month of January 2015. This review has shown the subject facility to be in violation of the discharge limitations and/or monitoring requirements found in NPDES Permit No. NC0021881. The violations,which occurred in January 2015,are summarized in Attachment A to this letter. Based upon the above facts, I conclude as a matter of law that Town of Lake Waccamaw violated the terms, conditions or requirements of NPDES Permit No. NC0021881 and G.S. 143-215.1(a)(6) in the manner and extent shown in Attachment A. In accordance with the maximums established by G.S. 143-215.6A(a)(2), a civil penalty may be assessed against any person who violates the terms, conditions or requirements of a permit required by G.S. 143-215.1(a). Based upon the above findings of fact and conclusions of law, and in accordance with authority provided by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Director of the Division of Water Resources, I, James H. Gregson, Regional Supervisor, Wilmington Regional Office hereby make the following civil penalty assessment against Town of Lake Waccamaw: 127 Cardinal Drive Extension.Wilmington.North Carolina 28405 Phone:910-796-7215 1 Internet www.ncdenr.gov<http://waww.nedenr.gov> An Equal Opportunity tunity'.Affirmative Action Employer-Made in pan by recycled paper $250.00 1 of the 1 violations of I43-215.1(a)(6) and NPDES Permit No.NC0021881, by discharging waste water into the waters of the State in violation of the Permit Weekly Geometric Mean for FEC COLI. • $250.00 TOTAL CIVIL PENALTY $183.50 Enforcement Costs $433.50 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A(c), in determining the amount of the penalty I have taken into account the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and the factors set forth at G.S. 143B-282.1(b),which are: (1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or to private property resulting from the violation; (2) The duration and gravity of the violation; (3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality; (4) The cost of rectifying the damage; (5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance; (6) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally; (7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which the Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority;and (8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures. Within thirty(30)days of receipt of this notice,you must do one of the following: (1) Submit payment of the penalty,OR (2) Submit a written request for remission, OR (3) Submit a written request for an administrative hearing Option 1: Submit payment of the penalty: Payment should be made directly to the order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (do not include waiver form). Payment of the penalty will not foreclose further enforcement action for any continuing or new violation(s). Please submit payment to the attention of: NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit Division of Water Resources 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617 2 Option 2: Submit a written request for remission or mitigation including a detailed justification for such request: Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors listed below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount of the civil penalty assessed. Requesting remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or the accuracy of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document. Because a remission request forecloses the option of an administrative hearing, such a request must be accompanied by a waiver of your right to an administrative hearing and a stipulation and agreement that no factual or legal issues are in dispute. Please prepare a detailed statement that establishes why you believe the civil penalty should be remitted, and submit it to the Division of Water Resources at the address listed below. In determining whether a remission request will be approved,the following factors shall be considered: (1) whether one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in NCGS 143B-282.1(b)was wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner; (2) whether the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from the violation; (3) whether the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident; (4) whether the violator had been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations;or (5) whether payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial actions. Please note that all evidence presented in support of your request for remission must be submitted in writing. The Director of the Division of the Division of Water Resources will review your evidence and inform you of his decision in the matter of your remission request. The response will provide details regarding the case status, directions for payment, and provision for further appeal of the penalty to the Environmental Management Commission's Committee on Civil Penalty Remissions (Committee). Please be advised that the Committee cannot consider information that was not part of the original remission request considered by the Director. Therefore, it is very important that you prepare a complete and thorough statement in support of your request for remission. In order to request remission, you must complete and submit the enclosed "Request for Remission of Civil Penalties, Waiver of Right to an Administrative Hearing, and Stipulation of Facts" form within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice. The Division of Water Resources also requests that you complete and submit the enclosed "Justification for Remission Request." Both forms should be submitted to the following address: NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit Division of Water Resources 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1617 3 Option 3: File a petition for an administrative hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings: If you wish to contest any statement in the attached assessment document you must file a petition for an administrative hearing. You may obtain the petition form from the Office of Administrative Hearings. You must file the petition with the Office of Administrative Hearings within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice. A petition is considered filed when it is received in the Office of Administrative Hearings during normal office hours. The Office of Administrative Hearings accepts filings Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., except for official state holidays. The petition may be filed by facsimile (fax) or electronic mail by an attached file (with restrictions) - provided the signed original, one (1) copy and a filing fee (if a filing fee is required by NCGS §150B-23.2) is received in the Office of Administrative Hearings within seven (7) business days following the faxed or electronic transmission. You should contact the Office of Administrative Hearings with all questions regarding the filing fee and/or the details of the filing process. The mailing address and telephone and fax numbers for the Office of Administrative Hearings are as follows: Office of Administrative Hearings 6714 Mail Service Center Raleigh,NC 27699-6714 Tel: (919)733-2698 Fax: (919)733-3478 One(1)copy of the petition must also be served on DENR as follows: Mr. Sam M.Hayes,General Counsel Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1601 Mail Service Center Raleigh,North Carolina 27699-1601 Please indicate the case number(as found on page one of this letter)on the petition. Failure to exercise one of the options above within thirty (30) days of receipt of this letter, as evidenced by an internal date/time received stamp (not a postmark), will result in this matter being referred to the Attorney General's Office for collection of the penalty through a civil action. Please be advised that additional penalties may be assessed for violations that occur after the review period of this assessment. 4 if you have any questions, please contact Dean Hunkele with the Division of Water Resources staff of the Wilmington Regional Office at(910)796-7215 or via email at dean.hunkele@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, - Cas:1/4p--„,_ for eZimmerman,P.G. Director,Division of Water Resources,NCDENR By James H.Gregson,Regional Supervisor RECEIVED/DENR/DWR Water Quality Regional Operations Section JUN 2 3 2015 Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources,NCDENR Water Quality Permitting Section ATTACHMENTS Cc: WQS Wilmington Regional Office-Enforcement File (w/attachments) NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit-Enforcement File (w/attachments) Central Files, Water Quality Section (w/attachments) , 5 JUSTIFICATION FOR REMISSION REQUEST Case Number: LV-2015-0094 County: Columbus Assessed Party: Town of Lake Waccamaw Permit