NC0071528_Response to NOV-2023-LV-0543_20230830

August 25, 2023
Mr. Andrew H. Pitner, P. G., Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
Subject: Notice of Violation and Intent to Assess Civil Penalty
Tracking Number: NOV-2023-LV-0543
Permit No. NC0071528
Lake Norman Woods WWTP
Catawba County
Mr. Pitner,
Thank you for allowing the Lake Norman Woods HOA the opportunity to respond to this Notice of Violation
dated August 15, 2023; received August 22, 2023. This response pertains to the (5) Ammonia Nitrogen daily
maximum exceedances, and (1) subsequent NH3N monthly average exceedance events that occurred during the
June 2023 monitoring period.
The NH3N exceedances were caused by various complications with WWTP's air system that have adversely
affected the plant's operations at the time that these violations occurred. Reconstruction of the air head at the
WWTP are scheduled to begin at any time during late -September to mid -October 2023. Gopher Utilities modified
the pulley ratio on the blowers during the week of 8/21 — 8/25 in order to support air addition at the plant until the
permanent repairs are completed in October. We are observing the performance of the blowers to see if this
change helps. In addition, we have started up the second blower per Mr. Wes Bell's suggestion following his visit
on 8/16/2023, which has improved plant conditions. Operators have been brushing down the walls of the aeration
basin, as well as agitating the bottom of the basin to bring settled solids from the anoxic zone back up to the
aeration basin for treatment.
Construction Schedule and Total Cost of Travel, Labor, and Materials for Replacement of the Air Header at the
Lake Norman Woods WWTP:
• Replace air head on WWTP including new stainless steel diffuser drops - $20,749.10
• Replace existing return piping with new schedule 80 PVC to head of plant - $2,675.00
• Change drops from galvanized to stainless steel - $1,129.39
TOTAL: $24,553.49
As a small community association, it is very expensive for us to make such repairs. We believe that the Lake
Norman Woods HOA and WWTP operational staff have responded to these issues to the best of our ability and in
good faith. We are confident that upon completion of the reconstruction efforts that effluent quality will be greatly
improved. It is always our goal to remain in compliance with regulations set forth by the North Carolina Division
of Water Resources. In the event of considering financial enforcement, we request that the Division take this
factor into account when proceeding with enforcement.
Sincerely,
Dale Norman

Lake Norman Woods HOA
CC:
Todd Robinson, Envirolink, Inc.
Josh Powers, Envirolink, Inc.