NC0021253_Response to Notice_NOV-2024-DV-0043_20240129

PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PO BOX 368,104 OUTER BANKS DRIVE
HAVELOCK, NC 28532
252-444-6409
www.HavelockNC.US
January 29, 2024
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Attn: Mr. Robert Tankard
943 Washington Square Mall
Washington, NC 27889
Subject: Response to Certified Mail #: 7022 1670 0000 9974 8532
Notice of Vlolation/ Notice of Intent for to Issue Civil Penalty
Case No. NOV-202W-DV-0043
Sanitary Sewer Overflows —January 14 and 15, 2024
City of Havelock Collections System Permit No: NCG021253
Craven County
Dear Robert:
RECEIVED/NCDENR/DWR
JAN 3'1 2024
Water Quality
Regional Operaflons Section
Washington Regional Office
Regarding the SSO at the City of Havelock's Wastewater Treatment Plant on January 14-15 2024, the City has
determined that an underground pipe failed at the plant which returned unprocessed wastewater from First State
Aeration Basin #2 to a manhole which then fed back to Influent Pump Station #1. This was part of an original
process and is obsolete in terms of our current operation. During the course of Sundays work, staff and I
considered the source first to be the new force main from the Influent Pump Station. We shut down that part of
the system, Including plugging pipe that fed the Splitter Tower to avoid siphoning backflow. Unfortunately, the
spill continued. We then arranged sandbags and gravel to form a barrier to allow the spill to flow into the open
manhole, thus minimizing the amount of wastewater to flow elsewhere. The area around the spill was excavated
and the flow appeared to be coming from the old pipe. Upon reviewing drawings, we discovered the pipe to be
connected to the effluent line that ran from the first stage to the second stage. We discovered a valve at that
connection which we then closed and stopped the spill. This valve will remain closed and the pipe will either be
repaired or that part of the system preferably effectively abandoned.
Initial observations suggested that the spill only reached the edge of the woods beyond the fence. Upon further
Inspection however, we found sludge had filled a drainage swale and some areas of marsh that reached the east
prong of Slocum Creek. Members of DEQ were present to provide oversight and advice on further cleanup
procedures and scope. The City contracted with an environmental abatement firm which, since January 20tn
pumped the preponderance of the sludge and settled waste back to the head of the plant for processing and also
raked, shoveled and bagged material from the woods which are being deposited at the plant's drying bed. This
matter will drain out to a pump that feeds Into our processing system and the dried vegetation etc. will be hauled
out in accordance to our normal waste removal procedures.
At this time the affected area Is well restored Including removal of a large pile of effluent that settled at the mouth
of the drainage Swale. Sampling in 3 locations (at the site and upstream and downstream) started on Wednesday,
Page 1 of 2

January 181h and will continue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until directed otherwise by DEQ to ensure
proper monitoring of the condition of the creek.
In addition to the line repair, the City will undertake a study of the plant to ensure any areas of potential failure or
obsolete functions are addressed and eliminated. We are also initiating a plan for a possible low berm, or dike,
around 3 sides of the plant that would prohibit any future spills from reaching surface waters. This design would
Include the ability to relieve stormwater build up as well as float warning system with a pump to remove any
buildup of wastewater should a spill occur.
The City of Havelock Is committed to maintaining not only compliance with State regulations but to the
improvement of the environment and the safety of all who access the local waters. We appreciate the State's
consideration in our efforts and along with the partnership with DEQ. Please feel free to call with any further
questions and I appreciate your understanding regarding this matter. We ask that you consider imposing no, or at
least a minimal, civil penalty in this case as the causes were less a result of negligence on the part of the City and
more a result of unfortunate mechanical failures. The City, its staff and contractor responded quickly and have
performed diligently and effectively to restore the safe and clean condition of the surrounding area. We continue
to monitor the site to ensure no additional SSO events occur within our control.
Regards,
Rick Day
City of Havelock Public Services Department
Public Utilities Director
104 Outer Banks Drive
Havelock, NC 28532
252.463.7130
Enclosure: NCDEQ Notice of Violation & Intent to Assess Civil Penalty Letter —January 26, 2024
Page 2 of 2

DocuSlgn Envelope ID: 76DE3EM A510-4489-811B4LAF2EC250EFB
cov�YCOOPER
cn
fT-
1
f
EUZABM S. BISER
Secretary
..«..r...^'
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
NORTH CAROLINA
Wrccror
Environmental Quality
Certified Mail # 7022 1670 0000 9974 8532
Return Receipt Requested
January 26, 2024
Will Lewis, Mayor
City of Havelock
1 Governmental Ave
Havelock, NC 28532
SUBJECT: NOTICE NOTICE OF VIOLATION & INTENT TO ASSESS CIVIL PENALTY
NOV-2024-DV-0043
Permit No. NCO021253
Havelock WWTP
Craven County
Dear Permittee:
J AN 2 9 M4
.-,..��_..,.'f.�,.�...
On January 13, 2024, around 4:45 pm an underground pipe that connected the first stage aeration basin to the
influent pump station started leaking. The leak was stopped around 1:00 pm on January 14, 2024 while plant
personnel was completing a site visit. Approximately 500,000 gallons of wastewater was released and it is estimated
that 200,000 gallons reached the adjacent wetlands and the East Prong of Slocum Creek. The bypass is an
unpermitted discharge and is a violation of North Carolina General Statues 143.215.1.
143-215.1. Control of sources of water pollution; permits required.
(a) Activities for Which Permits Required. - Except as provided in subsection (a6) of this section, no person
shall do any of the following things or carry out any of the following activities unless that person has
received a permit from the Commission and has complied with all conditions set forth in the permit:
(1) Make any outlets Into the waters of the State
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 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 5 day report. 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.
Wtl. GrivOr��ntdf...tvweVl O+�r � G.f�,dW.,lriw�r.�
aww.i

DocuSlgn Envelope ID: 76DE3E6D-A510-4489-B11 B-BAE2EC250EFB
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.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact Robbie Bullock of the Washington Regional Office
at 252-946-6481.
cc: Laserfiche
Sincerely,
ousbned by:
"
274eace1EE1aaBA—
David May, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Washington Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
W.d+Cwn�•Aor+out. Mlvtah.ytalq.... Hil lvW�gp�x NuMf.u�dru mM+
.M*4