No.: NC0021881 Amount Assessed: $433.50 Please use this form when requesting remission of this civil penalty. You must also complete the "Request For Remission, Waiver of Right to an Administrative Hearing, and Stipulation of Facts" form to request remission of this civil penalty. You should attach any documents that you believe support your request and are necessary for the Director to consider in evaluating your request for remission. Please be aware that a request for remission is limited to consideration of the five factors listed below as they may relate to the reasonableness of the amount of the civil penalty assessed. Requesting remission is not the proper procedure for contesting whether the violation(s) occurred or the accuracy of any of the factual statements contained in the civil penalty assessment document. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143B-282.1(c), remission of a civil penalty may be granted only when one or more of the following five factors apply. Please check each factor that you believe applies to your case and provide a detailed explanation, including copies of supporting documents,as to why the factor applies(attach additional pages as needed). (a) one or more of the civil penalty assessment factors in N.C.G.S. 143B-282.1(b) were wrongfully applied to the detriment of the petitioner(the assessment factors are listed in the civil penalty assessment document); (b) the violator promptly abated continuing environmental damage resulting from the violation (i.e., explain the steps that you took to correct the violation and prevent future occurrences); (c) the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident (i.e., explain why the violation was unavoidable or something you could not prevent or prepare for); (d) the violator had not been assessed civil penalties for any previous violations; (e) payment of the civil penalty will prevent payment for the remaining necessary remedial actions (i.e., explain how payment of the civil penalty will prevent you from performing the activities necessary to achieve compliance). EXPLANATION: STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COUNTY OF COLUMBUS IN THE MATTER OF ASSESSMENT ) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO AN OF CIVIL PENALTIES AGAINST ) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING AND ) STIPULATION OF FACTS Town of Lake Waccamaw ) Lake Waccamaw WWTP ) ) PERMIT NO.NC0021881 ) CASE NO. LV-2015-0094 Having been assessed civil penalties totaling $433.50 for violation(s), as set forth in the assessment document of the Division of Water Resources dated June 17, 2015, the undersigned, desiring to seek remission of the civil penalty, does hereby waive the right to an administrative hearing in the above-stated matter and does stipulate that the facts are as alleged in the assessment document. The undersigned further understands that all evidence presented in support of remission of this civil penalty must be submitted to the Director of the Division of Water Resources within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice of assessment. No new evidence in support of a remission request will be allowed after (30) days from the receipt of the notice of assessment. This the day of ,20 SIGNATURE ADDRESS TELEPHONE ATTACHMENT A - Town of Lake Waccamaw . CASE NUMBER: LV-2015-0094 PERMIT: NC0021881 FACILITY: Lake Waccamaw WWTP COUNTY: Columbus REGION: Wilmington Limit Violations MONITORING OUTFALL/ VIOLATION UNIT OF CALCULATED %OVER PENALTY REPORT PPI LOCATION PARAMETER DATE FREQUENCY MEASURE LIMIT VALUE LIMIT VIOLATION TYPE $250.00 1-2015 001 Effluent FEC COLI 1/17/15 3 X week #/100m1 400 699.20 74.8 Weekly Geometric Mean Exceeded DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES-CIVIL PENALTY ASSESSMENT • Violator: Town of Lake Waccamaw Facility Name: Lake Waccamaw WWTP Permit Number: NC0021881 County: Columbus Case Number: LV-2015-0094 ASSESSMENT FACTORS 1) The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or to private property resulting from the violation; ‘,/a-tetw-- trrrt e :e at-1)`` 2) The duration and gravity of the violation; eem-0-4-; .07taz2,` �c�' ;73-0 ii-vC-4-1P--6r-4 12e..