NC0036196_Remission (Request)_20240429

RECEIVED
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P.O. Box 550* Newton, N.C. 28658*[phone]
Andrew H. Pitner, P.G., 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
For Violations of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1(a)(6)
And NPDES WW Permit N. NC0036196
City of Newton
Clark Creek WWTP
Case No. LV-2024-0097
Catawba County
Dear Mr. Pitner:
This letter is in response to the January 2024 Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) and the violations for
Total Aluminum - Daily and Monthly limits. This was a parameter that was added as part of our permit
renewal, we filed a request to not have this on the permit as we hadn't had a test result that was near
our limit. It was added because of reasonable potential. With us having both a Daily Maximum and a
Monthly Maximum limit we are always going to have 2 violations if we are out on our daily. We fill that
this is not fair in our testing. We also sample this for our monthly, permit required nutrient testing. It
has never been this high during those events.
We also think that no fine should be accessed because this is the first time that we have ever had a
number this high. We also think that since we self -reported a possible violation that the fine should be
waived.
We do our industrial testing as per the permits - State and Local. This result came when we weren't
testing any of our industries. This is a large number that we have never seen either. So, finding out
which industry dumped or what may have come in by the collections system will be impossible to find.

Sincer ,
Eric Jones
Superinten ent
City of Newton, Clark Creek WWTP

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Certified Mail # 7022 0410 0000 7789 6708
Return Receipt Requested
James Wentz, Director Public Works
City of Newton
PO Box 550
Newton, NC 286584321
STATE y
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awn+
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
April 19, 2024
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 WW Permit No. NCO036196
City of Newton
Clark Creek WWTP
Case No. LV-2024-0097
Catawba County
Dear Mr. Wentz:
This letter transmits a Notice of Violation and assessment of civil penalty in the amount of $3,772.13 ($3,570.00 civil
penalty + $202.13 enforcement costs) against City of Newton.
This assessment is based upon the following facts: a review has been conducted of the Discharge Monitoring Report
(DMR) submitted by City of Newton for the month of January 2024. This review has shown the subject facility to be in
violation of the discharge limitations and/or monitoring requirements found in NPDES WW Permit No. NC0036196. The
violations, which occurred in January 2024, are summarized in Attachment A to this letter.
Based upon the above facts, I conclude as a matter of law that City of Newton violated the terms, conditions or
requirements of NPDES WW Permit No. NCO036196 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).
D � North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Mooresville Regional Office 1 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 1 Mooresville, North Carolina 28115
�°n'r 704.663.16"

Based upon the above findings of fact and conclusions of law, and in accordance with authority provided by the
Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality and the Director of the Division of Water Resources, I, Andrew
H. Pitner, Regional Supervisor, Mooresville Regional Office hereby make the following civil penalty assessment against City
of Newton:.
510.00 1 of 1 violations of G.S. 143-215. 1 (a)(6) and Permit No. NC0036196, by discharging waste water
into the waters of the State in violation of the Permit Daily Maximum for Aluminum, Total (as All
$3,060.00 1 of 1 violations of G.S. 143-215.1(a)(6) and Permit No. NC0036196, by discharging waste water
into the waters of the State in violation of the Permit Monthly Average for Aluminum, Total (as Al)
3 570.00 TOTAL CIVIL PENALTY
202.13 Enforcement Costs
3 772.13 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. I (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 Environmental Quality (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:
Wastewater Branch
Division of Water Resources
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617

JUSTIFICATION FOR REMISSION REQUEST
Case Number: LV-2024-0097 County: Catawba
Assessed Party: City of Newton
Permit No.: NC0036196 Amount Assessed: $3,772.13
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 maybe 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. 14313-282.1(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);
y (c) the violation was inadvertent or a result of an accident (i.e., explain why the violation was unavoidable or
C� 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:
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
COUNTY OF CATAWBA
IN THE MATTER OF ASSESSMENT ) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO AN
OF CIVIL PENALTIES AGAINST ) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING AND
STIPULATION OF FACTS
City of Newton )
Clark Creek WWTP )
PERMIT NO. NCO036196 ) CASE NO. LV-2024-0097
Having been assessed civil penalties totaling $3,772.13 for violation(s) as set forth in the assessment document of the
Division of Water Resources dated April 19, 2024, 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 520
SIGNATURE
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE

ATTACHMENT A
City of Newton
CASE NUMBER: LV-2024-0097
PERMIT: NCO036196
FACILITY: Clark Creek WWTP
LIMIT VIOLATION(S)
SAMPLE LOCATION: Outfall 001 - Effluent
REGION: Mooresville
COUNTY: Catawba
Violation Report Unit of Limit Calculated % Over Violation Penalty
Date Month/Yr Parameter Frequency Measure Value Value Limit Type Amount
1/10/2024 1-2024 Aluminum, Total (as Al) Monthly ug/I 154.30 1,140 638.8 Daily $510.00
Maximum
Exceeded
1/31/2024 1-2024 Aluminum, Total (as Al) Monthly ug/I 154.30 1,140 638.8 Monthly $3,060.00
Average
Exceeded

DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES - CIVIL PENALTY ASSESSMENT
Violator: City of Newton
Facility Name: Clark Creek WWTP
Permit Number: NC0036196
County: Catawba
Case Number: LV-2024-0097
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;
The facility's IWC was 0.44%; therefore, an additional factor was applied to both base penalties. The discharge of effluent
in excess of permit limits has the potential to adversely impact natural resources, public health and private property.
2) The duration and gravity of the violation;
Additional factor s were applied to both base penalties due to their percentages ovjr the permit limit as documented in
Attachment A.
3) The effect on ground or surface water quantity or quality or on air quality;
No additional factors were applied to the base penalties due to the receiving stream being classified as a C waterbody. No
effects were documented; however, the discharge of effluent in excess of permit limits has the potential to adversely impact
surface water quality.
4) The cost of rectifying the damage;
No damage has been documented and no associated costs have been documented.
5) The amount of money saved by noncompliance;
Unknown.
6) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally;
Not suspected to be willful or intentional.
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
No prior enforcements in previous 12-month period.
8) The cost to .he State of the enforcement procedures.
$202.13
�Nuft
DocuSigned by,
4/19/2024 I ^ � H
F161 F869A2D84A3...
Date Andrew H. Pitner, P.G., Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

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 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:
Wastewater Branch
Division of Water Resources
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617

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 am. 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:
6714 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 6714
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
One (1) copy of the petition must also be served on DEQ as follows:
Mr. William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
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.
If you have any questions, please contact Wes Bell with the Division of Water Resources staff of the Mooresville Regional
Office at [phone] or via email at wes.belladeq.nc.gov.
Sincerely,
oowspnaa by:
C.4�Hp
F161FB69A2D84A3...
Andrew H. Pitner, P.G., Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Mooresville Regional Office
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ
ATTACHMENTS
Cc: WQS Mooresville Regional Office - Enforcement File (Laserfiche)
NPDES Compliance/Enforcement Unit - Enforcement File (Laserfiche)