-e417-04-vxL 3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality; 4) The cost of rectifying the damage; 5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance; C41410-1.114V' • 6) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally; 7) The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with programs over which the Environmental Management Commission has regulatory authority; and 8) The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures. $183.50 dc,_ 3vis- Date Ja H.Gregson, egional Supervisor ter Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office AA� (r 0�r�® NC®EN{`* North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Pat McCrory Donald R.van der Vaart Governor Secretary May 19, 2015 CERTIFIED MAIL #7013 1090 0000 6092 9351 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Harry W Foley Town of Lake Waccamaw PO Box 145 Lake Waccamaw, NC 284500145 Subject: NOTICE OF VIOLATION &INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY Tracking No. NOV-2015-LV-0328 LA/ \S Permit No. NC0021881 Lake Waccamaw WWTP Columbus County Dear Mr Foley: A review of Town of Lake Waccamaw's Discharge Monitoring Report(s)for the Lake Waccamaw WWTP submitted for the month of January 2015 showed the violations indicated below. THE FOLLOWING ARE PARAMETER LIMIT VIOLATIONS: Parameter. Date Limit Value Reported Value Limit Type Coliform, Fecal MF, M-FC 1/17/2015 400.000 699.220#/100m1 Weekly Geometric Broth,44.5C #/100m1 Mean Exceeded 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 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 information provided on the submitted Discharge Monitoring Report(s). 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. 127 Cardinal Drive Extension,Wilmington,North Carolina 28405 Phone:910-796-7215\Internet:www.ncdenr.gov 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. In addition, you may wish to consider registering to use the Division's new e-DMR process for completion and submittal of monthly monitoring reports, for more information please visit our website at: http://portal.ncd enr.org/web/wq/admin/bog/ipu/edm r If you should have any questions,please do not hesitate to contact Dean Hun kele with the Water Quality Section at (910) 796-7215 or via email at Dean.Hunkele@ncdenr.gov. Sincerely, J Gregson, Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operations Section Wilmington Regional Office Division of Water Resources, NCDENR Cc: DWQ/Wilmington Regional Office-Green File Central Files,Water Quality Section • • • SENDER: COMPLETE THIS SECTION COIIIPLI:TE THIS SECTION ON DELIVERY ■ Complete items 1,2,and 3.Also complete rn: reA Agent ❑ item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ���, /; �� O Addressee • Print your name and address on the reverse + so that we can return the card to you. 'Receives by NVI C. Date of Delivery • Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, arailcakillat or on the front if space permits. ❑Yes D. Is delivery address different from item 1? 1. Article Addressed to: If YES,enter delivery address below: 0 No L ',Lr//1 D 7` G GLS Service Type edified Mair' 0 Priority Mail/// Express'" ' 9 /I gistered 0 Return Receipt for Merchandise Cl //`j -C -z 7/1g-t-/ /7 ` 0 Insured Mail 0 Collect on Delivery rJ ilk 4. Restricted Delivery'?(Extra Fee) 0 Yes 2. Article ( 7013 1292 2000. -6292 9351 (Transferansferfrom service Ia PS Form 3811,July 2013 Domestic Return Receipt U.S. Postal Service CERTIFIED MAIL,, RECEIPT r-9 (Domestic Mail Only;No Insurance Coverage Provided) m For delivery information visit our website at www.usps.com er OFFICIAL. ru C7 Postage $ Certified Fee _- O Postmark Return Receipt Fee Here 0 (Endorsement Required) Restricted DeliveryFee (Endorsement Required) Total Postage&Fees r9 Sen / street,Apt.Nd rg or PO Box � �/// � il(/rl !// City ate.�? +4 /, j�" /72`G`� ��JSL PS Form 3800.August 2006 See Reverse for Instructions EFFLUENT (WINTER) MIT NO: NC K121RR1 Discharge No: 001 . MONTH:_January YEAR: 2015 CILITY NAME: Lake_Waccamaw WWTP CLASS: Grade II COUNTY: Columbus _ PERATOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE: Michael Prostinak GRADE: II PHONE: 910-646-3700 CERTIFIED LABORATORIES (1) Environment I Check box if ORC has changed [ ] Mail ORIGINAL and ONE COPY to: 1 ATTN: CENTRAL FILES X CZ -C-1.-�. ,.riieCs Date �/1�$-/ Div.Of Environmental Management (SIGNATURE AF OPERATOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE) DENR By this signature,I certify that this report Is accurate and P.O.Box 29535 complete to the best of my knowledge. Raleigh,NC 27626-0535 50050 00010 00040 00545 50060 00310 00610 00530 31616 00300 00600 00665 TGP3B THP3B 00630 Opr. _ _ 0 O Arrive Opr. Daily Rate 2 Res BODS Fecal m c^ O A Time Time ORC Flow TEMPpH 2 2 A T m m @20C NH3 N TSS Coliform o o Z E 2400 on ON 1]INF x >r C12 (Geometric D.O. Z s c Y rn T mE Clock Site SITE j]EFF in g Mean) m n ci o % m # I5 o- I- J- a_ 0 I-22 HRS HRS YIN MGD _DEG C UNIT mglL uglL mgIL mg/L mgIL #/100m1 mgIL mgIL mg/L PIF %CV mg/L 1 H 0 L 253,639 D A ', --:•-:',41V„i1.1.04'+ .` :,l ,V±. r' ;:i , ssa 1 2 9:00 8 Y 245,263 10.7 2 3 236,127 3 _ 4 247,141 4 5 9:00 8 ..Y. . - 343,113''" :,13..9-. -.. -; _ 5 6 9:00 8 Y 258,088 11.9 7.7 '44 18 10.8 6 7 9:00 8 Y '. 251,594 10-7 7.8 40 2 10.9 7 8 9:00 8 Y 242,531 7.4 8.0 23 3.9 0.31 4.9 1 12.1 14.69 12.84 .8 9 9:00 " 8 Y_,- 246,377 6.4 ' ' 1'E, g^: 10 243,062 10 11 232,203 12 9:00 8 Y 229,270 7.9 12 13 9:00 8 .Y_, _.575,629 11.0 7.6 - . 20 -, 4300 10.3,, .- 13 14 9:00 8 Y 425,072 9.9 7.7 11 530 11.0 14 15 9:00 8 Y1 364,425 9-2 77 13 4.7 1.02 4.8 150 11.3 15 16 9:00 8 Y 342,394 9.5 16 17 323,126 17' 18 295,301 18 19 H O ?IL" %391,241 ' D A'.. 'Y 1 '. 19 20 9:00 8 y 327,223 10.2 7.6 _ 26 < 1 12.4 20 21 9:00 8 Y __ '.294,601 10.3 ,7.5 ; 2.2 1 . .11.3 = . ,, 21 22 9:00 8 Y 275,728 10.3 7.7 18 3.0 0.28 4.5 1 11.3 22 23 9:00 8 Y 255,896 10.5 23 24 385,189 24 25 611,381 ,. 25 26 9:00 8 Y 422,661 10.5 26 27 9:00 8 Y 382,713 10.7 7.5: 34 39 ' ' 10.2` 27 28 9:00 8 Y 323,164 8.6 7.6 <10 1 12.7 28 29 9:00 • 8 :Y F. 292,301 7.5 7.4 <10 2.9 0.51 4.3 4., ,..,i,,_13.0 29 30 9:00 8 _ Y 287,223 8.6 30 31 262;755 . Average 318,272 9.8Mill 22 3.6 0.5 4.6. 11 11.4 - Maximum 611,381 13.9 8.0 44 4.7 1.0 4.9 4300 13.0 Minimum 229,270 7.4 7.4 10 2.9 0.3 4.3 1 10.2 Comp/Grab COMP ,GRAB GRAB GRAB 'COMP COMP COMP GRAB GRAB COPMF COMP COMP' COMP'COMP Facility Status:(Please check on of the following: All monitoring data and sampling frequencies meet permit requirements Compliant All monitoring data and sampling frequencies do NOT meet permit requirements Noncompliant If the facility is noncompliant,please comment on corrective actions being taken in respect to equipment,operation,maintenance,etc., and a time-table for improvements to be made. Fecal Coliform limits were exceeded during the second full week of the month. Heavy rain fall was at least partly the fault. We are also checking the storm drains to see if there is a partial obstruction, causing the surface water to get into the sanitary sewer. "I certify,under penalty of law,that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system;or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information,the information submitted is,to the best of my knowledge and belief;true,accurate,and complete.I am awarethat there are significant penalties for submitting false information,including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations." Harry Foley, Town Manager Permittee(Please print of type) -: �--it- /3-- Signature rSignature of Pernlittee*` - Date- (Required) Permittee Address Phone Number Permit Exp.Date P.O.Box 145 910-646-3700 Lake Waccamaw,NC 28450 PARAMETER CODES 00010 Temperature 00556 Oil&Grease 00951 Total Floride 01067 Nickel 50060 Total 00076 Turbidity - 00600 Total Nitrogen 01002 Total Arsenic 01077 Silver Residual 00080 Color(Pt-Co) 00610 Ammonia Nitrogen 01092 Zinc Chlorine 00082 Color(ADMI) 00625 Total Kjeldal 01027 Cadmium 01105 Aluminum Nitrogen 00095 Conductivity 00630 Nitrates/Nitrites 01032 Hexavalent Chromium 01147 Total Selenium 71880 Formaldehyde 00300 Dissolved Oxygen 01034 Chromium 31616 Fecal Coliform 71900 Mercury 00310 BOD,, 00665 Total Phosphorus 32730 Total Phenolics 81551 Xylene 00340 COD 00720 Cyanide 01037 Total Cobalt 34235 Benzene 00400 pH 00745 Total Sulfide 01042 Copper 34481 Toluene 00530 Total Suspended 00927 Total Magnesium 01045 Iron 38260 MBAS Residue 00929 Total Sodium 01051 Lead 39516 PCBs 00545 Settleable Matter 00940 Total Chloride 01062 Molybdenum 50050 Flow Parameter Code assistance may be obtained by calling the Point Source Compliance/Enforcement Unit at(919)733-5083 or by visiting the Water Quality Section's web site at h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wgs and linking to the Unit's information pages. Use only units designated in the reporting facility's permit for reporting data. *ORC must visit facility and document visitation of facility as required per 1SA ltICAC 8G.0204. **If signed by other than the permittee,delegation of signatory authority must be on file with the state per 15A NCAC 2b.0506(2)(D).